Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 4 Work and Stability

Chapter 4 Work and stability

It has been a year since the Rio trip. I dove back into work, working my way up the ranks. With the rate I am going I can take over in about a year. My friends and I remain single and continue to steal the spotlight as the most eligible wealthy bachelorettes. We got invited to many exclusive charity galas. My parents were more than thrilled that I was becoming the socialite I was meant to be. Honestly I am sure they are eager to have me married to another tycoon heir. Sometimes I wish that my status didn’t affect who I should marry. Love is love and it takes time and patience. I never want to rush into anything. Jake was my only boyfriend and even that relationship taught me that men can turn in the hat of a dime. 

Justin and Kent kept in touch. I have seen them at a few galas in Dallas, San Diego, New York and Los Angeles. As always they insist we dance and stay together, but I refuse and ask for more time. I am too invested in the company. I want to land that CEO position before I settle down and start a family. My friends' businesses were soaring and my stock dealings threw the roof. I am sure that once my father catches wind that those two are interested in me he would start bidding for my hand. I can see the temptation my father would have to merge our two companies through marriage. I can not see myself bound to a person for the sole purpose of making our legacy bigger. 

Now I am in my office going over the latest report when my father barges in. “Hello my sweet daughter. How are the reports looking?” I looked up at him from the recent file I was reading questioning his presence. He would normally call me up to his office if it was business related. And he is only sweet to me when he wants something. 

“Hello daddy, what can I do for you? The reports should have been on your desk too so I know this is not a business meeting.” I said putting my file down and crossing my arms over my chest leaning back on my chair. He sighed and scratched the back of his neck. He only did that when he was nervous. I wonder what’s going on in his mind. 

“Sweetie, your mother and I want you over to our house for dinner tomorrow night. We have big news for you and the company.” He said and I smiled and nodded. 

“Ok dad. I’ll be there. Are you sure you are ok? You seem nervous.” I said, lifting an eyebrow. 

“Can’t get past you. You will know soon enough.” He came and leaned over to give me a kiss on my forehead. “Love you baby girl.” “Love you too daddy.” 

The rest of the day was miserable. It was hard to focus on my work. I kept thinking about what my parents wanted. We had our bi-weekly dinners just to stay connected as a family, but our next one wasn’t until next Friday. 

Finally I arrived at the house I grew up in. It was a big mansion with a full staff. It was more like a museum than a home. I was mostly raised by the nannies and staff. They were like a family to me. I head in and immediately get a smile from the staff.  

“Your parents are waiting for you in the dining room.” one of them says and I thank them before making my way.

In the dining room I saw my father and mother seated already. I take my seat to dads left and formally greet my parents. We were served our first course. 

“So darling, how was the Harrington charity gala? I heard that you were close with that Adams boy?” Mother had to ask. It took a lot to not roll my eyes at her. 

“It was nice, and Justin Adams is just a mutual acquaintance. I managed to come into contact with the dubi group, our future project might be in the bag sooner than later.” I said transitioning easily from my relationship status to business. I hope that dad had something to say to that. Keep mom from talking anymore. 

“That is nice, baby girl. Now I want you to go to Dublin. There is a special project for you waiting there.” He said and I almost choked on my food. 

“Pardon me father, but what business do we have in Dublin?” I was very confused. I was thinking about all the projects we had in the works and nothing to my knowledge was in Dublin. 

“My old friend’s business is struggling and I am looking to either help him out or buy it from him. I have some of my people looking into it for now. But you are my best and future of this company. I need you on top of this at the end of the year.” He said and our second course was served. 

“Ok father. Have the reports on my desk and I will happily help.” I said, taking a bite from my plate. Beef wellington was my favorite and the staff knew it. 

“Darling, I am worried about you.” Mother began and I scrunch my nose not happy that we are going back to that topic. 

“Mother, I am fine. Better even. When I feel like I am ready I will let you know. Can we please stop it with the relationship talk please.” I said as composed as possible. I was not one to disrespect my parents over such a trivial topic. 

“I understand but we want grandkids. The sooner the better.” She said and I just nodded. 

“Let me find the right guy first and then we can talk about those grandkids.” I said. 

“Baby girl, I hate to agree with your mother. You have been single for more than a year with no prospects beyond the gossip with that Adams boy, or that Kent Jones. Those two are great suitors. Surely giving one of them a chance could be advantageous for us.” Dad said and I knew he would go there. 

“Daddy, I am a grown woman and can make my own choices. I have befriended them but there is no guarantee that I will suddenly become attracted to one. And I refuse to date them for business.” I said. 

“Maybe you should introduce her to your friend's son. I really liked him when we went to visit.” Mother chimed in. 

“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I will call and schedule something out, thanks dear.” Father leaned over and gave mother a kiss. They may have been distant parents, but they were the cutest couple. They are still so in love with each other that at times it seems like they were in their dating phase again. 

“Is this why you asked me to dinner? So I should start looking for a man. You both are hopeless.” I said. 

“We care sweetie. You are our only child and we just want to see you happy and taken care of.” He said with a hint of sadness. 

“Father, I am more than able to take care of myself. But I will try harder for a relationship if you are that concerned with my well being.” I said. I did not want to argue with them. It will happen when it happens and that's it. 

“You know that the annual Winter’s Gala is coming soon. We should go shopping for the perfect dress. Very eye-catching.” Mother said and I cringed. Knowing her she would put me in the sluttiest dress that would definitely attract the wrong attention. 

“It’s ok mom, I got my dress already. I didn’t forget.” I said. Hopefully she buys my excuse. 

“Well, I just hope it's attractive enough to gain some male companionship.” She snickered. 

After Dinner I bid my parents goodnight and headed back to my condo. As I was getting ready for bed I texted Katie and Angie to go shopping with me for the gala. I needed to be prepared because I know my mom is going to use this gala as an excuse to throw me into a sea of eligible bachelors hoping one would swoon me.