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1227 Words
MICHAEL
F or as long as I can remember, the only thing I’ve ever cared about is my family—making them proud, making sure they can live the best lives possible.
I assumed the role of a caretaker from a young age. It wasn’t like it was thrust on me; I took it on willingly. I saw what my dad did for my mom, for his sister, for us, and I decided I wanted to be just like him. Sacrificing selflessly, working hard to be a man. A successful, well-respected, good man.
I’ve managed to achieve only one of those. I’m successful, there’s no denying that. But respect is hard to gain, and most people don’t really think of me as a good person. I’ve never let that bother me, though. Put on a cool, uncaring façade, and you’re suddenly untouchable to the world. They can’t prick you with thorns if you’re wearing armor.
“Mr. Crane, are you with us?” one of the members of the board of directors questions.
His black suit has been tailored to perfection on his pudgy body. The thick black mustache over his mouth does nothing to hide the menace I can see on his face. He’s a shark; we all are. I give him a cold smirk.
“Of course.”
There are fifteen of them. They all came together to build this company with my dad as the head. They invested, they plotted, and they worked hard to get Crane Industries where it is today. There is no Crane Industries without any of them. And they’re damn proud of that fact.
It never ceases to amaze me how easily they forget how capable I am. I’m the boss, chief executive officer. That’s never going to change.
“Right. You can continue,” I say to the director of marketing.
The meeting continues and I try my best to ignore their disapproving smiles and their snide, sneaky remarks. It’s been six years and they still don’t respect me like they respected my dad.
I’ll never be him, and now, he’s not even here as my support system. And that knowledge will always haunt me.
“I need those files on my desk in ten minutes,” I say to my secretary as I pass by his desk.
He nods and his eyes follow me all the way into my office. Once inside, I collapse into my chair and groan. I’m exhausted. I haven’t been home in two days and I haven’t eaten in twelve hours. But I’m on the verge of a breakthrough, and that’s honestly all that matters.
We’re this close to winning a major contract—distractions are the last thing I need. I’m forced to hold that thought, however, when my phone rings. I inwardly sigh before picking it up.
“Hello, distraction.”
“What do you mean by distraction?” my mom questions, confused. “Nothing. How’s your day going?” I quickly ask.
“Fine. I went shopping with Mellissa.” “Where?”
“Vegas. We had a wonderful time. I got some amazing wedding supplies,” she replies.
It never ceases to amaze me how my mom can talk about taking a private jet and zooming off to another state like it’s nothing. My family’s wealthy, of course, but it’s something that’s never at the forefront of my mind. Probably because I work too hard and have zero time to enjoy the wealth I’m amassing for us. My mother’s always telling me that I work my ass off only to not have the time to really enjoy life. It was hard before, now I really feel the weight of it all on my shoulders. The last thing on my mind is enjoying life when everything can shatter if I’m not focused.
“I’m sure you did,” I tell her. “Listen, Mom, I got to go. I’ve got a lot of work to do.” “All you ever do is work. Have you even had anything to eat today?”
I briefly consider lying. Problem is, it’s not really in my nature. “I had a donut around seven a.m.,” I inform her.
She gasps.
“That’s sacrilegious.”
I smile. “Don’t be so dramatic, Mother.”
“It’s a good thing you’re coming home in two weeks. I need to get you well-fed. Maybe even find you a wife while I’m at it.”
“Woah, woah, woah, I agreed to come home as long as you didn’t try any matchmaking ploys.” “Oh, I said that? That’s too bad. Fine, I won’t try any matchmaking ploys,” she promises. “You also can’t get Mellissa to do it in your stead,” I say drily.
“Chicken nugget,” she grumbles.
I chuckle. My mom doesn’t like to swear outright, and you can get in a lot of trouble if you swear in front of her. I thought words like “chicken nugget” and “pizza sauce” were normal swear words for most of my childhood. Middle school was interesting, to say the least.
“I’ll talk to you later, okay?” I ask, ready to hang up. “Wait, I haven’t even told you the best part yet,” she states.
I wait five seconds for her to speak until it’s clear that she wants to drag it out for suspense. “Come on, Mom, spit it out,” I say impatiently.
“Okay, okay. Christine’s back in town!” she exclaims. “I’m sorry, who?” I ask in shock.
“You know, Chrissy? Your brother’s ex-girlfriend, Chrissy.”
“I remember her,” I mutter. “What’s she doing in Arcola? I thought she went to LA to become some big-shot lawyer.”
Funny she’s coming back right around the time my brother has decided to start a new chapter with
another woman. I’m not a big believer in coincidence. And I really don’t trust Christine. I swear to God, if she’s trying to manipulate Matthew… She was always really good at sinking her claws into him.
And me too.
I clench my teeth to force out the memory. It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.
“I’m not sure about the details. I ran into her mom at the store the other day and she told me she was back. Apparently, she’s moving back to town. I haven’t seen her, though. Isn’t this amazing? All my babies are coming back.”
“I’m not coming back,” I dispute.
“Of course you are. You’re spending your two-month vacation back home after the wedding.” “One month. And it will be a short one-week trip for the wedding instead of a vacation, if this
deal doesn’t go through.”
“Of course it will. You’re the best, sugar. Also, you’re spending two months at home, and I will hear no arguments.”
I decide to keep quiet and roll with it. “Alright, alright. Can I hang up now?”
“After you’ve picked up the phone and asked your secretary to order you some food,” she states. I groan before hurriedly doing as she asked.
“There, happy?” “Very. Bye, my love.”
“Bye, Mom,” I say before hanging up.
- Writer
