The Castle Mountain Lodge Collection by Elena Aitken

Author:Elena Aitken
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781927968079
Publisher: Elena Aitken

Chapter Nine

“I really can’t deal with this right now, Dad.” Nick glanced at his watch. He was already late. He’d promised Jake he’d be in his room by ten to help him get ready for the wedding. And of course to calm his nerves. So far, he was failing his duties as his best man. But only because he’d made the mistake of answering his cell phone when it rang.

“You will deal with this right now, Nick,” his dad roared through the line. “This is my company and I will not have you treating it like a passing interest.”

“I’m not, Dad.” Nick put his dad on speakerphone while he moved around the room, gathering his things. “I told you, I’ll get on the plane first thing on Monday.”

“You’ll get on the plane tonight, son. You’re needed in meetings on Monday.”

“No.” He shook his head. His dad never was one for emotions of any kind and he didn’t have any friends to speak of, so Nick hadn’t been surprised when he didn’t understand that Nick had to be present for Jake’s wedding. “My best friend is getting married, Dad. I can’t miss it.”

“Leave after the ceremony,” he said after a moment. “You can be in the city by seven and get on the eight o’clock flight.”

“No, Dad. It’s not—”

“It’s not an option, son. Get on the plane or I will find a new international affairs advisor.”

Nick froze. His father didn’t make idle threats. “Dad, that’s not fair. I’ve done everything for this company.”

“Not everything. You’re not in China.”

“I will be.” He picked up the phone and held it close to his mouth. “I cannot miss this wedding. It’s Jake. I’ll get on the flight on—”

“Tonight, Nick. It’s not negotiable.”

Nick opened his mouth to argue again, but his father had already hung up. “Dammit.” He threw the phone across the room and let it crash against the wall. Growing up, Nick thought his father to be cold and uncaring, but he hadn’t realized the scope of his father’s drive to succeed at all costs. Not until he’d started working for him. For the last few years, it hadn’t bothered him because Nick had largely ignored his father, as much as he could, anyway. But now...he had no choice.

There was no way he could ignore an ultimatum like that. Jake would understand. He would be there for the ceremony. That was the most important part, right? And the pictures...he could probably sneak in a few pictures before leaving. It was a two-hour drive back to the city and that would put him at the airport at six. It would be tight. But he could do it.

“Dammit.” He picked up his phone and shoved it in his pocket before he grabbed up his tux and rushed out of the room. He knew Missy wasn’t there. He’d heard her door open and shut hours earlier. And as much as he wanted to go out and talk to her about everything that had happened at the rehearsal dinner, he hadn’t.

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