“You like her,” Rhys says slowly, dragging the words out as if the concept is new to him.
“I’m enjoying myself. That’s all.” A breeze passes through the garden, ruffling the hem of Daisy’s sundress. It’s pale yellow, ending a couple of inches above her knees. My eyes travel lower, down her tan calves to her sandal-clad feet and back up again. She’s pulling a strand of hair from her lipstick and ignoring me.
“Good. It’s about time.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I stop walking and examine a flowering ornamental tree of some sort while keeping Daisy in sight.
“Sperm mobility decreases with age. It might already be too late for you.”
“Jesus Christ,” I mutter.
“The family line is depending on you.”
“Stop taking the piss out of me, cuz. You’re only two years younger than me and I don’t see you planning your nursery.”
“Planning my nursery?” He laughs. “This British shit never gets old and I’ve known you my whole life.”
“Yes, your American colloquialisms continue to delight me as well, Rhys.”
“I’m sure. So are you headed straight back to London after the tour or can you squeeze in a visit to Vegas?”
“I’m delivering Nan to your mother in Bethany first, then yes, back to London. I’m a bit pressed for time with everything going on at the office.”
“You’re always pressed for time,” Rhys points out. It’s true. I feel like I’m constantly on the go. I like that though, don’t I?
The company keeps me busy. Nepotism will get you in the door and, yes, it will quicken your path of promotional opportunities but you’ve still got to do the work. Earn your place. Or there’ll be no company for the next generation of children and our ten thousand worldwide employees will be without jobs.
Children I may not have at the rate my personal life is moving. And if Rhys is to be believed about my declining virility.
So no pressure. None at all. The hallway to my office is lined with photographical evidence of over fifty years in business. Fifty years of growth and acquisitions. Of success and new job creation. Of bonuses being paid and benefits increased. Of ancestors staring at me from those photographs, wordlessly imploring me not to bugger it all to hell now.
Easy.
My father skipped the family business—initially. His passion was law, so he pursued that. Had a very successful career in criminal law before making the switch to corporate law when he joined the family business. He’s the head of legal now but has his eye on retiring in the next couple of years. My cousin Mila is poised to take over that team when the time comes.
“We’ve made a lot of progress since you were last here. We’ve taken ownership of the residential floors and the director-level employees have already moved on site. I’ll set you up in a suite on property and you can see the progress in person. We’ll even watch the showgirls rehearse for the opening,” Rhys teases.
“We’ll see,” I tell him. My focus is back on the beauty across the garden.
“I’ve got to let you go. I’ve got a meeting with the city in ten minutes. But consider it, Jennings. You can bring your new friend. I’d love to meet her.”
“I bet you would. I suspect you and Daisy would get on quite well.” They both seem to enjoy giving me shit.
“You might want to tell her who you are first,” he adds.
“I might,” I agree. “I just need to figure her out first.”
“Sure, keep lying. That usually works with women.”
Fuck. I pause for a moment, thinking about what he’s said. He’s got a point, hasn’t he?
“I’m in a bit too deep, aren’t I?”
“Most definitely,” he agrees with a laugh. “Keep me updated. I’ll forward her file when I’ve got it.”
“Thanks, Rhys.”
I disconnect the call and pocket my mobile. Daisy is still in the same spot.
I did a few of these tours myself, back when I was starting out with the company, just out of university. Not in the United States of course—the guides are meant to be regional experts and local to the country. The majority of my family started out the same way—either as tour guides or in entry-level positions at one of the hotels.
So I did a six-month stint of the Glorious Britain tour and another six with the Highlights of the United Kingdom tour before I got my first position in the London office. That was more years ago than I care to recall. Rhys’s words regarding my schedule echo in my head. I’ve heard similar words from my father.
I’ve never had a reason to slow down. Not a compelling reason.