You All Over Me [BxB]

Thirty-Nine

Theodore bites his tongue, his throat closing up, the back of his eyes burning. How could they put Jacob in the middle of this?

Jacob takes a deep breath and answers politely, "I am honored and grateful for your offer, Tita Olive, Tito. I do like court litigation, and my experience at your firm was... phenomenal. It was during that period that I knew I had made the right decision in pursuing law."

Theodore's mom's tense shoulders loosen, and so do Theodore's, remembering how there had been a point when Jacob wasn't sure what he was doing with his life, when law school felt like a last resort, almost a pastime.

Hearing him say he enjoys the profession—it brings Theodore immense joy.

Jacob, with a reassuring grip on Theodore's hand, proceeds, "But I have to respectfully decline. If it makes Theodore uncomfortable, I can't go through with it."

"Jake..."

His dad's eyebrows arch. "What's causing this worry, Theo? We're letting you do what you want, and we're only giving Jacob the opportunity because he's interested in the path we paved for you. Would you prefer that we give it to someone else?"

Theodore looks at Jacob, finding nothing in his expression but composure. His thoughtful gaze soothes Theodore's nerves, helping him keep his emotions in check, and his pulse steadies.

Right. This is a great chance for Jacob to kickstart his career in a prestigious law firm, working on corporate law and litigation. He can't make this decision for him.

"Do you... do you want to...? Are you okay with this?" he asks.

"Be honest, Jacob. We won't take it against you if you refuse," Olivia urges.

Jacob's eyes glow with inner light as he nods. "I... I do, Theo. But it's a lot of pressure because you are the standard I have to meet. And if you don't want me to, I understand—"

"No! You should do it," Theodore utters, the words bursting out. "I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd want to work at the firm. And I didn't want you to feel like you'd have to do this for me."

"You don't need to worry."

His dad continues eating and declares, "Then that's settled."

"I'm sorry..." Theodore mumbles, his head ducked. "I got worked up over nothing."

"It's alright, Theo. We know the past year hasn't been easy for our family," she says kindly. "We hope you also understand that we want what is best for you and your future."

"As your mother said, do your best. You're an Aguilar. Remember that. If you're going astray, at least do it well."

He doesn't reply, long since accustomed to this approach to discipline. But at least the issue wasn't kept under wraps, and now, he's free to do as he pleases.

At what cost?

"Jacob managing the law firm after we retire in around five years sounds like a good idea, too, right? He'll start as an associate, of course, but he might become a junior partner ahead of his peers."

And there it is.

"Mom... Don't start..." Theodore says through gritted teeth. "That's nepotism."

"Not if he's amazing."

Jacob presses his lips together and scratches his cheek awkwardly. "Not to sound ungrateful, but I would really prefer not to receive any special treatment."

"Exactly," Theodore asserts. "Mom, promise us. You won't pull strings or anything like that. Let him climb the ranks the right way."

His father expels a resigned sigh. "Ah, kids these days."