Page 13 of Her Game Plan

Chris gives a minute shake of his head, and I realize Dad isn’t laughing.

“I’m glad you find this entertaining.” Dad sounds genuinely pleased. “I was worried I was going to get pushback. But for the record, I’ve been talking to smart people about this. As much as it might hurt now, this is the best course of action for the future.”

He pauses, as if waiting for us to agree. When we don’t say anything, he continues, “I know your mother is anxious for me to get out of the day-to-day of the company, so this is how it’s going to work. I’m not going to simply pick my favorite and give you the whole thing. I, along with the top executives in both companies, will be evaluating each of your performances as you step in and lead the side of the business you haven’t proven yourself at yet. The person we feel is best prepared to run Langford Enterprises as a whole will be named my successor at the company retreat next March.”

I forcibly close my gaping mouth. “Why would you change your plans? We’ve talked about splitting up the company, each getting half, since we were kids.”

“True. But, as I said, that plan was focused only on this generation. We can’t be shortsighted. I want to make sure my life’s work is able to benefit our family for many generations to come.” Dad is calm. Too calm. Which means he doesn’t see this as a discussion. He’s already made his decision.

“That can still happen if you divide the company,” I try again.

Chris nods. “Yeah.”

I shoot my brother a glare. Yeah? That’s what he’s contributing to the conversation that is ultimately going to decide our fate?

I lay out my argument, explaining, in detail, why it would, in the end, be a better decision to split the companies. I even promise to bring him supporting figures by the end of the day. My dad listens the entire time, his hands folded in front of him, attention fully on me.

When I’m done, he nods once. “I appreciate your willingness to work on this, but my decision is final. As much as you and your mother want me to sail off into the sunset, this is still my company. This is the decision I’ve made. If you’re not happy with it, just say the words, and I’ll give the full thing to Chris now. You’re good at your current job; it’s likely he would let you keep it. I know you two are close. It is my greatest wish that you don’t let the need to do this drive a wedge between the two of you.”

I blink, trying to process the thousands of thoughts racing through my mind, banging into each other like last-minute shoppers the day before Christmas. I don’t know how I’m going to win this, but doing my job forever, knowing I didn’t try to take the responsibility and position I so desperately want? Not an option. “So, we just have to… run companies we’ve never had anything to do with before?”

Okay. That’s fine. Chris and I are both highly intelligent people with advanced business degrees. We can do that. We’ll crush this. Though I suppose I don’t want Chris to do well—

I cut that thought off, not willing to think of my brother as my enemy. We’ll figure out a way to do this together. We always have. But at the same time, the competitive spirit is coming to life inside me, and any thought that doesn’t involve me heading the business is simply out of the question.

My dad narrows his eyes. “To an extent. But, as I said, this is about the Langford family and ensuring its success for future generations, which means, I also expect to see your commitment to the future of our family: both in terms of spouses and children, and in work-life balance.”

Well, as I’ve already decided I won’t be settling down for, oh, the next decade or so, that really puts a damper on this, and—fuck! “But Chris is married!” I realize how truly behind I am starting this competition.

Dad nods. “Happily so. I want to make sure he keeps thinking about Kim and the kids before the company.” He sighs heavily. “I’ve been trying to get you to settle down for years, Charlotte. Your mother and you kids, and now Marlee and Kim, are what bring value to my life. It makes me sad that you don’t have it, too. Maybe this will be the spark you need to finally prioritize finding a partner to share your life with.”

Of course. Because as much as he loves me, my dad is always scheming ways to get me to do exactly what he wants. It’s annoying that the fact that I’ve resisted his pressure to settle down is going to make this competition so much harder for me to win.

“I’m seriously dating someone!” The statement flies out of my mouth. No thought. No nothing. And I have absolutely no idea who I can even pretend to be dating. So, thanks for that, mouth.

Dad’s eyes are round as he asks, “Who?”

Yeah. Who, Charlotte?

“You know them,” I reply. Which is a bold start. “And that’s why I didn’t tell you.” Okay, I think we might be going somewhere with this.

“Devine?” Chris’ question is almost a whisper, but I swear everything in the room freezes.

Callan Devine.

Why in the name of all things holy would Chris think I’m dating him?

When I don’t answer, Dad nudges, “Are you dating Callan Devine?”

“That’s why you were hugging him by the elevators!” Chris exclaims like he’s just put the final piece in a million-piece puzzle.

“Yes.” I honestly have no idea how my voice sounds so calm. “We’ve been dating for a while now. I didn’t tell you because, you know, he’s a player. On the Stallions.” Excellent, Charlotte. Just name facts about him. “So we wanted to make sure before we told anyone. But, we’re about to move in together.”

Holy mother of… Why? Why would I dig this hole deeper? Except…

“So, that probably puts a kink in your whole me-leading-the-Stallions thing.” I could win an Oscar for the devastation in my tone. “Conflict of interest and what not. Sorry.”

I’m not even sure what I’m apologizing for at this point, but hopefully it covers the massive, elephant-sized lies I’m telling. And, fingers crossed, maybe it’ll get me out of this ridiculous situation.