She spent the next half hour telling him about her grandmother’s request and how the estate sat in limbo until her return from her trip. Because he had a similar estate situation with his fortune and family, he understood all too well what she faced against her uncle.
They traded stories about her grandfather and caught up on current events with Knight Enterprises and Fairchild Industries.
Marti possessed a depth of knowledge that astounded George. Business-savvy and fair-minded, she added a great sense of humor to those qualities and others he found fascinating. She spoke of her grandfather with kindness and reverence. She understood his cantankerous attitude and found the love in his less-than-traditional ways of raising a girl.
He asked her about her plans for the immediate future, surprised to learn about her work and how she kept it private. He felt honored she trusted him with her secret. Besides finishing a few projects she was working on and finding a place to live, she didn’t have a lot of business going on at any one time. She managed her time well and made sure she had time to do her work.
“I told you earlier, I have a request.”
He hated to turn the tone from lighthearted storytelling to solemn and serious, but he needed her help.
“What is it George? Is everything all right?”
“No. I’ve learned from my doctors I have a terminal brain tumor. They can’t operate and it’s growing rapidly. Pretty soon, within weeks, I’ll be dead.”
“Oh, George, I’m so sorry. Is that why you were down at the harbor today?”
“Part of the reason. My family knows my days are numbered and the vultures are circling. They want to pick apart my life’s work and get what they think they deserve. Today you reminded me I have control over what I leave behind. The story you told me about your grandparents’ estate confirms my belief. I’ve been lax in dealing with my family. I called for a meeting with my lawyers tomorrow. I’ll make the necessary changes to ensure things are handled the way I want after my death.”
“Of course, George. You have control over what happens. That’s the lesson. You don’t have to let them destroy what you’ve built. Just because they’re your children and family doesn’t mean they should get it all.”
She paused for a moment. “You do realize, whatever you decide to do, it will cause trouble among your family members. It’s been only my uncle and I, and we’ve had trouble from day one. I’m telling you this so you know what it will be like for your family when you’re gone. If they’re like my uncle, they’ll fight over the estate. It won’t be pretty, especially if they don’t get what they expect.”
“That’s the part that bothers me the most. They expect to take over and take it all. They’re going to be surprised.” George turned thoughtful and decided to go ahead with his plan.
“I want to ask you for something. It’s big, and I’ll understand if you say no.”
“What is it? I can see it’s very important to you.”
“Yes, very important. I’d like you to spend my last days with me. It would only be for a few weeks.” He held up his hand to stop her from interrupting. “I want you to move into my home. I have several rooms for you to choose from. All of them are empty, and even if one of my children or family members moved in, it wouldn’t be the same as having someone near who cares about me, for me. You aren’t after anything. You’ve made me feel young and vibrant again. I like your company and you appear to like mine. Most young people don’t have the time to give to an old man like me. You’re different. You don’t see my age. I’d really like to spend my last days with someone like you.”
“Oh, George. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be with your children?”
“I’m sure they’ll come by now and again to see if I’ve kicked the bucket and they can collect. They’ll probably even resent you being there, but I want to spend my final days with you.
“I won’t impose on your work or anything. It would be nice to have meals and talk in the evening with you. A companion. No one should die alone. I’m sure you’d agree there are lots of ways a person can be alone, even in a crowd of people. I