Meant To Be

Chapter 2:

I've learn too many things from my father. One of them was to always be punctual, beeing late is consider a disrespect, and as I sit here waiting for Hiram Lodge to make an appearance, I can atleast enjoy the view.

The little place that stands not so far from the beach might be a bit delightful. I can smell the ocean just as I can see it crash against the rocks. I must admit, Jughead picked a nice place for this awfull meeting to take place.

"Andrews"

There he is. The famous Hiram Lodge, I heard my father talk about him all the time yet I never met him in Person before. His presence is a bit intimidating I must admit, and his side smile is disturbing.

"Lodge"

His hand is ice cold as I shake it. He is indeed a very built man. His stare is penetrating and fearless.

"So nice to finally meet you, your father always talked about you"

Lier. My father never wanted to mix family with business, that was the number one rule.

" I bet he did..."

"So, what are you drinking?"

"Whiskey"

" hmmm just like your father"

He signal the waitress of the bar and ordered two Whiskeys, his suit was impeccable.

" Jones called me and told me you had made your mind on the deal I offer"

" I did. I can provide you with protection from any legal actions that can take away your plans for Riverdale, I can make sure all paperwork gets expedited so you can start right away. "

"Talk to me in number Andrews, how much is this gonna cost me?"

" I dont have a number for you because I dont want your money"

" what?, are you trying to fool me boy?"

" I heard many things from the Lodges and one of them is the fact that sometimes your family is not very loyal. We both know how to play this game and I know you have played it longer than me....that is why I need a guarantee"

" you have my word"

" your word is not enough, if I do this, I am giving you acess to the town where I grew up,  there is people here that I care about."

" what exactly is it that you want"

" I want to become part of your family"

" you know damn well how this works Andrews, the only way you can become part of another family is if you...."

Hiram was a brilliant man and that is probably why he has survive so many years in this business, but to a man there were limits.

" NO!"

" come one Hiram, this is a business deal, you want Riverdale or not?"

" how dare you suggest such a thing?"

" what?, you dont think I can make a good husband?"

So Hiram Lodge had a push button. It turns out his precios little daughter was it. Part of the old Archie felt disgusting about thinking such horrible things, but the new Archie felt a bit of relaxed and entertain knowing that he had just put Hiram Lodge in a very difficult position.

" You dont know anything Andrews, what will the other families say if they knew what you are suggesting?, they would take you out in a heartbeat"

"And that is why, nobody needs to know. I mean Hiram, you are a reasonable man. You understand business, I will treat your daughter like what she wil be, my wife"