Something About You (draft)

Chapter 3: Meet-Cue

-Danny-

(This entire class, Danny has barely stopped staring at her back, but he's deep in thought.)

Occasionally she'd rub her back, almost like she can feel his gaze on her. I like knowing she's at least aware of me.

There's 23 minutes left of class. The teacher had them all write an essay about what they would like to do in their futures so everyone's heads down, most of class. It's obvious some students have no clue, they look deep in thought while Danny already finished his essay. I know what I want to do. It's what I was born to do. My father had already set my life out for me, his little freedom he allowed was who I decided to marry. He told me when I was 12. It's been a goal since 13..

-Flashback-

At 11, I was looking in the mirror, checking to see if I had any facial hair yet, like my dad. Mom always joked that even after dad shaved he still had thick stubble. Since I looked up to my dad, (and hadn't known about his wild affair yet) I wanted to be just like him.

My father came into the bathroom with me, I was silly leaving the door open, thinking back. He came over, clapped his hand against my back with a gentle chuckle, "Whatcha doing sport?"

"Oh, Hi dad! I am looking for hairs. A growing boy should start getting more hair soon, right?" I smiled big up at him. Mom told me that a week ago.

"Sure thing, son. Mind if we have a chat? Why don't you come in my office".

By this time, it was rare to be allowed in his office. That's how I knew it was a serious conversation.

We both walked leisurely into the office, usually he'd sit in his office chair, behind his desk. For this conversation, he sat on the couch located against the left wall in his office. He patted the spot next to him "Come here, my boy." I smiled at him but I was getting nervous.

Once I sat down he started explaining to me what he set up for my future, I'll never forget every word he said. There was no need to be nervous.

He said "One day, you're going to turn 18, that's when you'll get most of your inheritance. Now son, that includes some of my shares in my businesses. If something were to happen before that, your mother will take over all accounts, until you turn 18. You'll get the rest of your inheritance at 25. Now, when you graduate from school, you'll have a year off, do your soul searching then, son. Get the "wildness" out. Explore, have some fun. Don't get anyone pregnant! After that year, you're going into college, to major in business and finance. That's when you're taking over my companies, all of them. I plan on retiring then. You're not to sell them. You're not to share earnings, you're not to give any of your shares away. Not even to your future wife, and you will have them sign a prenup. Right now maybe that sounds harsh, but you'll understand better when you're older. Do you understand, Daniel?"

"Did you make momma sign a prenup?" I search his eyes curiously. Momma taught me what a prenup was a few months ago. Said it was good to know about, just in case.. Now I see why.