“Because it’s true. He did believe in you, but he wasn’t very good at expressing himself.” A trait Cyrus seemed to have inherited.
“Come on, Cyrus,” Xavier said with a chuckle. “Is this one of your tactics to get what you want? You want me back here, so now you’re trying to convince me Father actually wanted me to help run the company?”
Cyrus stared straight at his brother. “You know I never play games to get what I want. Father wanted us to get along and run the company together, and he was disappointed in your lack of interest.”
Xavier fell silent for awhile, mulling the words. “I’m not cut out for the corporate life,” he mumbled.
“Maybe you’re afraid,” Cyrus said.
“I’m not afraid,” Xavier growled, turning to his brother with his empty hand clenched into a fist at his side. “Stop saying that.”
Cyrus faced him squarely. “Then stop running away,” he shot back. He glanced around to make sure they weren’t drawing attention to themselves. “Bring all your save-the-world passion to Johnson Enterprises. Who knows what will happen if you and I work together. We could possibly become the number one beer company in the country.” He’d thought about it at length, and it was possible. They were already in the top three, so to reach number one wasn’t entirely outside the realm of possibility. He wanted to bring in consultants to help them achieve that, but if he could get Xavier in there, too, with fresh perspectives and his brilliant mind, they might be unstoppable.
“Are you saying you need me?” Xavier asked with a mocking smile.
Cyrus didn’t respond right away. He thought about what Daniella had said about catching more flies with honey. He swallowed his pride.
“Yes,” he answered finally. “I need you.”
Xavier raised his eyebrows in surprise, and then he stared down into his drink. “I’ll think about it,” he muttered.
Chapter Twelve
Near the end of the evening, Cyrus took to the middle of the gathered group and toasted his sister and her future husband. Lucas made a toast as well, commenting on the “uneventful” progression of his and Ivy’s relationship. Everyone chuckled, knowing full well the details of their dramatic reconciliation. He then recited an original poem, professing his love for Ivy and their daughter, causing a series of ooh’s and ah’s from the group and Ivy to wipe away tears from her eyes.
With the sun sinking, the exterior lights came on and slowly, guests started exiting. Lucas and Ivy said goodbye to each of them with hugs and kisses. Cyrus and his brothers huddled together, watching the departures. Their mother, Constance Johnson, walked over and clasped her hands in front of her. Her eyes encompassed her four sons, and her face glowed with pleasure and motherly pride. “It’s so good to see all my boys here together.” She patted Gavin’s cheek. “I trust you’re going to stay a while.”
“I’m planning to,” he replied. He dodged her eyes when he said it, which made Cyrus doubt his sincerity.
“Good.”
She walked up to Cyrus and he bent so she could kiss his cheek. “Thank you, dear,” she said softly in his ear. “You made me and your sister very happy.” She then left to help tend to the parting guests.
At least he was making someone happy. Cyrus searched for and saw his wife chatting with Ivy. A faint notch of regret swelled in his chest.
Daniella had been noticeably ill at ease during the entire party. At least to him, though others probably didn’t notice. She was probably worried about tonight. He needed to think of a way to ease the transition back into married life.
****
“I have to give you another hug before I go and tell you again how happy I am for you.” Daniella embraced Ivy.