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Smith’s was a grocery chain Dad had acquired from an old Marine buddy of his years ago. With most of its stores in southern California, it didn’t have the scale it needed, and we’d discussed selling it off to a competitor rather than keeping it.
Dad stood. “They’re expecting you this morning. Libby has the details.”
I hadn’t even opened the folder yet. “Today?” We never went into a situation blind. Thorough research ahead of time prevented surprises down the road. Dad always insisted.
“We have a three-month right of rescission on this,” Harold said.
With that knowledge, the hurry up made more sense.
“Might as well dig in right away and see how leaky the boat is,” he added.
And now I had an out. I’d look it over, and if it wouldn’t work, I could walk away in a few weeks and move on to Camper Heaven with proper preparation and Harold’s support.
I followed Tony and Harold to the door.
“Josh, one more thing,” Dad called.
I stopped.
He motioned to the open door. “Please.”
I closed it and turned.
“I want you to make sure this works out. It shouldn’t take long, and then it’s on to Camper Heaven.” He tapped the blue folder containing the promise that I would handle Camper Heaven if they accepted. That project would give me national retail experience.
“And then it’s London after that?” I asked.
Dad nodded. “Absolutely, like I promised.”
“Thanks,” I said.
Dad never reneged on his promises. I’d soon be learning how to drive on the left side of the road, but more importantly, I’d be in charge of my own operation.
“Harold didn’t seem keen on this one,” I noted. “What do we do if it looks like a stinker after closer examination?”
“We go ahead anyway.”
I rarely questioned Dad, but this wasn’t like him. “Why?”
“I made a personal commitment,” he said. “The previous CEO was a friend. The rescission period was to satisfy Harold. I don’t intend to use it.” He sat back down. “Keep me up to date.”
That was Dad-speak fordon’t ask any more questions.
I nodded. “Okay.” My out had disappeared. As far as Dad was concerned, the deal had been struck, and we had to live with it. Rather,Ihad to live with it.
* * *
Nicole
My head throbbedas I pried open one eyelid. The second seemed glued shut.
Light filtered into the strange room. The sheets cocooning me were marvelously soft.
It came back in a rush.Josh. This was Josh’s room. I rolled, but the bed behind me was empty and cold.
He’d left me.
Had I kicked in my sleep after promising not to?
