“We haven’t spoken to Jack about this yet. He doesn’t know the extent of Daniel’s illness and the need for a quick transition,” Mrs. Saunders said. The soft way her voice caressed her husband’s name made my heart ache. “We need him to focus completely on the company and the transition. Investors are already beginning to worry. He cannot have you as a distraction.”
“I didn't realize that I was a distraction," I said, putting a little sass in my voice. "What is it that you want me to do?” There was a hollowness in the pit of my stomach that I didn’t like. The coffee was growing cold in my cup.
Mrs. Saunders sighed, clearly not a fan of my tone. “Jack was always one to rebel when he felt pushed into something he didn’t want to do. We would like the separation to come from you.”
“What do you expect me to say to him?” I asked. I didn’t want my coffee anymore. I didn’t want to have this conversation anymore. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders glanced at one another, a silent conversation slipping through the moment again.
“That's up to you. Tell him you can’t see him right now. Tell him you don’t love him. Break his heart if necessary, but he needs to focus on taking over the company right now. That is what is most important. Too much is at stake for him to explore his feelings for you.”
I looked at her brown eyes and saw a strange collection of emotions—concern and cruelty, heartache and determination, reluctance and sadness. She was accustomed to her wealth and getting what she wanted for her sons. Although she wanted to like me, she obviously thought her son could do better. She wanted her son to be happy, but the company must survive—it was like one of her children. She was being forced to choose between the happiness of two of her children.
I nodded slowly, trying to process exactly what she wanted me to do. She wanted me to leave Jack. I wasn’t sure if the request would be simple or the hardest thing in the world. I didn't really care about the company, I only cared about Jack. I wanted to scream "Who the fuck do you think you are?" but I knew that would get me nowhere. I decided it would be better to just let them tell me what they wanted. I could fight it later.
“It is of course your decision. We would never force you, or Jack, into something you don’t want to do,” Mrs. Saunders said. Her voice was smooth, like a salesman’s.
I wanted to say 'You are currently forcing Jack' but I bit my tongue.
She sighed. “One last thing. This may help you decide. This came in the mail to your house. We had it forwarded here.”
She slid a large envelope with a fancy seal across the table. It was from my first choice of vet schools. I picked it up with shaking hands, the size of the envelope promising admission. I noticed there was a normal sized envelope bearing the DS Oil and Gas logo attached with a paperclip.
“You’ve been accepted to the school. We had nothing to do with your admission, but there is a full scholarship set up in your name if you take it and leave our son to run his business. Included is a sizable sum to help you cover any expenses.” Mrs. Saunders paused as I weighed the two envelopes in my hands. “If you stay with Jack, you can never become a vet. People would line up with their dogs and cats to become your clients and patients because they know if you make even the slightest mistake, they can sue you for millions. You will never be able to practice without the fear that they were using you. If you stay with Jack, you become part of the company—an employee like the rest of us. You will be lost in a world that is not of your making. Dinners and charities will fill your days instead of animals. Your dreams will die.”
I set the two envelopes down in front of me, the DS Oil and Gas logo merging with the seal on the acceptance envelope. Mrs. Saunders watched me, her eyes cold. I wondered what she had given up to be be where she was now. I hoped this was her way of preventing what happened to her happen to me. I felt light headed. I couldn’t decide if I was angry, confused, frightened or grateful.
“So,... you’re bribing me?” I asked, looking her in the eye. She shrugged.
“If that is how you want to look at it. I prefer it to be a generous parting gift. You made my son smile. You gave him something that money can’t buy and this is the only way I know how to repay you. I am giving you an option I never had.” The only way she knows—money for emotions. I pitied her.
I looked down at the envelopes again. This is what I had wanted for so long. On top of that it would all be paid for. I could have my dream and not go into debt, start my own practice the minute I finish school. I could live the life I had always dreamed of and go back to doing the work I love. Back to my home where people don’t push and shove and take pictures for money.
I picked up the two envelopes, stacking them neatly before holding them out for Mrs. Saunders to take back. I don’t want their money. I want Jack.
“Think it over for a little while,” she said gently, pushing them back towards me. “This money is very little to us, but to you, it would mean your whole future. Take it, and think it over for a day. I know you will make the right decision.”