sign, even though my father’s elation could easily be because of Samuel’s demise. Although I didn’t think he would throw it in my face like this.
“Are you OK Dad? What’s wrong? Is someone hurt? Someone I know?”
My Dad looked at me, like he knew what I was really asking, and his face softened. “Do you think something is wrong? Is that why you think I brought you here? I must say, I’m hurt that you think I would do that to you. No Lenorah, it’s not bad news. Today is a very good day, for both of us.”
Both of us? Really?
“You don’t look convinced,” my Dad observed. I wasn’t. I was still thinking about Josh and Samuel.
“Well excuse me Dad, but I don’t see how Josh working for you, and you still wanting my ex-fiancé dead, makes our concept of what makes us happy, the same.”
My father then laughed. He was laughing so hard, using every ounce of his body to express his humor. This was another side of him I rarely saw. Whatever was going on, I still didn’t believe it benefited me in the slightest. No way would any work my father was involved in make me happy. But he was laughing at me, I was sure of it.
“I’m glad to see my pain amuses you.” I was so confused by his reaction. It didn’t make sense.
When he finally stopped laughing, he began to shake his head. “It’s so funny you said that. It really is. Lenorah my dear, take a seat.”
I was looking at him like he had sprouted a new head, and then I proceeded to do what he told me, taking a seat near his desk. The moment he sat down, his face changed again to stern and focused. It was all business now, and important business at that.
“Lenorah. I have something to show you in the next room, but before I do, you need the following pieces of information before you make any decisions. It’s very important that you listen carefully. It could mean your happiness, and please know, that whatever you decide, you now have my total support.”
My eyes were wide with anticipation. I took a big gulp of air and leaned back in my chair, hoping and praying that what he was about to tell me wasn’t going to send me into a further state of darkness I would never be able to climb out of. I was so close to falling over the edge of being completely broken on the inside, that one more hit was surely going to send me into an eternal tailspin. This moment could change me in the worst possible way and there was nothing I could do, except sit and wait.
“As you know,” my Dad started, “I have always been a big fan of your friend Joshua. The boy really cares about you. He did in high school, and then when he sought me out for help when you were in trouble with the Lappell in Morewell, we developed quite the bond. The boy has a knack for business and problem solving. I know how well he is doing putting together business deals for the Lappell with maximum profit at minimum risk. It’s very impressive. He runs deals for the Lappell, specifically Kyser Harkin, an old associate of mine.”
That was the most I had ever heard my father say about anyone in my life. I had no idea what he thought of Josh, and it was an even bigger surprise that he used the words ‘big fan’ and ‘bond’. Was this his way of softening me up before telling me about what kind of jobs Josh was doing for him? I didn’t appreciate the build-up. I just wanted my Dad to be honest with me.
“Yes, I already know what Josh does with the Lappell. I also know he is working for you too. I can’t believe you would hire Josh...I can’t believe you would...”
My Dad’s face hardened. “Stop right there Lenorah. Stop talking and listen to me right now.”
I clamped my mouth shut. I leaned back in my chair and waited, hoping and praying that what my father was about to tell me was not going to send me spiraling. In the span of a few days, I had lost all the love and friendship I believed was real. The realization of all that loss had not quite caught up with me yet. I was standing at the edge of a total meltdown and the idea