212 The Right Decisions

(Jayden)

I take a deep breath before answering. "Brennan," I say, my voice steady, even though my stomach is in

knots.

"Mr. Brennan, this is Dr. Mitchell. I wanted to give you an update on Ashlyn and the baby."

I hold my breath, waiting for the worst. "Go ahead."

"The baby's condition remains stable. No changes today, which is good news. We're continuing to monitor closely, but for now, everything is holding steady."

Relief washes over me. "Thank you, Doctor, I appreciate the update."

"You're welcome. We'll keep you informed of any changes. There's no need for you to be here tonight if you choose to stay home."

"Thanks," I say again before ending the call. I stare at the phone in my hand, letting the relief sink in. "The baby's still okay." I tell Winona who is looking on, concerned. "Oh, thank goodness. That's great news, Jayden."

"I think I'll stay here tonight. Doc says I'm not needed there."

"It's up to you. I get it if you feel you need to be at the hospital."

"Maybe for a check in. But then I'll come back."

My phone buzzes again. This time it's Lance. Winona nods as I answer and she heads off to the kitchen.

"Lance, what's up?" He shouldn't still be at work at this time of the evening.

"Jayden," Lance's voice is tense, "I just got off the phone with the board. They're insisting on a meeting first thing this morning. They're saying your presence is mandatory:"

I roll my eyes. "Of course they are. They're probably losing their shit because I haven't been around."

"Pretty much," Lance confirms. "You're all over the media again. They've got questions. They've heard rumors about your commitment, and they want answers. They don't like being kept in the dark." 200

"Well, they're about to get their answers," I say, my voice hardening.

"What are you planning?" Lance asks, though I'm sure he already knows.

"I'm going to tell them my shares are up for grabs," I say firmly. "I'm done with this. I've got a growing family to think about, and they're my priority."

Lance is silent for a moment, then he lets out a slow breath. "I figured that's where you were headed. But have you thought about who you're selling to? The board's going to freak if they think you're selling to an outsider. Not to mention me, I've just put a down-payment on a bigger place."

"You're giving up couch-surfing?"

"I didn't do that all the time. But I want somewhere bigger to live. Stop changing the subject. Will I be

212 Tim Right Decisions

unemployed tomorrow?"

"I've thought about it," I admit, running a hand through my hair. "I don't want to let down my employees. I owe you all for your loyalty to me, to Brennan Industries."

7'm surprised you've considered us, to be honest."

"I'm not that bad."

"Well..."

"Shut up. Lance. Listen. I've been thinking about leaving the shares to someone who might actually do something with them. Someone who knows the company inside and out." "Who?" Lance asks, suspicion creeping into his voice.

"My mother."

"Judy?" Lance sounds excited. "God, please say that's true. At least we knew where we stood when she was running the place. I mean you are good, but she's better, you know?" "Well, thanks." I say sarcastically. "Don't be afraid to tell me how you really feel."Têxt belongs to .

1 thought you weren't talking to her these days."

"I have a no contact order on her."

"Shit. That's drastic."

"Drastic?! She's almost had me killed twice, that I know of."

"You always overreact. Anyway, back to the shares thing..."

"If I leave the shares to her, it gives her something else to focus on. It keeps her out of my life, and it guarantees that the people who've been loyal to me, like you, keep their jobs." "It's a risky move. I like it."

It's a calculated risk."

"What will you do?"

"I'll be a stay-at-home dad for a while."

Lance laughs hard and loud at this. "Ahhh, cool joke, Bro. No really."

""I'm serious."

"You're more of an idiot than I thought."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Honestly, man. You have no idea what you're doing with people let alone kids."

"I'll learn."

"I don't like kids that much, but I sure feel sorry for yours right now. I mean they poop and stuff. They have no control over their bodily functions."

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212 The Right Decisions

"Lucky you've made me an expert on that countless Friday

nights over the vas

"Hah! Hey, we should go out soon." Lance changes the topic as only he can.

"I have a little bit on at the moment."

"Chicken."

"What?"

He begins clucking like a hen over the phone. "Honestly, will you ever grow up?"

He just clucks louder.

"Okay, okay. Arrange something. I'll be there if I can. I'm not sure how things are going to progress with Ashlyn."

"Yeah. That sucks. I feel bad for her. I mean she was part of our group for a while. It must be hard for you."

"You had sex with her. This baby could just as easily been yours."

"But it isn't and we've been over this. We're good, aren't we?"

"Like I have a choice."

"Yeah, you can't live without me.

"See you in the morning." I cut the call.

I swear the world could be about to explode and he'd find something to crack a joke about. But that's Lance and he's my best and most loyal friend.

I hope I'm doing the right thing with the shares. But everyone having their jobs is important.

Just because I don't want the business, doesn't mean it has to shut down.

to Daniel about the legal aspects of dividing my shares before I go in in the morning,

I'll talk to

0000

Decisions made.