The Business Man's Son (Wattpad Version)

Reconciliation

Landon

We had incoming residents, and I made my rounds when I heard someone yell.

"Christ, Asher!" A guy yelled.

I walked towards a bedroom to see Asher holding a bucket and Craig sitting in his bed wet with ice.

"I told you to get your ass up thirty minutes ago," Asher told Craig.

Craig wiped his face. "I had a rough night," He huffed.

"We all have rough nights, suck it up, buttercup. Now get up. You got group therapy in ten minutes," Asher ordered.

I stood there, shaking my head.

"Landon, can you leash yourself, dog?" Craig asked me.

"Sorry, Craig. You know the rules. Asher's in charge of making sure everyone isn't slacking," I replied.

Craig got out of bed and stormed past us. Asher walked over to me, holding the empty bucket.

"A bucket? Really?" I asked.

"Hey, it gets the job done," Asher retorted, shrugging.

I chuckled as I made my rounds. Asher is nuts, but he keeps the residents in check. I found Laticia's leading group, including book references. That made me smile since she helped me.

I checked the other employees to make sure everything was running smoothly. It impressed me how the halfway house was operating. That gave me time to complete paperwork for the state. After two hours, I finished and put it into a mailer for the mail carrier.

I went to the meeting room to meet with the residents. I sat down in a chair and opened a notepad.

"It seems everything is running smoothly. Everyone is doing their part except for Craig," I mentioned, giving Craig a look.

"Man," Craig groaned, throwing his arms down in frustration. "It's difficult when Asher keeps dumping cold water on you."

"That's no excuse. We had conversations about this, Craig. The residents do their part, and we do ours," I said.

"Come on, Landon. I got back late," Craig grumbled.

"No, Craig. This house is not a resort or hotel. You check-in and do your part or you go back to rehab," I said, not budging on the rules.

Craig grumbled. If the other residents follow the rules, so will he. I spoke to the other residents, and they discussed issues. We worked on their problems were at the moment. The entire point is to make sure a resident doesn't relapse.

After I finished with the group meeting, I went to my office. I sat down in my chair and picked up my phone. I checked my messages to find funny ones from Quinn. Dad checked to see how everything was going. Mom checked on me. Lexie sent me a picture of Kacey. It made me smile. Then I got a message that I wasn't expecting.

Can we talk? - Valeria

I sent a message back. A message appeared a little while later, and I grabbed my keys. Asher stopped me on my way out.

"Where are you going?" Asher asked.

"Someone is in trouble," I answered.

Asher looked at me, confused, and I left. I got into my car and drove until I pulled up to a playground. I got out of the car and saw Valeria on a swing. I walked over to her, and she looked up at me with tear-streaked cheeks. I knelt in front of her.

"Landon, I made a mess of everything," Valeria sniffled.

I looked at my sister with concern. "Talk to me," I coaxed.

"The night that Joe came and got me, it terrified me. I called Dad, but he wouldn't talk to me. All I wanted was Dad to tell me everything is okay," Valeria said, her voice breaking.

"It's because Dad was with Mom and me. I got myself into a situation, and they were trying to get me out," I explained.

Valeria looked at me as tears fell down her cheeks.

"I screwed up and got involved in a lifestyle that I should never be in the first place. It was stupid and dangerous," I explained.

I looked at Valeria as she sniffled.

"Valeria, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I can't tell you. I didn't want you mad at me," Valeria sniffled.

"I'm not mad at you, but talk to me," I begged.

Valeria looked at me and smiled. "I can't," she whispered. I looked at her with furrowed brows. Valeria hugged me, and I hugged her back. Do you have a feeling about something and wish that you didn't? That's the feeling I got.

******
Valeria

I let go of Landon and looked at him. "I got your message, and I will attend your wedding," I said.

That surprised Landon.

"Please wait until I get back," I begged.

"Where are you going?" Landon asked me.

"I have a business trip. I have to leave for eight months. It's a deal that I'm working on for Dad," I lied.

"Is Dad aware of this trip?" Landon questioned.

"Not yet, but I'm telling Dad this week," I answered, knowing the truth. Landon looked at me with disbelief, but I didn't want to jeopardize his sobriety. It was better this way.

I got off the swing, and Landon stood up. I hugged him again, then walked away, leaving him standing next to the swings. I walked over the car where Cameron was standing.

"You can take me home," I said.

Cameron said nothing but opened the door. I climbed into the backseat. He shut the door and got into the driver's side. He pulled away from the playground.

"This week, I will need you to pack clothes since you will accompany me on a business trip," I informed Cameron.

"Yes, ma'am," Cameron answered.

I made sure that I made arrangements. I contacted a hotel and informed them of my itinerary along with other details. I made sure everything was covered. I falsified documents to include people and businesses. I would give Dad the information, then leave. It was better that way. The less he knew, the better.

*******
Landon

I went home, but meeting with Valeria bother me. Why did I feel like my sister was saying goodbye? I arrived home and went up to the apartment. Quinn wasn't back yet.

I called Lexi. She answered after the second ring.

"Lex, it's Landon," I said.

Well, duh. I programmed your number with your name. You're such a dork, Landon.

"Oh, haha," I retorted.

Lexie laughed.

"I saw Valeria this evening. Have you talked to her?" I asked.

Yeah, Valeria called me. She apologized for her behavior.

"Did it seem odd to you?" I questioned.

A little, but working with Dad must have straightened her out.

"I don't know, Valeria seemed different," I mentioned.

Valeria has always been different. I wouldn't worry about it.

"Yeah," I sighed. Lexie and I talked more; then, I hung up. Maybe it was nothing, but I had a feeling it wasn't. I guess we will see.