New Beginnings, Chapter 66
Chad and Veronica were sitting in Julian’s office.
“ I’m very impressed with the itinerary that you’ve laid out, Veronica.
I think this trip will be good for both Crane Industries and Chad.”
“ Well, if we’re going to be in business together, then I wanted Chad to
get a feeling of the entire process.”
“ I AM here in the room, you two.”
“ Of course you are Son, but you know this is your first official business
trip for Crane Industries, and for yourself. It’s the first time the outside
world is going to see you as Chad Harris Crane.”
“ I know.”
“ So, now that we’re done discussing this for now, I need to speak with
Veronica alone.”
“ Sure. I have some work to do.” Chad left, and Julian looked at Veronica.
“ You needed to speak to me?”
“ Yes.”
“ Fine.”
“ You’re a smart woman, Veronica. I love my son.”
“ I can see that.”
“ But, I KNOW my father. I know how he operates. I knew what you were the
moment that you walked through the door at Chad’s house. “
“ You knew what I was? What is that, Julian?”
“ An Alistair Crane manipulation.”
“ Should I be offended?”
“ No. My father regularly uses people as pawns in his own game.”
“ And, he’s made me a pawn.”
“ Maybe he has. Maybe he’s hoping that things will happen, but I doubt
my father leaves anything to chance. So, what is the agreement you have
with him.”
“ I’m not saying that I have an agreement with him. I’m too independent
for that.”
“ I know.”
“ Are you saying that you would be against a relationship between Chad
and me?”
“ I’m saying that I only want my son to be happy. THAT is more important
to me than any business deal, and I’m wondering if you are trying to link
business with personal.”
“ My father taught me better than that, Julian. I’m here because my father
believes an alliance with Crane Industries IS the best possible way for
us to grow our company the way that we want to. Whatever personal relationship
that might develop is indeed personal, and has nothing to do with the bottom
line. I don’t have to manipulate a man using business, Julian.”
“ Of course not, Veronica. But, you’re used to getting your way, aren’t
you? The only child of a father that obviously worships you, and intelligent
to boot. You are a particular breed of female, Veronica. Unabashedly American.”
“ That I am. So, is there anything else?”
“ No. But, you’ll be sure to give me a complete itinerary about your trip
with Chad. I have a feeling that you have so many events planned for him.”
“ You’re right. I’m going to give Chad a fabulous social introduction.
I’ll let you get back to work. Have a nice day, Julian.”
“ Bye, Veronica.”
Whitney had searched for a parking spot and finally saw one. Just
as she was approaching it, a car zoomed in and got it. She was about to roll
down her window and say something when she saw another one and snagged it.
Getting out her car, Whitney just had to tell the other driver that she
thought it was rude what they had done. Whitney was just about to ‘let it
rip’, when her mouth dropped open.
“ Theresa?”
“ Hi, Whitney.”
“ THIS is your car?”
“ Yes. A gift from Chad.”
“ Really. Well, you hit the jackpot, didn’t you?”, Whitney said, with sarcasm.
Theresa’s face fell. “ I thought you were ok with my relationship with
Chad. I thought you had let go of your past with him.”
“ I HAVE let go of my relationship with him, Theresa. It’s just that…..well,
Chad’s only a junior executive at Crane Industries. Isn’t that a LOT of
money to be spending on a car for YOU?”
“ Actually, Chad has a trust fund.”
“ Since when?”
“ Well, since before he was born. Katherine Crane set it up for him. “
“ Katherine Crane?”
“ Yes. And, Chad found out about it only a few days ago. So, he can afford
the car.”
“ Lucky for you.”
Theresa refused to feel guilty anymore. “ Yes, Whitney, I’m lucky that
I have such a generous boyfriend. Things are going well for the two of us.
If you don’t mind, I have a study group to meet. Bye.”
Theresa walked away with more than a bit of sadness. She missed Whitney.
A lot. She knew that Whitney must have some lingering feelings for Chad,
but that was Whitney’s problem. Of course, if she knew that she was Chad’s
sister, that would kill all the feelings, but it wasn’t for Theresa to tell
that secret. She’d just have to live with Whitney’s barbs for now. Of course,
she knew, when she went after Chad, that her friendship with Whitney was
going to be sacrificed. She didn’t like it, but she just accepted it.
Whitney watched Theresa walk away. She had to admit that she missed her
friend. She missed Theresa. She missed their friendship. Yes, she had been
hurt when she found out about Chad and Theresa, but she knew that a relationship
with Chad just couldn’t work out once it was revealed that he was a Crane.
Yet, it didn’t seem right; there she was, lonely, without anyone in her life,
and Theresa had bounced back, into the arms of ANOTHER Crane. She landed
on her feet, but then Theresa would. And, if Chad wanted to give Theresa
expensive gifts, it wasn’t her business.
Veronica got on the phone.
“ Hello?”
“ Hi, Momma.”
“ Veronica.”
“ Did you get the emails I sent you?”
“ Indeed I did. You have a great deal planned for this Chad person, don’t
you?”
“ Momma…”
“ Ronnie, do you know what you’re doing?”
“ Of course, I do.”
“ This is pulling out all the stops.”
“ Have you sent out the invitations?”
“ Yes. And, I’ve spoken with the caterers.”
“ What about the other parties?”
“ I’m working on them. WHY is this important to you?”
“ I just want to show Chad a good time.”
“ You don’t fool me, my Darling. I know you.”
“ Then why ask stupid questions, Momma?”
“ Touche. No more stupid questions. All I need is the final dates for your
arrival, and the other matters can be settled.”
“ Thank you, Momma.”
“ No problem.”