Page 53 of A Win-Win Situation
"That bad?" Antoine turns his head toward Lucas with a fake, scolding look on his face. "Lucas, you must take care of your wife. You know what they say: happy wife, happy life."
Antoine's voice trails off into a coughing fit, and I can see the concern and worry in Lucas's eyes as he reaches out to steady him. There’s a glass pitcher of water on the table, so I pour Antoine a glass and hand it to Lucas. He helps him take a few sips, gently patting his back to ease the coughing. Antoine eventually recovers and offers us a strained smile. "Did you also get invited to Michel’s brunch?"
Lucas returns to my side. "Unfortunately."
"Remember that Michel is the main reason there’s going to be a vote, meaning that this invitation is to prove something."
We both nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"I know," Lucas replies.
"You two will have to play the part there. You can’t act like you are right now. I can see right through you."
I feel a pang of discomfort at his words, wondering if it's really that obvious. Lucas shifts beside me, avoiding any eye contact with Antoine.
Lucas and I exchange a look, silently acknowledging the truth in Antoine's words. We both know what’s at stake, and we can’t afford to let personal issues get in the way.
Antoine continues, "I know it's not easy, but for the sake of the business, we need to present a united front. Michel is a shrewd businessman, and he'll take advantage of any weakness he sees."
Lucas nods in agreement, and I chime in, "We’ll do our best."
Antoine smiles, the warmth returning to his eyes. "I know you will. I have faith in you."
His gaze shifts to Lucas. "And you, my boy, have to prove to everyone that you are worthy of leading this company—that you have what it takes to continue my legacy. Remember,He who is patient, achieves."
Lucas nods determinedly. "I know, Ammo. I won't let you down."
Antoine smiles at us. "Good. Now, let's not dwell on this any longer. We have much to celebrate today. Let's enjoy ourselves."
And with that, the conversation shifts to lighter topics.
We watchas the sun begins to set over the sea, signaling the end of our visit. Antoine hugs me tightly, whispering, "Be patient with Lucas"—he pauses and looks at Lucas, his eyes filled with concern—"he may come across as stubborn, but deep down, he’s a good man."
I nod. We say our goodbyes to Antoine and make our way back to the car.
"Are you okay?" I ask, concerned for him.
Lucas looks at me with a blank expression, "I’m good."
It’s obvious that he’s still upset with me, but I think seeing Antoine this tired made him realize the severity of the situation he’s in.
We’rein.
It makes you realize that small arguments really don’t matter—who says "sorry" first doesn’t matter. I summon the courage to initiate a conversation, attempting to offer an apology.
"So, about yesterday . . ." I start.
"Leora, I’m not in the mood to argue right now." His words cut through me, and a knot forms in my stomach. He looks at me, his eyes stern and black. On any other day, I would shy away from a gaze that harsh. I would feel small and scolded, but not today.
"That’s not what I was trying to do," I reassure him, still trying to reach a hand out.
The darkness in his eyes morphs into weariness, and there’s a small comforting smile on his lips. "Can we talk about it tomorrow?"
"Sure," the whispered word leaves my lips and I turn to look out the window, watching the passing scenery, feeling a pang of regret in my chest.I should have just kept my mouth shut.
The silence is broken only by the soft humming of the car engine and the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
He stays like that until we reach his apartment building. The silence is like a blank canvas and I’m waiting for him to fill it with color and purpose.
