by Kahlen Aymes
“To my loyal friend and attorney, Jonathan Westwood, I leave the sum of one million dollars, USD and one thousand shares of preferred stock in my company Luxon Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated. “
Jonathan paused briefly when Veronica made an annoyed grunt. He looked up at Caleb, who nodded again, reaffirming his approval of his father’s decision.
“Uggmmmm.” He cleared his throat. “Also, he and his firm will remain the attorney of record for Luxon Pharmaceuticals under their current and binding contracts & retainers going forward until expiration, at which time it may be renegotiated by the parties.”
Caleb couldn’t resist leaning forward on the table so he could make eye contact with Veronica. “Don’t worry. I’m sure my father set you up with what you deserve.” He pressed his lips together to hide a smile, but not before Wren saw the dimples appear in both of his cheeks. One eyebrow shot up for a brief second and she understood he was well aware of what was coming. Her head cocked when he met her gaze.
“To my ex-wife, Veronica Brashill-Luxon, I leave the sum of one hundred dollars USD.”
She sat up in her chair as if there were a steel rod up her back. “Wait. What was that?”
Jonathan grinned. “If I may continue?” He glanced back down at the document. “No, this is not an error. One hundred dollars and not a penny more.”
Jonesy, Jonathan, and Caleb were all watching Veronica intently for her reaction. Jonesy was the only one with any shock on her face, but was soon smiling with the rest of them. Wren’s hand came up to her forehead as one elbow leaned on the arm of her chair as she braced herself for the outburst she knew would follow.
Veronica shot indignantly to her feet. “This is an outrage!” she spat. “Did you do this?” She pointed a red-tipped finger at Wren. “I bet you’re inwardly rejoicing!” Her face was turning a mottled red as she stood there, fists clenching in protest at her complete helplessness.
“Go ahead, Veronica,” Caleb said, casually amused. “Kick and scream. Have a fit. Hold your breath until you pass out.”
Everyone in the room burst out laughing at his arrogant jibe, except him. His narrowed eyes met hers, daring her to challenge him.
“You think this is funny?”
He nodded, unaffected, then grinned. “I sure as hell do! Goddamn hilarious.”
“With all due respect, Mrs. Luxon, you are divorced. You have to accept Edison’s wishes,” Jonathan added.
“No, I don’t! I’ll contest this in court! I gave him the best years of my life!” She literally stomped her foot. “The lousy housekeeper gets a million, and I get nothing? I don’t think so!”
“Oh, God,” Wren said quietly, wanting to sink down in her chair. Caleb’s hand came down on her shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze as he stood up.
“No. You mean you sucked his dick, uh, I mean; sucked him dry for as long as he’d allow. But now that’s over.” Caleb shrugged wryly; his eyes snapping up to meet Veronica’s unflinchingly. “Sucks for you.” Jonesy started to blush, clearly in shock at Caleb’s analogy. “Oh, sorry, Jonesy.”
Veronica gathered up her clutch purse and shoved it under her arm, angrily. Her intention to leave was clear.
“You should wait.” Jonathan put up his hand to halt her from leaving. “There is more at the end you should hear.”
“Really, Jonathan?” Caleb asked incredulously. “Let her leave!”
“Caleb,” Jonathan admonished with a shake of his head. “She should stay.”
Caleb threw up his hands and took his seat again. “Fine.”
Without a word, his stepmother sat back down in her leather chair, but she was seething and everyone knew it.
“I leave the remainder of all monies & tangible property (excluding the home furnishings- which are to remain with the respective estates), and all policies and proceeds of insurance covering such property, and all life insurance to be shared equally between my son, Caleb Allan Luxon and stepdaughter, Wren Elizabeth Brashill.”
Veronica’s eyes widened in shocked disbelief; so mad Caleb was sure her head was going to explode.
Wren’s mouth fell open and formed the word “Oh.” She turned her head to look at Caleb who was leaning back in his chair, waiting for her reaction. “But, I don’t deserve—”
“Yeah. This is exactly what you deserve,” he said. “It’s real.”
Wren’s heart started pounding until it felt like it would fly from her chest, not sure how she felt about the inheritance. Money didn’t mean she’d be in touch with Caleb. “Really? You’re okay with it?” she asked. “This is crazy.”
His hand reached out to cover hers. “It is.” His tone was reassuring, his expression softened and he smiled at her. “Go on, Jonathan.”
Caleb heard Macy huff on the other side of him despite that he’d already told her Wren would receive half of everything. He wished to God that he still didn’t have that confrontation ahead of him.
“This includes the art collection, cars, stock portfolio, and investments to be divided equitably among them by my executor’s discretion after consultation with my children. My late wife, Celine Luxon’s entire jewelry collection will go to my son, Caleb Luxon. My executor may pay out of my estate the expenses of delivering any of the tangible properties to the beneficiaries.”
The will continued with the Denver house going to Caleb, the one in boulder to Wren and the vacation house would be put into both of their names. Wren was stunned and as Jonathan went through the document point by point, Caleb kept his eyes trained on her.
His chest swelled with pride that he could do something so significant for her, now happy that his father had given him this very important choice. He felt satisfaction that he could take care of Wren, but more, it was sheer joy that she’d be a real part of his life.
The stipulations about division of the Lux stock came next. Wren couldn’t believe her ears at Jonathan’s next words.
“As stated in Article II of this document, my LUX stock options are part of my portfolio and will be shared equally between Caleb and Wren. This represents the majority and controlling interest in the company. Any dividends will be shared equally or used to purchase more shares. The shares shall remain in your possession for a minimum of five consecutive years during which time you may not sell or gift them to anyone else. It is my wish that one, or both, of you assume control of Lux and the other to sit on the board of directors. At the end of the stipulated time period, you will decide the fate of Lux, by choosing one of the following options: 1. One of you may buy the other out, at or above fair market value of the stock at that time. 2. Continue to run the company together going forward. 3. You may give the shares to charity, with the stipulation that the shares remain together, the charity benefits by the dividends and the board of directors will hire a CEO to continue operations.”
“You had me stay to hear this?” Veronica spat. Macy sat in silence, clearly uncomfortable as she listened to it. Caleb told her Wren got half, but not about the stipulation that tied him to Wren for five years. She was upset and angry, her mind working overtime to figure out a way to manipulate the outcome.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Veronica said. Jonathan was still reading and she was whispering to the other woman. She opened her purse and pulled out a Lux business card that had her cell number written on the back. “Call me tomorrow.”
Macy took the card and nodded. Caleb was next to her, so she couldn’t openly answer, for fear he might hear.
Jonathan finished reading. “It is my desire to provide for you both, and that the company that I worked so hard to build with Celine will remain viable and any action the two of you take will consider the best interest of the stockholders and employees.”
Edison named Jonathan executor and Caleb was thankful he wouldn’t have to bear that burden. It was enough to quit his job and move.
“Lastly, there is a provision for relinquishment of bequeath. You’ll all get copies of the document so you can read it for you
rself, but it basically states that if you challenge the will you lose your bequeath.”
Veronica glared at Jonathan, but it didn’t phase him in the slightest.
“If litigation is initiated in objection to this will, the person bringing the suit will assume all legal fees for themselves and this estate regardless of outcome. Signed; Edison A. Luxon, dated and notarized.”
He passed out a copy to everyone, and then handed one of the white, sealed envelopes to Jonesy, Veronica, and Wren. “Edison left personal letters to each of you.”
“You already had yours,” she said simply, and Caleb nodded.
“I let you read it, remember?”
Wren nodded.
Macy and Veronica rose from the table together and Caleb couldn’t help but notice. His eyes narrowed. The last thing he needed were the two of them scheming to fuck everything up. He was confident that his father made sure the will could not be contested, but he still felt uneasy over it. He had to get Macy away from the older woman before she had an opportunity to work her over.
He touched the sleeve of Wren’s jacket with an open hand. “I’ll be right back.”
Jonesy was talking to Jonathan and Wren went toward them. She hated that Macy’s actions dictated Caleb’s actions. Maybe she has some sort of hold over him and Wren didn’t want to think about it. It hurt; making her insides burn.
Her eyes were drawn to them against her will. Veronica had left, and he was speaking to Macy alone in one corner of the room. They were touching; Caleb ‘s hand on Macy’s arm, and her hand on his chest. It made Wren feel sick inside.
She put a smile on her face and went to thank Jonathan, then turned her attention to Jonesy. “Are you ready to go? I’m sure Jared is waiting.”
Jonesy could tell Wren was off. Considering she’d just inherited millions, maybe she was in shock or processing. “Are you okay, honey?”
“Yes. I’m just tired. I’d like to go home and make it an early night.”
“You don’t want to wait for Caleb and Macy?”
Wren shook her head, sadly. “Not really. I just want to read my letter, take a bath and climb into bed.”
“Okay, honey. I’ll fix you something nice to eat and bring it to your room.”
“I’m not that hungry. Besides, you’ve done enough for everyone this week. ”
Jonesy didn’t ask anything else and they started to walk out, but unfortunately, Caleb and Macy were standing on the end of the conference room by the door. Caleb looked slightly annoyed and Macy looked like she was pleading.
As Wren and Jonesy approached the couple, they stopped talking.
“Hey, are you leaving?” Caleb was disappointed. He wanted to ask Wren to come with him in his father’s sedan, but he still had to take Macy home and she’d just asked him to take her out to dinner. Maybe he could use the time to speak to her like he needed to. At least in a public restaurant, she wouldn’t be able to make a scene. Either way, he wouldn’t be leaving with Wren.
“Yes. We’ll see you at home?” Jonesy asked.
Caleb’s dark blue eyes met Wren’s lighter ones. “I’m—” He was worried Wren would get the wrong idea, but this was the fastest way to accomplish what he needed with Macy; and that was to end things. “Macy asked that we get some dinner, out.”
Wren looked away uncomfortably. “Okay. Jonesy, I’ll just wait outside.”
“Is she alright?” he asked Jonesy, when Wren walked out.
“She’s exhausted. See you at home.”
Fuuuuccckk, Caleb thought. The last thing he needed was Wren thinking last night meant nothing.
Her eyes said it all. How could you take Macy out alone after our night together?
Caleb resolved to get dinner and his conversation with Macy over with as quickly as he possibly could.
CALEB FELT BAD about what he was about to do, despite Macy’s cold demeanor since they left the will reading.
Macy had Googled and picked out a quiet Italian restaurant about half-way between the law firm and the Denver estate. It was an intimate, romantic atmosphere, with low light, hundreds of votive candles flickering around the room, soft music and white linen everywhere. It was the last type of place he wanted to be with Macy given the conversation he was about to have with her.
He couldn’t help thinking how different it would have been if Wren were the one he was having dinner with, but nevertheless, he asked for a booth in the corner for privacy.
They were seated and the waiter had just left to retrieve a bottle of expensive Cabernet Macy had chosen from the wine menu.
Caleb’s mind was occupied with about a hundred different things, and he was just going through the motions, but he couldn’t help but be irritated by her presumptive behavior. He wasn’t sure if it was the three hundred dollar bottle of wine, the fact that he didn’t want to be out long enough to drink it, or if he was just so done, that everything she did irritated the shit out of him. If it were the latter, it wasn’t fair, and he knew it.
“I hope you’re thirsty. I’d rather have something stronger.” His tone was wry.
Macy was put off by Caleb’s demeanor. He was clearly agitated. He’d just inherited millions so why did he seem upset? She tried to lighten the mood by smiling beguilingly from across the table. “We’re celebrating!” she said happily. “At least, we should be.’
He huffed, pushing the air out of his lungs with force as his brow furrowed. “Yeah, I just buried my dad today. Yay.”
Macy’s expression sobered. “Caleb, I know that’s the unfortunate part, but it can’t be changed. Why can’t you be grateful for the possibilities? You can start your firm without assuming any debt.”
He shook his head. “I told you that’s on hold. Don’t you listen?” If Macy noticed the muscle working overtime in his prominent jaw, she ignored it.
She laid one of the white linen napkins in her lap. “Why are you so angry? Are you upset that Wren gets half of everything? Is it that you’ll be saddled with her for the next five years? I’ll admit, it’s not ideal—”
“Yeah. It is.” Caleb was interrupted when the waiter came to take their order. He didn’t register what she ordered and he’d barely looked at the menu. “Just give me spaghetti,” he barked shortly.
“With or without meatballs, sir?” The young waiter looked like he was afraid to speak.
“With. Please bring me a glass of MaCallan before the meal.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Caleb, you’re going to have whiskey before the wine?” she admonished.
Caleb leaned back in the booth. “Who said I was having wine at all?”
He could see her physically deflate at his hard tone. “I just thought…” her words dropped off and he felt like an asshole.
“I’m sorry, Macy. Today’s been a tough day and I’m exhausted.”
“Well, why don’t we have a nice dinner and then I can stay with you tonight?”
Caleb had wanted the distraction of the meal before he began the conversation, but he wasn’t going to let her have any delusions and sugarcoating things never worked to his advantage.
“Look, Macy. I think we both know things have changed. You have your life in San Francisco, and now I have to take over Lux.”
“We can work things out. I don’t have to be in California. There are venture capitalists in Denver, too, or, I don’t have to worry about that. I just want to be where you are.”
He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his thick hair. She wasn’t going to make it easy on him. “That’s crazy. We haven’t known each other that long and even if I wanted to continue things, I wouldn’t ask you to drastically change your life for a relationship that may or may not work out.”
“At least be honest. That’s not the reason, Caleb.” Her eyes were hard and she picked up her wine glass and drank down half of it.
“No, it’s not. I’ve seen a side of you this week that I don’t like.”
Macy audibly sucked in her breath.
&nbs
p; “I’m sorry if that’s harsh, but just because my bank account is larger, it doesn’t change who I am. I don’t give a shit about the money or even the business; other than there are people who depend on it, as I’ve already said. It’s like you’re deaf if I don’t say what you want me to say.”
She shook her head adamantly. “That’s not true! I just want you to have your design firm, not give up your life for someone else’s! Lux was your dad’s dream, not yours.”
“No, it was my mother’s, and he worked his ass off to make it happen for her! Until she got sick, and he lost his mind. Then it was about survival and not letting the one thing he had of her die with her. I understand his motivation now.”
Macy’s brow wrinkled as she frowned at him from across the table. “Did you forget about how he treated you? You don’t owe him anything. The company will survive! I was there! I heard your choices, Caleb. Let Wren step up, or let the board do it and be a silent partner.”
“I didn’t forget a damn thing!” Anger was building up inside him and the compassion he felt for ending things was quickly evaporating. “I’m not going to take the chance something happens to Lux, and I will never ask Wren to quit the ballet!”
Macy’s eyes glassed over as she stared at Caleb. “No, you’ll never ask little Wren to give up anything. Just give me up, give up the life we could have! I won’t let you make me the sacrifice, Caleb!”
A couple at the next table glanced at them due to the raise in their voices.
“Keep your voice down,” he commanded. His tone was firm, but he turned his volume down.
Caleb was ready to throw his napkin on the table and stalk out when the waiter brought his drink and sat it down in front of him, then picked up the open wine bottle setting on the table and refilled Macy’s glass. “Your dinner will be out very soon.”
Macy swallowed and pursed her lips, before picking up her wine glass again. She was livid, and Caleb could see anger simmering in her eyes.
“Calm down,” he coaxed. “This isn’t the place to fight.”
“I don’t want to fight. I want you to wake up. What do you expect to happen? Wren got what she wanted. Do you think she’ll be running to you now? She doesn’t need you anymore.”
