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Chapter 22
Facing Jack Frost
Tris' POV
I leave Tobias just as he is pulling a pair of jeans over his delicious hips. I feel the reminder of our earlier activities between my legs with each step. It's not too unbearable, thank goodness. Tobias is a big boy, almost too big for me to handle. But thank God I can… It's definitely something I wouldn't want to miss.
I walk down the steps as slowly as I can, again feeling every step that I take down along the way. I walk into the kitchen, surprised to see my mother still working. Guilt instantly overwhelms me, while Tobias and I were busy enjoying ourselves sexually, she was busy preparing for tomorrow.
"I'm sorry… I lost track of time," I admit, feeling the blush in my cheeks burn. A dead giveaway for sure.
"That's alright, sweetheart. I know you and Tobias had a lot to work out." She says, winking with her right eye. Which only makes my cheeks burn even hotter. It's one thing for your parents to know that you are seeing someone. It's something completely different when they know you and him are having sex and they are okay with it.
"I offered to get Tobias some coffee and a snack. It looks like he will be pulling an all-nighter," I confess. For a brief moment I wonder if she would think that would be due to our earlier activities.
"The report for his father tomorrow?" My mother asks. I nod, frowning at the thought of what the future might bring. "Is he having a hard time with it?" She asks, her voice tells me she knows more than what she is saying.
"Yeah. He is having trouble between writing what his father wants and what he thinks would be best," I admit, she nods her head in understanding. Obviously this isn't a surprise to her.
"I had a feeling he would grow conflicted." She expresses, as she continues, "His demeanor has changed since he first arrived. He isn't the same man he once was. I would imagine that would change the way he viewed things." She says, as she grabs two mugs of coffee and places them on a serving tray.
"His father isn't a good person, Mom," I say cautiously, not to give too much away. It's not my story to tell, after all. Even if I want my mother to know the true monster… I can't just blurt it all out. It wouldn't be fair to Tobias.
"Yes, I… got a hint that this was the case." She says, as she places a plate of Christmas cookies on the tray.
"And Dad still wants to go through with this? Knowing what might happen. With what all could be in jeopardy?" I ask, unable to hide my distaste.
"Beatrice." My mother begins. I feel the urge of rage run through me as she says my full name. It was always a way for her to get my attention, like I am a child.
"Don't," I say, disappointment in my voice. "Can't you both just wait until me and Dad can come to an agreement. There has to be something that we can do to change his mind. It can't just be all or nothing, mother." I push, knowing that this won't get me anywhere.
"Tris we are tired and your father… he is being selfish, yes, but he has his reasons." My mother says.
"Reasons?" I repeat."What could he possibly have for not passing down the resort. The place that my grandparents built. The place that I grew up in. The place that I thought I would take over," I say, lashing out my frustrations. I know this isn't fair of me and definitely not the time, but we are running out of time.
"All I'm going to say is that me and your father need our rest. And it's a burden that shouldn't have to be dropped on your laps because of our weakness." She says.
"Well I hope dad is ready for the consequences that are ahead. Because Mr. Eaton will be bulldosing this whole place to the ground," I blurted out. Something in my mother's expression tells me that although she is shocked to hear this, she isn't surprised. Perhaps she has always known what kind of monster he truly is.
"Maybe you should show him this. Perhaps it would change his mind." My father says from the kitchen doorway. Both my mother and I are surprised to see him standing there, we didn't even hear him come in. I glance at his hand that is reached out to me, holding a portfolio that I made him a long time ago of the changes that I proposed to happen. Things that would benefit the business, along with the guests' comfort. He was so quick at the time to turn down each and every proposal, hating the idea of the modern world coming in and taking over Prior Valley. I thought he burned the proposals, but somehow they are sitting in his hand.
"I thought…" I begin.
"Like your mother said. We are tired. We want to be able to move on and not worry about the mess we left behind for you or your brother to clean up. But that doesn't mean we don't care about it. Perhaps taking a look at what this place could be with your proposals would change his mind about tearing down the place." My father says. "You should show Tobias, see what he thinks." He suggests.
Tobias' POV
I sit down awkwardly on one of the two chairs in the small library. Although it's been less than a week here, being back in a suit feels just wrong. My shirt feels tighter even though I haven't gained weight, my pants feel awkward and almost like they are suffocating me. I wish I could just run up stairs and change into my jeans and flannel shirt. But I know Marcus wouldn't appreciate that at all. I wonder if he even has a pair of jeans.
I take another swig of my coffee. Wishing it was stronger than it is. Tris and I stayed up all night working on this report. I knew the moment that she showed me her portfolio of the changes that she made long ago for her father, it was the moment I knew I couldn't go through with writing the report the way Marcus would want. No matter the consequences.
I went as far as including the new lay out plans, adding on what is already here. Along with a prediction of what this place would look like after all the renovations. I sigh, hating what my gut says will come out of this meeting. Marcus isn't one for changing his ways.
"Tobias." Natalie says so softly from the entryway. I look up, catching her gentle smile. I can't help but return the smile back. One thing for sure, Natalie is a breath of fresh air, a woman that any man would be so lucky to have as a mother in law. Something I never thought I would think of having one day. "Your father's car just pulled up." She announces. I nod, taking a look at the laptop that sits between both chairs, making sure it's awake and open to the right document. I stand up, fixing my tie and fastening the buttons on my jacket. I can't wait for this to be over and I can change out of this damn monkey suit.
I walk out of the library trying to remain cool and collective. It was something branded into me from a young age. Never let my walls down, never show what really is going on behind the walls of Marcus' house, hide who I really am to please him.
I take a deep breath before I push my arms through the sleeves of my coat and head outside. I reach the door just in time for the driver to make his way around the car and open the door for my father. As always my father is all business the moment he steps out of the car. Closing the gap between us he reaches to shake my hand like the stranger he wished I was to him.
"Father," I greeted.
"Son. Do they always go all out like this or is this for us?" He asks, gesturing with his eyes towards all of the Christmas decorations. The question irritates me to the core. Funny, didn't I ask the same question when I arrived. Yet here I am, taking offense to his accusations. My how the table has really turned.
"No. They do this every year," I responded. I try to ignore the questioning look he gives me when I can no longer hold back the smile on my face. I never thought I would be that person that loved the lights so much… Until now.
"Marcus." Andrew greats holding out his hand for Marcus to take. Although he does, I can see the distaste he has for Andrew.
"Andrew, how are you?" He says, forcing a smile on his face.
"Hello Marcus." Natalie greets, joining us. She smiles, but does not offer my father her hand. I can see by the look on her face she doesn't trust nor respect my father. Can't say I blame her.
"Father, this is Andrew and Natalie's daughter, Tris." I introduced her.
"Sir." Tris says, awkwardly. Marcus nods, but does not offer Tris any other form of a greeting.
"Well, shall we get on with it." Marcus insists.
"Of course, right this way." Andrew gestures towards the front door.
As we all enter the resort, I look back and nod at the driver. Amar has been my father's second hand since I could remember. Even growing up, Amar has always been there driving, arranging deliveries and appointments, even caring for me. There were a few times that he even shared with me some of his wisdom while I was growing up, something I always respected from him. My father is no easy man to deal with. A part of me even wonders if he swallowed his pride and stuck around for me, trying to help with the load of dealing with my father.
"We reserved the library for you." Andrew says, gesturing towards the small room.
"Can I get you some coffee or a snack?" Natalie offers.
"No. That's not necessary, Natalie.'' Marcus says, coldly. I can already see the next hour or so not going well at all. I walk behind Marcus, taking the opposite chair across from him. He settles in his chair. Andrew closes the door behind us, giving me a small smirk before shutting us in. I swallow the tightness in my throat before I shake it off and focus on the matter of hand. I click the spacebar to begin my report.
"So, my recommendation is that we keep what is here and build from there. Keeping the existing guests and appealing to new ones," I finish, clicking on to the final slide of my presentation. The sketch Tris made long ago. It has everything in it, it's perfect.
The room grows silent as I wait for his reaction. His stone cold face.
"That was completely the biggest, most ridiculous presentation I have ever experienced. What is this Tobias? This is not what I asked for?" He goes on, "I should have known you would be so gullible and stoop so low. I should have gone with my gut and put Eric on this… He wouldn't have been manipulated so easily by these people." He rants.
"You know…" I begin,
"Don't you dare take that tone with me…" He lashes out. I press my lips together, glancing at the doors that are still shut, knowing damn well Tris and her parents can hear what is happening in here. He must be losing it, he has never let his monstrous form be exposed in public.
He stands, buttoning his suit jacket as if trying to remain in control. Like me, he glances at the door, pressing his lips together in rage.
"You're fired!" He finally snaps. He turns to collect his belongings. "I will be sending Eric next week." He finishes.
"You can, but I wouldn't bother. The Prior's will know what kind of man they are getting into business with, if they don't already," I say, standing from the chair as I gesture at the door letting him know that odds are they heard every word.
"You ungrateful little bastard." He mutters.
"If you say so," I say, cool as a cucumber. I could fight back, yell at him for everything that he has ever done to me and my mother. Take my one and only chance to give him a true piece of my mind, but I won't. It wouldn't change the past. It's not worth it. It never was.
"What did you just say, boy!" He yells, letting his cool slip once more.
"He said, if you say so." Hana says, entering the library.
"Hana, you are one for sore eyes. I take it my son invited you to join him on what should have been a work trip…" He glances at me, with accusations in his eyes. "Such a disappointment, Tobias. I should have gotten rid of you years ago,"
"Actually, my family and I have been coming here for years to spend Christmas here. It just so happens that this was the very spot you had fixed your claws in." She says, her smile increasing. She's obviously enjoying this moment way too much.
"Oh is that so? Oh how convenient." He says, not believing her.
"Believe what you will, Marcus." She says, nonchalantly. He wastes no more time on either of us as he grabs his coat and begins to head out.
"You'll be hearing from my new V.P. by the end of the week." Marcus says, passing Andrew.
"I wouldn't bother with that." Andrew says, draping his arm around Natalie's shoulder.
"Oh and why would that be, Andrew?" My father asks, getting Andrew's attention. He is surprised to hear this sudden change of heart.
"We are not selling." Andrew announces, glancing down at his wife pleasantly, before glancing at his daughter that stands beside me.
"We will see about that." Marcus says, as he makes his way out of the resort, slamming the door behind him. I'm left speechless by the moment wondering what will happen next.