Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
“Sit,” Callum says, his voice stern, but not angry.
I drop into the chair in front of his desk as my heart pounds in my chest, echoing in my ears. The walls feel like they’re closing in, and all I want to do is get out of this room, out of this situation, but there’s nowhere to run.
“So, what’s going on?” Callum asks, his eyes narrowing as he looks at me. “You’ve been distracted for weeks, calling out, barely pulling your weight around here. Is there something wrong I should know about?”
I shift uncomfortably in my chair, as my mind races for an explanation that doesn’t involve the truth. How would he react to the fact that I want to pursue a writing career? How would he react to me falling in love with our brother’s ex girlfriend?
“I’ve just... I’ve had a lot going on,” I say in a quiet voice while I keep my gaze fixed on the floor.
Callum leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You’ve had a lot going on? Like what? Because Atta Boy should be what you’ve got going on. I’ve given you plenty of time to fuck off and do whatever you please, but this conversation is long overdue, Tripp.”
The guilt I feel from all the lies has my heart squeezing in my chest. A pain that wraps around my entire body. “Yeah, I know,” I say, shaking my head.
“You know? So prove it to me. It’s time for you to take on your part of this brewery. When I started this business I wasn’t just setting myself up for success, I was setting all my brothers up for success. And Anya now too. But this brewery is our family business, Tripp. It’s our legacy. It’s something greater than all of us. I’ve sacrificed a lot in my life to ensure that Shepherd, Paxton, Brock, and you don’t need to. It’s time to take your place here. It’s been waiting for you for a long time.” He reaches into his desk and pulls out some papers, sliding them across the desk to me. “You’ll be learning how to brew with Brock. He’s going to show you everything step by step. I’ve already spoken with him and he’s excited to show you all the ins and outs. These papers explain everything you’ll be working with from the hops to the still. Study them, get an idea about it all. It’s important.”
I’m staring at him listening to everything he’s saying, but I’m speechless. I feel guilty for disappointing, lying, and hiding from my family. Everything Callum is saying pulls me in a million different directions. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m overwhelmed with it all and I can’t run and hide at Millie’s. Not for this.
“Listen, I just want the success for you that you deserve, Tripp. This is where it happens and believe me, you’ll understand that once you are more involved. Not just waiting and busing tables, but actually a part of the brewery. You’ll feel the pride.” He pulls out a piece of paper and writes down a few things before focusing back on me. “I’ll give you the weekend, but Monday morning no more fucking around. It’s time to focus on your career, okay?”
What can I say? There’s no fighting Callum, not when it comes to the brewery. So I nod and stand from the chair, as I try to push down everything I’m feeling. The anger for being treated like the child I no longer am. The guilt for the endless lies that still continue. The sadness for not feeling the way about this brewery that everyone else does.
Can I really let my family down?
“I’ll be here Monday morning,” I say, feeling completely defeated.
“You sure there’s not something you want to talk about?” he asks, standing from his chair.
“No, sorry about everything,” I say, stepping away from the desk. It’s the only truth I’ve spoken to him in far too long.
When I leave his office, I feel as if the weight of the world is pressing down on me. My dreams are not my own and I don’t know if there’s anything I can do because I do owe my brother for his sacrifices.
After a while of trying to get my thoughts together in the bathroom, I make my way to Anya and Griffin’s engagement party. It’s underway now and when I walk in the room I can feel Millie’s presence before I even see her.
My eyes seek hers and when they collide I feel my heart slam against my chest. Her smile is radiant, causing her eyes to gleam with joy as she stares at me. She expects me to tell my family we’re a couple and I honestly don’t think I have it in me right now.
“Everything all right?” Brock asks, coming to stand next to me.