“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Cassandra. He’s really upset.”
“That’s exactly why I need to see him. This is all one big misunderstanding. I have to explain it to him and make him understand that I didn’t ask them to come here. They just showed up. I swear it. Please. Send the jet. Buy a ticket. Get me a train. Just get me back to New York. Today. Please.”
“Okay, Cassandra. I’ll book you a flight out of Milwaukee and have the car service pick you up at JFK.” I heard the reluctant tones in her voice, but if I was going to fix things with my grandpa, I was going to do it face to face. Like a woman capable of running a billion-dollar corporation would do.
“Thank you, Eleanor. Thank you so much. Just text me the details and I’ll see you soon.”
We hung up while I drove down my driveway and onto the road. When I saw Jake’s driveway, I turned in. I was going to make things better one person at a time. But when I pulled up, no truck sat in the driveway.
I put my car in park and reached into my purse, pulling out my little notepad. If Jake wouldn’t take my calls, maybe he would read a letter. After scribbling down my apology and begging him to call me and let me explain, I folded it up and walked up his front steps. With a deep breath, I shoved it underneath the door. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
Swallowing the lump in my throat while I refused to cry, I pulled back out. When I passed the marina, his truck wasn’t there either. Though I was desperate to see him, I didn’t have time to wait. Stopping my grandpa from selling his company was my priority today and getting Jake to forgive me would have to be next.
Hoping I was making the right decision, I guided my car through Baileys Harbor. Just a month ago this had all looked so foreign to me, so frightening. A new world so different from my own. But now it looked like home. All the quaint stores lining the roads. The sweeping views of the water that caught my eye when I drove by. The Blue Ox towered over me while I drove past, and I remembered how odd I’d thought it looked in this small town. Now it was one of my favorite places and one I hoped I could come back to soon.
Forcing my foot to stay on the gas, I drove out of town toward Milwaukee to catch my flight. It was my last chance to prove to my grandpa that I really had changed.
My limo pulled up to our apartments. The driver opened the door, and I stepped out. Taking a deep breath, I held Poppy close while I straightened my back like a rigid rod. If I was going to show Grandpa I was capable of handling this company, I needed to do it like a businesswoman... not a blubbering granddaughter begging for forgiveness.
“I’ll send your bags up,” the driver said while he dipped his head and stepped out of my way.
“Thank you,” I answered and started toward the steps to our building.
“Miss Cassandra! Welcome back!” Archie said as he swept open the door.
“It’s great to see you, Archie.” I paused to kiss him on the cheek. He dropped his eyes to the ground, concealing his shy smile.
“Is Grandpa here?”
“He is. Do you need an escort up?”
“No, thank you. I can do this on my own.” With a deep breath I went to the elevator and pressed the button. I was on my own now, and I didn’t need Archie holding my hand.
After the ride to the top, I stepped out and paused at the sight of my old surroundings. It was a drastic change from the little cabin I’d come to love so much. This used to feel like home to me, but now I felt like a visitor in my old life. Now my cabin felt like home. Door County felt like home. Jake... Jake felt like home.
Forcing his memory from my mind, I focused on one problem at a time. Right now it was my grandpa. With a stilling breath I started down the hall.
“Cassandra? You made it!” Eleanor said, stepping out of the sitting room.
“Eleanor!” I pulled her in for a hug, squishing Poppy between us. “I missed you!”
“We missed you, too.”
“I didn’t do what he thinks I did, Eleanor. I swear. I was so happy up there.”
“I believe you, Cassandra.” She squeezed me tighter. “I can already tell that you’ve changed.”
“I have changed, Eleanor. So much. But Grandpa doesn’t believe me. I really need to see him. Is he in his office?”
Nodding, she gestured to his office door.
“Does he know I’m coming?”
She shook her head.
“Thank you for getting me home. Can you watch Poppy while I talk to him?”
With a nod, she took the sleepy bundle from my arms and held her tight. “Good luck.”
The soft warning in her eyes didn’t deter me. Heaving another breath, I marched down the hallway and knocked.
“Enter!” he called.
Pushing open the door, I peeked inside. His head was down, staring at paperwork.
“Grandpa, it’s me.”
Slowly, his gaze rose until it settled on me. It wasn’t my sweet Grandpa staring back at me. It was the powerful man who single-handedly created a billion-dollar company. A man who commanded respect in any room he entered. It was the look I was certain his adversaries had been on the receiving end of more times than not. This time, it was directed at me.
“Cassandra. I’m surprised to see you here.” He steepled his fingers while he leaned forward on his desk.
“The conversation we need to have is better face to face.”
“Is that so?” he asked, arching a brow.
“It is.” I strode in with confidence I didn’t yet have, but hoped I radiated.
“Then please sit.” He gestured to the chair. His surprise at my formal behavior didn’t go unnoticed.
“Thank you,” I said, sliding into the leather chair.
“What can I do for you, Cassandra? Need some money?” An accusatory stare met mine.
“Not at all. I was doing just fine on my own, without your money or their money.”
“Is that so?”
“It is. And you should know I didn’t invite them, nor did I reveal my location. It seems they used a tracking app on my phone to find me. I sent them away and told them I didn’t want to see them again.”
He scoffed. I didn’t blame him for not believing me. Years of my lies and excuses had laid a path that led him to the easiest conclusion... I was lying again.
“I want to make you proposition.”
“And what on earth is it you want to propose?”
“Let me run the company for six months, under your guidance. If in six months you don’t think I can do it, then sell it to Garvey.”
“It’s too late.”
“It’s not too late. I know you don’t believe me, but I swear to you I was fine on my own up there. I made my own money, friends, and I learned so much about how hard people need to work. You and father have been training me on the business side of running Davenport Industries since I was in diapers, you know I can do that part. What you didn’t know was if I still had it in me. I do. I swear I do.”
“Cassandra, it’s—”
“I admit it.” I stopped him, seeing the wrong answer in his eyes. “I was a wreck after my parents died. You know I blamed myself and the guilt was more than I could bear. But that’s not an excuse for my behavior. I was wrong, and you were right to throw me out on my ass. I needed it. And what I also needed was to remember my father’s words to fight my problems head on, find solutions, like a true Davenport. My solution is test me. Train me. Stand over my shoulder and critique everything I do. I welcome it. Learning from you would be the greatest gift you could give me. Please Grandpa, don’t sell the company. Test me. I won’t disappoint you.”
This time I saw the shift in his eyes. The wobble in his resolve. A long sigh followed, and we sat in silence while I let him ponder my proposal.
“Cassandra. I love you. More than you could ever know. But it’s too late. I met with Edward this morning and we’ve already started the process to officially sell the company to him. I gave him my word, and my word is my bond. I won’t go back o
n it now. Edward Garvey will take the reins. I have faith he will take care of my employees and my legacy.”
It felt like the air got sucked out of the room. Struggling for my next breath, I lifted my chin. “I see. Well, I’m sorry to hear that. I did what you asked of me down to the letter, and I hurt people in the process. People I’ve come to care about. But I don’t blame you for giving up on me.”
A softness washed over his face. “I didn’t give up on you. I would never do that. But I gave up on waiting. I’m exhausted, Cassandra. The energy of my youth has left me, and I don’t have what it takes to run this company anymore. I’m not a strong leader anymore. Putting my pride aside, I know it’s time, past time in fact, to hand it over. And you’re not ready. I’m sorry, Cassandra.”
Even though it felt like my dreams were shattering, I understood. How could I not? I’d given him no reason for confidence in me, and he’d done what he had to do. Protect his company and his employees. If I’d been in his position, I’d have done the same thing. Any good businessperson would have.
“Can you forgive me?” he asked.
“Of course, I can. Can you forgive me?”
Leaning forward, his weathered hand reached out for mine. I took it in my own and squeezed. “I love you, Grandpa. Even though I think Garvey is a treacherous snake,” I narrowed my eyes, pursing my lips together while he chuckled, “I do hope he takes Davenport Industries to new heights.”
“Yes, he can be a bit of a devious one, but he’s never turned on me. He’s been loyal for decades, and our directions have always been the same. I trust that he will take care of my company.”
“Then I’m glad for you, Grandpa. You deserve to retire. I’m sorry I messed it all up.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t stop you sooner, Cassandra. It’s as much my fault as it is yours.”
Shaking my head, I squeezed his hand again. “No. You may have given me an endless supply of money to behave the way I did, but even if you hadn’t, I would have found a way. It’s my fault.”
“And about the money, Cassandra. I’m not cutting you off. You’ll still receive a sizeable allowance until your trust fund kicks in. I would never turn my back on you.”
Sitting back, I sighed. “I don’t want it.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”
“The money. I don’t want it. I want to take care of myself. Make my own way, just like you did. Who knows, maybe I’ll start my own Davenport Industries.” I arched a brow, and he burst into laughter.
“Are you sure? You don’t want any of our money? I mean, the trust is yours in a couple years, but I am happy to support you until then.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. It’s time I stood on my own two feet. Even though you didn’t believe me, I really was making it okay on my own. I doubt I have a job to return to, or a boy for that matter, but I have to try.”
“A boy?” He pursed his lips.
“Yes. But a good one this time. He’s a fisherman.”
“Really? A fisherman?”
I nodded. “Yes. And I hurt him, Grandpa. I need to go make things right. I need to fix my messes. All of them.”
“Tell me about your time in Door County.”
We sat in his office for hours while I told him all about my mishaps, about my time with Jake, the Blue Ox, and all the things I’d learned. When I’d finished, I felt the rift between us repairing, and I hoped that when I returned to Door County in a few days, after spending some much-needed time with Grandpa, that I could get them to forgive me as well.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Jake
“Are you sure you put whiskey in here, Jo?” I grumbled, sipping on my drink.
Jo rolled her eyes. “It’s over half whiskey, Jake.”
Leveling her with a stare, I pushed it forward. We sat in a silent standoff for a long moment before she sighed and grabbed the bottle of whiskey, filling it back up to the top.
“There. Happy?”
“Not even close,” I answered, then took a long gulp.
“So, this is it for you again? Grumpy and alone? Sworn off love and happiness?”
“Yep.”
With an exasperated sigh, she tossed up her hands. “Well, that’s just great, Jake. Sounds like a kick-ass life.”
“It will be just fine. At least I won’t have to go through that shit again.”
“I get it. It sucked. She lied to us. But you can’t let that tramp push you back into that pit of despair you love to wallow in.”
“I’m not wallowing. I’m accepting my life alone. How I want it. How it was going to be until you pushed her on me.”
“So now this is my fault?”
“You said you were taking full credit for the hook-up, so now you can take full credit for the aftermath.”
“Fine. It’s my fault. I did it. Sorry, I wanted to see you happy. I’m the asshole here. Now, can we get back to the part where you’re smiling again?” She plastered on a fake smile and waited for me to join her. All I did was grumble and take another sip of my drink.
“I give up.” She shook her head and walked away to serve another customer.
“What’s up, man?” Aaron asked as he pulled up a stool beside me.
“Nothing.”
“You okay? I heard a rumor that the little hottie was some rich celebrity or something?” His eyes widened while he waited. Of course, Aaron would think the lie from Cassie was no big deal... or Cassandra, or whatever the hell her name was.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Dude. You like, dated a celebrity. A hot celebrity. You’ve got to spill!”
Spill? What the hell did he want me to spill? That I got trampled by a woman again? Lied to again? Had my heart stomped on again? It was all happening again. I dove off that cliff, and instead of floating beside her I’d gone headfirst into the dirt. The pain from her betrayal cut deeper than anything I’d ever imagined.
I’d known Nikki the better part of a decade and her loss paled in comparison to the loss of Cassie. Even though I’d just met her this summer, the feelings she evoked had consumed me. They didn’t take years to grow on me. No. They snuck up on me. Like a match to a can of gasoline, my feelings for her had exploded in seconds. And as much as I tried to douse the flames with beer and whiskey, they still raged inside me. Though this time the flames from my anger matched them. A lethal combination of dueling fires burned inside me now.
Threatening to burn me alive.
I took another sip from my drink. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
My new mantra. I said it to Jo. I said it to Aaron. I’d repeat it to anyone else who asked me about Cassie. And I didn’t want to talk about it. I couldn’t.
Jo leaned in and appraised my solemn face. “At least she’s gone, Jake. Word has it she left with those rich friends of hers. No one has seen her for five days. I still wonder if it was like a reality show or something?”
“Dude! If it was, I’m so going to be famous!” Aaron smiled. They both peered around, still looking for the cameras they were convinced had been installed at the Blue Ox.
I wasn’t entirely convinced it wasn’t some reality show. What other reason would a billionaire socialite have to live in a dilapidated cabin, drive a car that saw its best days decades ago and take up bartending at the Blue Ox? It didn’t make sense. Then thoughts of my stupidity in falling for her being broadcast across the world tightened the knot in my stomach. Even with my affinity for tying and untying knots when I fished, I couldn’t undo this wadded up lump no matter how hard I tried. Was I just part of the plot? Convince some dumb redneck to fall for her equals ratings gold?
“Well, if it is a TV show, they need to have us all sign those agreements to be on it, so I guess we’ll know if they show up,” Jo said.
“I’ll sign!” Aaron smiled.
“I won’t. No fucking way.” Shaking my head, I felt a little better knowing they couldn’t exploit my broken heart and embarrass me not only in
my small town, but to everyone in the world.
“Oh, come on, man!” Aaron bumped me with an elbow. “Take one for the team.”
“Aaron,” Jo warned. She shook her head and silenced him with a stare.
“Are you really that torn up about this?” he asked, finally noticing my lack of enthusiasm in this turn of events.
“I’m fine,” I grumbled.
“Dude. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I figured you just met her, got a quick lay to get back on the horse. No harm; no foul.”
I didn’t answer. Why couldn’t I have just done that? Why did I have to go and fall for the girl, like a lovesick schmuck? Wondering why I somehow lacked that gene most men had that allowed them to sleep with random girls without a modicum of attachment, I took another sip of my drink. A big one.
At least she was gone. Having to see her around town would have been cruel and unnecessary punishment. She was probably laughing about me with her friends at some swanky club in Paris right now.
“Oh, shit,” Jo said, as she looked at the door.
Aaron and I, along with the other dozen people scattered throughout the bar, followed her gaze to the door.
Shit is right.
Cassie stood in the doorway. Her eyes met mine and that surge of power her gaze induced in me pulsed through my veins once again. I cursed it while I struggled to keep my mouth closed.
“What are you doing here?” Jo asked, her protective nature over me surging while she stepped around the bar to my side. Even though I’d spent our childhood beating up bullies who picked on her and tossing out guys at the bar who got too handsy with her, this time I was grateful it was her protecting me.
“I came back to apologize to you guys. To Jake.” Her eyes remained locked with mine and I struggled to force my own away. So many emotions collided inside me underneath her sorrow-filled gaze.
“Get the hell out of here, Cassandra. You’ve done enough damage already,” Jo argued.
“Please. I just want to apologize and explain myself.”
“We don’t want to hear it.”
Grateful Jo seemed to be pulling the words out of my mouth, I sat in my stool unable to speak or move away.
The Other Half (Door Peninsula Passions Book 1) Page 20
