Nothing Personal

Sean

"I thought that you would abandon ship once it's steady" Marteaz said once I sat in his office. Not even a greeting, I was used to that.
"Maybe I have changed my mind, you aren't making me walk the plank now are you?"
He smiled.
"How can I now, you seem to be Adam's pawn. I never knew how he desperately needed a son till he stole you from me"
"Maybe he has been more of a father these past few days" I said under my breath.
He knit his brows, his eyes dark and serious, a darker shade of grey.
"What do you mean by that?" He growled.
"You know exactly what I mean"
"Don't let a little power and influence make you forget your position in my life"
"And what position, might you remind me, do I hold in your life? As far as I can remember I am your son am I not?"
"My junior no matter what. Don't forget that now, not after all we've been through"
"I cannot and will never forget anything, you fed me, lived with me, provided everything,,,,but do you even know anything about me?" I asked out of rage. It was disrespectful, and Grace had taught me better than that, but I couldn't hold it in much longer. My words sank in him, but his face remained emotionless.
"I know everything about you. I know that you have a wife who is making all this possible. I know that you are the next big thing in this industry and soon to be Head of all transactions in this underworld. So yes....I do know you"
My heart fell. It was just business to him. I had never really cared about my relationship with my father, I didn't even know why I cared now. Violet had opened up a side of me I never even knew existed. A humane side, a comforting and affectionate side. Hearing him say that ripped my heart out and tore it apart.

"I have to go" I said and abruptly stood up.
"Sean, come join Grace and I for dinner tonight. Your wife is invited of course" he said quietly. My heart lifted, merely a millimetre.
"Okay" I said and moved out of his presence, a smile forming at the corners of my mouth.

***
"Such a nice meal mother" Violet said to Grace while biting into her pudding.
"Let's go clean the dishes dear" Ma said to her. She stood and followed her to the kitchen, out of earshot.
"She is a nice one, unlike her father" my father said.
"She is being polite, other days she is cold as ice" I joked.
"That explains why Grace and her are such a vibe" he said. We burst out laughing.
"On a more serious note, you and Violet should come live here. Grace is always happy when she is around" he said.
My laughter ended at a sour note.
"Live here?"
"Yes"
"Because of Grace or because you thought about what I said today?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, it's not like I cried after your heartfelt speech" he said with a warm smile.
"Well, thank you but we would rather not invade"
"Invade? You moved out when you turned eighteen! I think it's time for you and your wife to come home, so we can learn about each other, your plans for the future, my grand babies...."
"Woah, a little too far there. There will be no grand babies" I said.
"Never say never, I thought I would never settle down, but I got Grace, people even call her your mother" he said proudly. Violet and Ma's excited chatter grew louder as they entered the dining area.
"We will think about your offer" I said to Marteaz.
"Which offer?" Ma and Violet asked.
"I'll tell you later" I whispered to Violet after standing next to her and holding her hand.
"For now we should get going. Thanks for the meal, Violet is all rounded except in the kitchen" I said squeezing Violet's hand. She smacked my arm before joining in the laughter.
"I will give you lessons darling" Ma said to Violet, "bye my son" she said to me.
Violet hugged her for a little bit longer than expected then we took off to our car.