Episode 501: We Are Family

"I was about to suggest the same to you," Phillip Marques said though his tone sounded more along the lines of a demand.

Back in his playing days, Cal had never let his opponents push him around; he certainly wasn’t going to let some suit get away with it either. As successful a businessman as he’d become following his retirement form hockey, he still didn’t consider himself one of them. He’d rather go back to being dirt poor than be in league with ruthless bastards like Phillip Marques or Sarette’s father. In fact, the one thing about life behind a desk that was almost as pleasurable as life on the ice had been competing with smug elitists, proving he could play in their big money leagues and win. He intended to win here, too.

Phillip met him stride for stride though, all the way up the porch steps. Cal did take some satisfaction in his finger reaching the doorbell first. Phillip continued to stand his ground. "Later," Calvin barked at the other man.

"Yes, see you later," Phillip barked right back. "Like hell, I have important things to discuss with the kids."

"As do I."

"Maybe a neighbor will call the cops on them for disturbing the peace," Sebastian suggested in a low voice on the other side of the door.

"Could we be that lucky?" Ava whispered back.

"Something important," Cal sneered, "like springing me on my daughter when she wasn’t ready."

"You wouldn’t even know she exists if I hadn’t told you. If your first meeting didn’t go well that’s on you, not me. I’ve done nothing but try to help your daughter," Phillip insisted, while Ava mimicked gagging a finger down her throat. Bas nodded his agreement. "That’s why I’m here to offer my son and your daughter a more prominent position at my company. You should be happy for her."

"I will be when she, and your son accept the jobs I’m here to offer."

"It’s best if they stay with me."

"How do you figure that?"

"Well, Sarette wouldn’t want everyone to know-"

Sebastian yanked open the door. "Who do you think will get caught in the crossfire, Dad? And who won’t ever forgive you?"

"It was a bluff, son. A business tactic to ensure I hold onto two valuable employees."

"You won’t have to deal with tactics if you come work for-"

""You’re both right," Ava snapped. "Bas and I need some direction in our lives, but we’re adults, we’ll get there on our own."

"We will?"

Episode 502: If I Could