Marriage Before Graduation

Chapter Twenty-Three

Malik met us halfway between our house and his office in Racine. We met at a restaurant/bar called Big Ed's in Park City. Malik stood from his seat at the table when we arrived, smiling at us. Elijah slid me into the booth first, then tucked in beside me.

"I hope I'm not interrupting your day. I thought you would be at school until the afternoon, Little Ava," Malik said.

"I just couldn't let her out of my sight today," Elijah said with a suggestive smile. "So we both decided to stay home."

"Ah, the honeymoon phase," Malik said, looking down to reminisce silently. "I have some important news for you, and it affects you both, so I wanted to tell you both privately before we make the information known."

"What is it?" Elijah seemed tense beside me, so I reached out for his hand to try to calm his nerves.

"I'm deteriorating quickly. Sophia and I have made the decision for me to step down."

Elijah squeezed my hand, his jaw clenching.

"I will be turning over my business to you. Effective next week, when we make the announcement."

"Dad." Elijah sighed. "Are you sure?"

"I've been having some trouble with a few things. Sophia wants to travel for a little while longer before I can't remember who she is."

Elijah's jaw tightened back up, and he seemed to switch tracks in his brain. Any concern that had been visible on his face before was gone. He was back in control. "So when are we making the announcement?"

"I want to go over a few minor details with you. I'd like to borrow you away from your wife for a couple of days to get everything settled. Then maybe Monday or Tuesday, I'll step down, you step up, and it's all yours."

"How much more responsibility will you be taking on?" I asked quietly, not sure if I was supposed to speak.

"It's based on regions, so I'd really have to look at a map to be one-hundred percent sure, but I already control Chicago and the surrounding areas, as well as a couple smaller cities here and there throughout Illinois. When dad steps down, I'll have all of our businesses in the US looking up to me. There are people below me who would do a large portion of the work, but if anything happens or if important deals need to be made, I would be the one expected to take care of it."

"Whoa," I breathed. "That sounds really intense."

"We'll get the hang of it," he said, trying to reassure himself as much as he was me. He turned back to his dad. "How many days do you think it will take to go over everything?"

"Well, we could probably get it done in 2 or 3 days. You already know how to do everything, I just want to introduce you to everyone and start getting the word out that we're going to be changing things up."

"So, I'll leave home Friday morning, then. Will that work?"

"It should. I'll have your mom get the guest room ready for you. You're going to do a great job. You've got Little Ava by your side. You will do even better than I have," Malik said, never breaking eye contact with Elijah. "I've got to get heading back. I'll see you on Friday."

Malik hugged Elijah and I before we left.

Elijah's hand landed on my thigh as soon as the car started moving.

"Are you nervous?" I asked.

He scoffed, shaking his head. "Hell yeah, I'm nervous."

I put my hand on top of his.

"I mean, I always knew this was coming. Eventually all parents die, right? I knew my dad wasn't going to live forever. I knew one day I would be the heir to his reign. I guess I just didn't think it would be so soon. I'm not even twenty-five. We just got married. I thought I would have more time to get settled into my life before he handed me the keys."

I nodded a long. "I can totally relate to that."

"Everything in these last couple months has moved so fast. I feel like everything is sped up just because my dad has this stupid illness! I'm very grateful I get to be with you, and I don't think I could do this without you by my side. I just wasn't thinking about this happening right now. I feel totally unprepared."

"Just like Malik said, you're going to do great. Remember what you told me our first day after getting married?"

"What's that?"

"We're going to rule the world."

He smiled. "Yes, we will." He squeezed my thigh. "See? This is what I mean. I need you in my corner."

I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth. "So I'll be alone all weekend?" I gulped. Saying it out loud made my stomach drop to my lap.

"Yes, but you'll be just fine, I promise. You can call or text me at any time and I'll answer for you, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay."

"I know it's hard, but once we get through this weekend, things will be different."

"So, are you going to keep me home the rest of the week?" I asked hopefully.

"No. I'm sorry, baby. I have so many things to do now to get ready. I have to handle things at work tomorrow to be prepared to be out for at least Friday, maybe Monday and Tuesday, too. I have to pack things. Maybe you could get together with some girl friends from school and have them spend the weekend with you at our place. I could have someone come and watch over you."

"I don't know anyone at school that well. I've only gone there for two days."

"You will figure it out. I'm sorry to do this to you, but I have to handle this business. We will get through this, okay? I promise."

I took a deep breath. "Maybe I'll binge watch some things on Netflix I've been meaning to watch."

"There ya go! That sounds like a really good idea."

I sat back in the seat, watching the Chicago skyline come into view out my window, trying to keep the tightness in my chest from overtaking me. I only had 2 nights left with Elijah before he would be away from me for days. I needed to make the best of them.