“ You think that this Chad Harris could run the music studio? What are his credentials?”, Julian asked, hoping Ethan would continue to take the bait.

“ Father, he doesn’t have many formal credentials, but this is a recording studio. You need someone with talent. Chad has talent.”

” Ethan, this isn’t a charity. This is a business.”

” I know that, Father. But, we need someone with talent. What business skills Chad lacks, we can help him with.”

” WE?”

“ Ok, me.”

” Ethan, you are the President of Crane Industries. Pardon me, if I think a recording studio is beyond your talents.”

” Maybe on the surface, it is. You say that you want to grow it.”

” I do.”

” Well, if I am to lead Crane Industries into the future, then I want to be an active participant on the ground floor. This is the first time that I’ll have the chance to actually build something FOR the company. “

Julian wanted to beam with joy. The thought that Ethan would be working with his other son, is more than Julian thought he deserved. He saw the light in Ethan’s eyes, and he understood it. Julian had built the Asian and Latin American divisions  of Crane Industries from the bottom up, so he understood what drove Ethan. He wanted to make his mark.

“ Ethan, if I have your word that you will make sure that this venture produces the best possible product, then you can hire Mr. Harris. It’s going to be a lot of work.”

Ethan smiled. “ I know, Father. But, I just know that Chad is going to do a fabulous job. You’ll see.”

Julian took a sip of his drink and silently agreed with Ethan – Chad would do a fabulous job.
 

Whitney and TC were having their afternoon practice session. They were taking a break.

“ Princess, how are you? Your game seems to be a little slow today.”

” Daddy, I was noticing the same thing. I’ve been feeling tired lately. Maybe I’ve been taking things to hard. “

” Well, if it continues, we’re gonna get you to the doctor.”

” Daddy, please. I’ve never been really sick in my life.”

” I know, Baby. But, you know I’m protective.”

“ And I love you for it, Daddy.”

” So…did you see Chad at school today?”

“ I did. He seems to be adjusting.”

“ He is.”

“ Whitney, I know you wanted to have a relationship with Chad.”

” Daddy, please. Chad and I went through all of that. It’s not going to be a relationship. We’re going to be friends. I respect his decision. I understand it. It’s sort of exciting, watching Chad.”

” How so?”

” Chad’s always been a somewhat positive person. I know that he knew what he wanted to do with his life, but he never really had a lifeplan. Watching him walk around the campus today, you could see that he finally had something concrete in his life. For someone who’s had nothing to depend on in his life, this is life altering. And you and Mom are helping him with that.”

TC smiled. “ I have to tell you that helping Chad is one of the best things I’ve ever done. He’s a good guy, and for some reason, he came into our lives. You still feeling tired?”

Whitney nodded. “ A little bit.”

” How about we end practice for today, and you and I take a walk in the park, and call your mother about bringing home dinner?”

” I’ll be packed in five minutes.”
 

Eve was working on a patient’s chart at the nurses station when she saw a huge sunflower creep before her.

“ TC, I…”

Eve was face to face with her son.

” Chad!” She hugged him without thinking.  He pulled away.

” People might talk, Doc.”

” So.”

” Come on.”

Eve shook her head. “ Ok. Let’s sit down.” They found themselves in the patient waiting area.

” This is for you.”, Chad said, presenting her with the flower. “ I thought it was a lot like you: bright and sunny.”

” Thank you, Chad. How was your day?”

“ Great. Confusing. Long.” They both laughed. “ I’ll be meeting with my tutor this afternoon. We’ll be going over studying strategies.”

” I’m so glad. I think the tutor will be able to help you.”

“ I have to say that I was sort of upset with you when you mentioned a tutor. I..I didn’t want to seem stupid.”

“ Chad, you’re NOT stupid. But, you’ve never been in an academic environment like this. Your academic treasure chest is pretty empty. This tutor is going to help tailor a studying routine that suits you, and will help you maximize your potential.”

“ It’s not cheap, is it?”

Eve patted Chad on the hand. “ Don’t worry about the cost. Your education is worth it.”

” I know you say that, but..”

” There are no buts. I’m not sparing any cost for my son.”

“ What about the Coach?”

” TC is in the educational field. He KNOWS how this works. He understands, and he wants you to succeed.”

” If this gets too expensive, you can tell me to drop it. I will, no questions asked.”

” I’m glad you’re thinking of my pocketbook, but don’t worry about it. Ever.”

Just then, Chad’s cellphone rang. “ Yo.”

Eve rolled her eyes. “ We’re going to have to do something about your phone manners.”

‘ Yes, Mom’, Chad mouthed back to her.

” Hey, Ethan. What’s up? You want to meet? Sure. I have an appointment, but after that. In a couple of hours? The Book Café? See you then.”

Eve looked at Chad curiously. “ That was Ethan?”

” Yeah. He wants to talk to me about something.”

Eve didn’t get a chance to ask further because her beeper went off. She recognized the number.

“ Well, we’ll talk later, Chad. Have a good rest of the day.” Chad kissed his mother and left.

Eve was sniffing her flower as she went back to her office. She sat down at her desk, and picked up the phone and dialed.

“ Ok, Julian….what are you up to?”