“That’s true, Dad,” I said, a smile dawning on my face. “At some point when I returned, I questioned if I really wanted the company, or did I just believe that because you ingrained it in me. When Lake asked me if I could start a business what it would be, a fashion boutique rolled off my tongue with ease. Nothing as high scale as your company, but that’s what I came up with.”
I spent the next half an hour discussing my business plan, my projection for rolling out an e-commerce site, and potential property locations to open the brick and mortar stores. My father offered to invest in the business, but I politely declined, assuring him that my financial ducks were all in a row. Thanks to my savings, an inheritance from my paternal grandparents, and my mother, I had all that I needed.
Lake had offered to invest, also, but I’d declined his offer, as well. My mother was excited when I shared my plans with her, and after an in-depth discussion, she’d encouraged me to speak with my father.
“Mara, I’m sorry that I’ve made things so hard for you in the past. It has always been my intention to see my daughters become successful, independent women.”
“I think you’ve done an amazing job, Dad. Senait is going to be critical in the success of my company, as well.”
“Yes, how so?”
“Dad! Haven’t you seen all the designs she wears?”
Throwing his arms out at his sides, he shrugged and shook his head. “I know that she dresses very nicely, but that’s your mother’s world. Not mine.”
Laughing, I said, “Dad, you have got to pay more attention to what’s going on in your girls’ lives. Those designs that she wears are her own. No formal training, just a brilliant eye for design and a passion for fashion. She’s awesome, and I plan to have those designs in my boutique.”
My father pressed a hand to his eyes and squeezed them closed.
“Aw, Dad,” I said, getting up and walking around the desk to hug him. “It’s okay.”
“I just couldn’t be more proud of you girls.”
“Thank you.”
I held onto him a while longer before moving on.
“Now we need to discuss your successor here at Sheffield since it won’t be me. I’ll have my hands full with establishing my company, but I will work with you for the next six months to transition the role into capable hands.”
“Ahhh! That’s another headache I wasn’t ready for.”
“Doesn’t have to be. Paula Wright would be phenomenal in this role.”
“My CFO?”
“Yes,” I said.
A slow smile slipped onto his face, and he looked more peaceful than he had in months.
EPILOGUE - CHAPTER 25 – LAKE (1 ½ YEAR LATER)
SHE WORKED THE ROOM. Some would say that her talents would’ve been better served at a big software or tech company like the one that her father owned. Some would say that she should’ve been running a fortune five-hundred company.
I knew that she was doing exactly what she’d been born to do. She was truly her mother’s daughter, but she had to pave her way. Year after year, her father had ingrained in her that she was being groomed to take over his company.
The loyal daughter that she was, Xiomara had not once questioned that decision. She’d followed his lead unquestionably. The only thing that had caused her to alter her path was love.
Love in the only way that it could come for a woman like her. With her first love. Unconditionally.
Something my father could learn a little something about. My mother was coming around, calling me, and visiting me whenever she had the time. It wasn’t often, but it was enough. And that’s all I asked for. To know that she cared enough to put forth the effort meant a lot to me.
And when Harlow came into town, she and my mother spent time together.
My father hadn’t budged. He still felt as if I owed him an apology, and it would be a cold day in hell before I issued one. The only thing I requested of him was his love. I had always been grateful for everything he’d ever done for me.
But that wasn’t enough.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Chanda, Xiomara’s best friend, asked, coming to stand by my side as she offered me a glass of wine.
“I don’t think they have invented an adequate word to describe Xiomara,” I breathed.
Chanda turned to look at me, beaming with pride. “I’m so happy for the two of you. That you could convince her to take a chance on you again and believe in herself enough to know that she didn’t need Sheffield Tech? Well...that’s beautiful.”
“It was in her all along. She just needed persuading, that’s all.”
“Mm...sure.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Do you forget that I was around all those years ago? You were the only one that couldn’t see that Xiomara was totally in love with you. She’d do anything for you and follow you around wherever you’d lead. But when you played with her heart the way that you did, that broke her in some ways. She hardened her heart, refusing to allow anyone inside. Settling for empty relationships based on
