follows me inside the posh, ornate foyer where I say hello to the receptionist. She immediately buzzes us up.
The building is expensively decorated and recently renovated. Savannah and Kate led that project last year.
“Eli and Beau’s offices are on the top floor,” I inform him. He’s suddenly grown quiet, but before I can ask him about it, we reach our destination.
The doors open up to another opulent lobby, in grey, yellow, and hints of red. Eli’s assistant smiles at me as we walk past her to Eli’s office.
“You guys got here fast,” I say as we walk inside and find all three of them gathered around Eli’s desk.
“Kate drives too fast,” Eli replies with a frown. “Here are the forms that need your signature.”
“Great.” I sit and look through each one, but nothing has changed. I sign and pass them back to Eli. “There you go. I get to stay another year.”
“You get to stay forever,” Beau replies. “Unless you kick yourself out.”
“So tell me more about Boudreaux Enterprises,” Simon says, interrupting us. “I was under the impression that it was a small family business.”
“It is a family business,” Eli replies. “But it’s not small. Well, not anymore.”
“We are the fifth generation to lead Boudreaux Enterprises,” Beau says. “When our father passed away, all six of us inherited it evenly, but only Savannah, Eli and myself were interested in working here day to day. Eli is the CEO, Savannah is the CFO, and I’m the COO. We have about five hundred employees here in this building and another three hundred that actually build the ships in the harbor.”
“I see,” Simon says. “I’m not much of a sailor, but now that I see your logo, I realize that I’ve seen it before.”
Simon won’t look me in the eyes. Is he mad at me? And if so, what in the world for?
“Would you like a tour? I can show you around up here,” I offer, relieved when he smiles and nods. “Do you need anything else from me?”
“We’re good,” Eli says and stands, offering to shake Simon’s hand. “It was nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
I wave as I lead Simon out of Eli’s office and down the hall. “This is Savannah’s office. It looks like she’s out somewhere. And on the other side there is Beau’s office.” We continue along, and I point out different offices and what happens in each one.
Suddenly, George comes around a corner and smiles in surprise when he sees me.
“Charly. What a pleasure.” He hugs me and then pulls back. “We should get together soon for lunch or drinks.”
“Absolutely,” I reply and turn to Simon, who has completely stiffened up and is glaring at poor George. “George, this is Simon. I’m just showing him around before we head out.”
“Nice to meet you,” George says. “Seriously, call me. I’d like to catch up.”
I nod and lead Simon further down the hall, but he stops me.
“I’d like to go.”
“Oh, okay. Are you feeling okay?”
“Fine.”
He’s so not okay.
I don’t say anything as we walk out to his car, and continue to sit in silence while he drives back to my house rather than the store.
I have someone working for me today, so it’s no big deal. I’d rather have this conversation in private anyway.
Without a word, we walk into the house, set down our keys and my bag, and then he turns to me.
“So, let me get this straight. You’re wealthy.”
Is this a trick question?
“My family is wealthy.”
“That’s not what I said,” he replies and paces away from me.
“Why are you angry?” I ask, getting angry myself.
“Because you weren’t honest with me.”
“When?”
“When you told me what your family business was.”
“I was honest.” I plant my fists on my hips and look at him like he’s stupid. “I told you my family builds ships.”
“You failed to mention that it’s a huge conglomerate, or that you’re a freaking heir to an empire.”
“Hold up.” I hold my hand up and have to take a deep breath so I don’t slap him across his handsome face. “You’re mad because I have a trust fund you didn’t know about? When was I supposed to say that? When I met you? Hi, my name is Charly, and I have a sizeable trust fund.”
“That’s not—”
“I’m not done. I haven’t touched that trust fund since college. My business, my home, my car…it’s all mine. I work my ass off for what I have. It made sense to put the building that Head Over Heels is in in the company