Page 104 of Lochlan

“You're excellent at sales and marketing, and you should manage that portion of the company for us. I think it will be the best use of your talents. I want to elevate Lochlan to the CEO position. His management of MacTavish Cellars and the new Catriona project demonstrates forward thinking. We are a family business; we must do what we can to grow the business for the next generation.”

Granda lets the silence grow a bit before he continues. He waves his hand at me to begin my plea.

Fiona and I have worked on this idea for weeks since I first brought it up. There were some parts of our relationship that were supportive that seemed to surface when she saw there was no need to scheme. We work well together, and I admit it's been enjoyable. I can say she truly has a brilliant mind.

“I'll speak for both of us,” I say. “I've been in America nearly four years building a wine business. Living far away from my home and family was difficult, but I grew to enjoy the work and the people. The venture grew into businesses that I'm proud to manage. I want to continue to manage the winery and Catriona for MacTavish Distilleries alone. I don't want the CEO position—”

“You'd make a mess of it anyway,” Harris mutters.

“Lochlan didn't interrupt you during your statement. Please give him the same courtesy,” Granda says with an underlined warning.

Harris stares ahead, like a child who's been reprimanded.

Fiona touches my hand as encouragement to continue. “I don't need Fiona to assist me with running the California interest. I suggest she returned to Edinburgh and take the CEO position.”

Harris whirls around in his seat, eyes blazing. It's clear Granda didn't tell him of my proposal.

“Why would we give her the CEO position? There's never been a woman in executive management for the company. She'd make a bigger mess of it than you would.”

Fiona stares him down and is about to answer when I place a hand on her shoulder to let me respond.

“Unlike you, brother, she's taken an active interest in the company, has the qualifications from university, and has worked for years with Granda in every division of the company. She's the most likely choice.”

Granda turns his attention to Fiona. “Will you speak, or will Lochlan do all the talking for you?”

“I will not plead my case. The work I've done for this company tells you what I'm capable of.”

Harris' red face blusters on. “Fiona can't be the CEO. She's not a male. Only a MacTavish has led this company. She could have fulfilled one requirement if Lochlan hadn't run away like a coward from his wedding.”

I push away from the chair, legs scraping against wood, fists clinched in a tight ball.

Harris rises as well, chin jutted out, us staring at each other like two boxers in a ring.

“Sit down, the both of you,” Granda says. “I'll not tolerate your antics. If you can't discuss your opinions without blows, then you need to leave now. And you, Harris, will be civil.”

We take our seats, but the air is rife with old anger ready to explode.

Granda lets out a weighty sigh. “I see. I need to decide. I've deliberated over this matter for some weeks. It's time for me to step aside for a new generation to manage the business. I'm unchanged in my thinking. Lochlan, you will come to Edinburgh to take over the CEO position. We will do this over a period of weeks and announce it to the media. Harris will take over sales and marketing, and Fiona will manage the California interest.”

“No,” I say. “I won't take the position.”

The withering look Granda shoots me is meant to keep me in line. “You will do what I say. This is not a request.”

The old fear of him or anyone in this room is gone. “I'm not giving my life to this company because you want to see a MacTavish at its head. I resign my position with MacTavish Distilleries as of this moment.”

“You're willing to leave your birthright? I'll cut you off; you won't be an heir.”

“I can survive without the insanity of this family. Geordie and I have bought a winery in Santa Barbara County. We'll move there and manage that business.”

Granda displays no surprise, but the threat of me being disowned is real. Harris is suppressing a grin. Without me, his fortunes have changed. He's now the only choice for CEO and he might get his wish of being the only heir to the MacTavish empire. Fiona gives no reaction, despite hearing about the purchase of my new business for the first time.

“You have a third choice, Granda,” I say. “You can sell the business and maintain an interest.”

“I won't have our family business gobbled up by a conglomerate that sells dog food.”

“As far as I can see, that's your only choice,” I say.

“What do you say, Fiona? Are you going with Lochlan to help him with his business?” Granda asks.

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