Boss in the Sheets

Chapter 21: Reality check

The day passed quicker than usual. Sam didn't feel like eating, but I encouraged him to have a few bites. 

It was a bit of a challenge to get him to open up as he has been quiet for some time now. I believe he was sincere when he asked for my arms.

"I guess I'll leave my arms with you, and go home!" I broke the deadly silence that roamed the place, hoping to get something out of his mouth.

"You know there's no way!" He said as he adjusted his head on my chest, and then continued saying. "I long for this and I need to clear my mind, so this is the best way to do it."

"I thought you wanted to have a conversation and share your feelings!" I replied.

"I assure you, this is better than talking, and, um," he said, intriguing my curiosity.

"And what?" I asked while gently running my fingers through his silky hair. He gazed at me with sad, pleading eyes.

"My father was discovered yesterday with a— uhm gunshot wound to the head. They believe it may have been a— uhm a suicide, but the investigation is still ongoing," he said, expressing a mix of sadness, anger, and helplessness.

"Oh, that's terrible news. I'm sorry to hear that, my dear," I said as I embraced him and kissed his forehead.

"That's not the worst part though, it's my stepmother who's holding me responsible for it," he said, sitting up straight.

I adjusted my posture and inquired "How?—Why?" 

"She attempted to seize control of the company by having my father assert ownership of my brand and claim any royalties and assets they could get their hands on!" he stopped speaking momentarily.

"What does it have to do with him passing?" I asked

"She manipulated him and made him take legal action against me, but the court ruled in my favor last week, declaring their claim to be without merit," he said."

"So, she's holding you responsible for their defeat?" I asked

"Y-yes, and she's putting Mike in the middle. He doesn't want to choose sides, but she's pressuring him," he added.

" What do you mean? Why Mike "I inquired

"Mike is my step-brother," he clarified." 

I expressed my surprise at the situation, saying, "I thought you were only friends. I'm sorry to hear about all of this. It's a terrible situation." Then, I gently touched his face.

"You ease all of this," he said with a touch of optimism and comfort in his tone.

He hugged me gently, stroked my hair, kissed my temple, and then placed his hand on my waist. I settled in, resting my head on his shoulder and breathing in his familiar scent, which I had missed without realizing it. Seeing him like this was not the ideal way to make amends, not how I had anticipated it to be.

I had hoped for a proper date, but now we find ourselves grieving together in his impressive home, shedding tears and lying in silence for what feels like an eternity. Even though time seems to stand still in this state, eternity may still not be enough to heal from this.

Our conversation has brought clarity to both of us, and I can sense him looking at me with a newfound understanding. It feels as though the heavy air that once suffocated us has become lighter and easier to breathe. However, I still have some unresolved issues with him, but it doesn't seem like the right time to address them. I will do so later, and he is aware that he is at fault, which is a positive sign.