Page 35 of Lost Times

Father was a successful businessman so I’d value his opinion when it came to the company, but as a parent? No, I couldn’t let him tear me down. I would do better than both him and Mother combined.

I wouldn’t disappoint Jasmine or Thalia.

Throwing the doubts to the side, I left after one last cursory sweep to be sure I got everything I needed. The plain walls and bland furniture stared back at me, no knickknacks or souvenirs in sight. It was cold, and everyone who’d seen my house assumed I’d moved in recently.

I’d lived here for years and the longer time marched on, the more the house’s emptiness bothered me. Maybe I could ask Jasmine for some drawings to put on the fridge. I’d seen some of those at Thalia’s house, and they added life to her kitchen.

Shelving that to ask later, I shut and locked the door behind me.

Just as I got into the car, my phone lit up with Father’s number.

Sneaking a glance at the clock, I scowled. He never called this late…unless it was work-related. Biting back a groan, I answered, pulling on the stone-faced mask I’d grown accustomed to while dealing with him.

“Father.”

I didn’t say anything else, knowing he’d go on without prodding, and sure enough, he jumped right in.

“Ludwig, I sent over a new list of clients I found. I want them in the system with meetings set by tonight.”

My hand froze over the gear shift, disbelief hitting in a wave as I looked at the already darkening sky. “Tonight?” I asked, frustration burning to the surface.

He almost sounded smug when he spoke next. “Yes, that won’t be a problem, right? You’ve done it dozens of times in the past, and you said those two wouldn’t affect the company.”

Ice dropped down my spine and anger blitzed right behind it. He was doing this on purpose, trying to add more to my workload so I would buckle. He’d done it in the past as well when I’d first taken over the company.

I’d passed his awful tests and last minute workloads with flying colors so far, I would do the same now. I’d have to take my computer with me to Thalia’s but that was better than going to sleep in an empty bed.

Solidifying my determination, I answered. “They won’t, and I’ll have the clients’ information filed in a few hours.” Then, before he could say anything else that would doubtlessly light my blood on fire, I hung up. He’d probably have words with me over that later, but being the one to hang up onhimswept satisfaction through me.

It was well worth the lecture I’d get.

Getting out of the car, I moved back into the house and grabbed my computer bag. Usually it wasn’t used since the one at the office was more convenient, but this one was portable and met my needs now.

Putting it in the passenger seat, I started back toward Thalia’s apartment, trying to shake the sour mood Father’s call put me in. This wasn’t anything surprising. To be honest I probably should have expected it, but this was fine. I had something far better planned for my night and I wasn’t letting him ruin it.

Smiling, I pulled into the driveway and grabbed my things. I’d barely made it two steps up to the door before it swung open and Jasmine’s wide smile greeted me. Her hair was a mess from sleeping and she had her favorite stuffed animal clutched to her chest, both signs that she’d woken up recently.

When she saw me, she bounced on her toes. “You’re back! I thought you left and didn’t say goodbye.” Here she pouted, clearly unhappy with the thought.

Shutting the door behind me, I knelt to be at her level. “If it bothers you, then I can be sure to say goodbye each time before I leave?”

She beamed. “Thank you” Then she looked at my pajamas, hope lighting her eyes. “Are you staying the night?” She asked and I nodded, wholly unprepared for when she threw her arms around my neck in response.

This was yet another thing I’d have to adjust to, sudden hugs. My parents had never been ones for hugging, sudden or otherwise, but I distinctly remembered the disappointment and hurt when they turned away.

I wouldn’t do that to Jasmine.

Tucking her in tight, I squeezed until she wiggled to be released. Her smile was firmly in place as she skipped off to the living room, calling as she did.

“Mom, Ludwig is back, and he’s staying the night!”

Excitement all but oozed from her voice and I rose, smiling at her back. Had anyone ever been so happy to see me?

I doubted it.

From further down the hall, a door opened and out walked Thalia. She’d pulled on a set of silk pajamas and the shorts–while not indecent–were distracting.

Long, toned legs caught and held my attention, memories of them wrapped around my waist and head sending twinges of heat southward. Dragging my eyes up to hers, I caught the knowing look she sent me and smiled, shrugging.

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