Page 32 of The CEO's Sweetheart Deal
As I start the engine, I make a promise to myself: I'll look at Fresh Bites' offer. I'll consider it seriously. Because that's what a smart, self-respecting businesswoman would do.
And if a small voice inside me hopes that Oscar will give me a reason to stay?
Well, I'll just have to ignore that voice. For my own protection.
For my own heart.
CHAPTER 13
OSCAR
"You're looking thin, Oscar. Are you eating enough?" My mother's concerned face fills half the screen, her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose as she leans closer to the camera.
"I'm eating fine, Mom," I assure her, adjusting my own screen so they can see me better. "Thank you, but you worry too much.”
My father's face appears next to my mother's as he squeezes into frame. "What your mother means is that you're working too hard. When are you coming to visit? The guest room's been ready for weeks."
The familiar guilt tugs at me. It's been over two months since I've seen them, despite the fact that they only live an hour outside of Seattle in the house I bought them five years ago. A modest but comfortable place that my father had initially resisted — "We don't need charity from our son" — until I convinced him it wasn't charity but an investment in my peace of mind.
"Soon," I promise, meaning it this time. "Things are just hectic with the new acquisition. Once everything settles down, I'll take a weekend off."
"The organic food company?" my father asks, his interest piqued. He's always followed my business ventures closely, proud in a way he rarely verbalizes but I can always see in his eyes.
"Rooted Pantry, yes," I confirm, glancing at the unread emails filling up my inbox. "It's a national line of organic frozen foods."
"And how's that going?" my mother asks. "Are the employees adjusting to having a new boss?"
"It's… a process," I say carefully. "Actually, you might be interested to know I'm working with Alice Mackie again. She's the COO."
My mother gasps, her hand flying to her heart. "Alice? Your Alice from college? Oh, that's wonderful!"
"She's notmyAlice, Mom," I correct her quickly, though something inside me wishes otherwise. "But yes, the same Alice."
"How is she?" my father asks, grinning broadly. "Still stubborn as a mule and twice as smart?"
I have to smile at his accurate description. "Some things never change."
My parents had adored Alice from the moment I brought her home freshman year of college. She was my lab partner first, then my friend, and eventually my best friend, the person I spent most of my time with.
"You need to bring her for dinner!" my mother exclaims. "I always thought you two would end up together, you know. The way you looked at that girl…"
"Mom," I interject, feeling the heat rise to my face. "It's not like that. We're just colleagues now. It’s… complicated."
My father's expression softens, seeing through my deflection as he always does. "Complicated how?"
I hesitate, not wanting to disappoint them with the reality that Alice can barely stand to be in the same room as me. That I destroyed whatever chance we might have had all those years ago.
"Just the usual workplace dynamics," I say evasively. "Anyway, I should go. It was good to talk to you."
"Don't work too hard," my mother admonishes. "And call more often. We miss you."
"Miss you too," I say, and I mean it. Despite the success, the money, the empire I've built, family has always been my center of gravity. "Love you both. I'll come visit soon, I promise."
After ending the call, I stare at my reflection in the darkened screen. My parents have always seen the best in me — the idealistic kid who wanted to make a difference, not just a fortune. Sometimes I wonder if that version of me still exists somewhere beneath the billionaire exterior I've cultivated.
A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts.
"Come in," I call, straightening my tie and pushing aside the moment of vulnerability.
