One Step Closer(21)
She hadn’t liked his answer. Caleb wouldn’t consider crawling back and asking Edison for that kind of money. He’d rather saw off his right arm.
Caleb never planned on asking his father for one red cent, preferring to work his ass off, and Macy was a little late to the party to change his trajectory. He put in long hours at a private design firm that outsourced for several global OEM automotive manufacturers, and also offered luxury interior conversions for individuals, the healthcare industry, or various government agencies. His work ethic and creativity had gotten him promoted quickly. He made a good living and he’d acquired a lot of valuable experience, but his dream was still to start his own company. Caleb acknowledged that his drive probably came from his dad, but he did so, begrudgingly.
Caleb sighed, putting the phone on speaker and walking into the bathroom. It was huge, with a separate, glass enclosed shower, a big, jetted tub, and Italian marble from floor to ceiling. “Alright.”
“Don’t sound so enthused. I’m just trying to offer support.”
Caleb reached in and turned on the shower. “I know. I appreciate it. What are friends for?” He interjected, knowing it would probably make her mad. The fact was, he’d rather she not come and if pissing her off worked to that end, so be it. He could mend that fence later.
Normally, he would welcome Macy’s input, but he was aware she’d see his father’s untimely death as a way to finance the company. And, if Wren wasn’t a factor, he’d probably be on board, but Wren was involved, and Caleb didn’t need, or want, any input from Macy on this decision. She couldn’t be objective, even if she tried, and the stakes were too high. “Listen, I’m gonna hop in the shower, eat, and try to crash for a few hours. We can talk more when you get here.”
“Okay. Bye, friend.” Macy sarcastically emphasized the word then abruptly ended the call.
Caleb proceeded with his shower, letting the hot water beat away the stress from the back of his neck and shoulders, then quickly soaped down his body and shampooed his hair. The fresh scent and heat relaxed him slightly; the soapy water running down the hard muscles of his torso and strong legs.
He decided to forgo shaving until the following morning, and wrapped a large white towel around his waist, taking another, and attempting to rub as much water out of his hair as possible. Leaving the towel hanging over his shoulder, he turned on the lamp on the nightstand near his bed then went to his dresser and picked up his father’s letter.
The bed was big and took the weight of Caleb’s muscled frame easily as he flopped down on it. It was plush and expensive, like everything in his father’s house, and his exhaustion made him thankful for its comfort.
He ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter, staring at it with a sense of dread. The folded sheet of paper was wrapped around another smaller, sealed envelope that fell out onto Caleb’s lap.
He scooted up higher on the bed and piled one luxurious pillow on top of another before leaning back, and setting the second envelope aside, unfolding the main piece of paper. The words were handwritten in his father’s measured hand, upon the fine linen stationery of Lux Cosmetics that matched the envelope. Caleb ran a hand over his face, before beginning to read.
Dear Caleb,
I know you and I haven’t had the best relationship since your mother died, and for that I am deeply sorry. I realized that I forced you into situations and to do things you didn’t particularly want, and it is my wish to make amends; even at this late date.
It’s too late for you and I, Caleb, but it’s not too late for you and Wren. Obviously, I knew how you felt about Wren, or I wouldn’t have been able to leverage her so succinctly. Again, I’m sorry, but at the time, I thought I was doing what was in your best interest and what your mother would have wanted; ensuring you received the best education money could buy.
As you know, Lux is publically traded, however, I own the majority share. It’s important to keep the majority so that the board can’t oust the family in a hostile takeover, so keep that in mind. Jonathan will be able to offer valuable guidance should you need it.
There are two versions of the will; one gives all of my shares in Lux, and the three properties to you in full. The other splits everything equally with Wren. This puts the fate of the company, as well as your future with Wren, completely in your hands, son.
I’m hoping giving you this last, admittedly major and albeit late, choice, will somehow let you define your own future. Choose wisely.
The other envelope is an overdue explanation. You deserve one, though you may not want it. That’s another choice only you can make. I’ll understand if you’d rather burn it than read it.
I am proud to call you my son.
With Love,
Dad
Caleb let the letter drift to the top of the rich silk of the burgundy comforter, huffing out his breath in angry retort, his throat thickening in protest to the emotions welling up inside his chest. He’d be damned if he’d shed tears for a man who would wait until it was impossible to make amends, to even f*cking try. Was this some sort of sick joke?
Way to be a prick till the end, Pop, Caleb thought wryly. Thanks.
He was somewhat relieved that whatever was in the other envelope wasn’t glaring off this same page; but the letter he’d just read was wholly unnecessary since Jonathan had already laid it all out in their earlier conversation. Caleb had a brilliant mind and it didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that the crux of it all was in the other envelope. It would hold the hammer to the proverbial nail.