“Then we both would’ve been wrong.” Tyler rubbed his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. But I don’t think you would’ve made the same mistake. You would’ve listened to your instincts and asked all of the right questions before making a final decision.” His father’s instincts had helped grow a business that had started at a dining room table and made it into an international success.
“I don’t understand you, Ty. You’ve been telling me you wanted to be CEO since you were a child. Why are you now getting cold feet?”
Tyler massaged the back of his neck. “Because I don’t want my poor judgment to ruin this forty-three—soon to be forty-four—year-old company.”
“Your concern proves you’re not going to make the same mistake again. It also means you’re the leader Kayla and I want for the company.”
Tyler shook his head. “How did you come to that conclusion?”
His father’s gaze locked with Tyler’s. “Ty, in life, what matters aren’t the mistakes you make but the lessons you learn from them.”
“Well, I’ve learned a lot from this particular mistake.” Including the fact that second chances are rare.
“Good. They’ll serve you well as you lead the company.” Foster’s confidence in him increased Tyler’s restlessness.
He’d hoped this campaign would end differently. In his mind, he’d seen himself earning the promotion and Iris’s love. Now, he didn’t have either. “No, Dad, I’m no longer confident I can lead the company.”
“Then who can?”
“I don’t know.” Tyler hadn’t expected that question. He should have had that second cup of coffee. “Perhaps you can convince Xavier or Van.”
“You know neither of them is interested.” Foster leaned forward, picking up the silver Cross pen on his desk and rolling it between his fingers. “And no one wants someone from the outside to lead the company.”
“I thought you said an outsider was a possibility?” Tyler scowled.
“I only said that to scare you.”
Tyler rubbed his eyes. “Yes, well, it worked.”
“I know.” Foster’s grin was unrepentant. “We want to keep Anderson Adventures in the family.”
“But you and everyone else were right when you said I don’t have people skills.” Tyler paced some more. “Lauren used that weakness to hurt the company.”
“But she didn’t hurt the company.” Foster arched an eyebrow. “So obviously you do have people skills. Ty, you’re more ready than you think. Besides I’m not retiring tomorrow. There’ll be a transition period.”
That was a slight relief. Very slight. “How long of a transition?”
Foster relaxed back onto his chair. “After ‘Osiris’s Journey’ releases, I’ll announce that I’m retiring at the end of the year. That gives us six months to prepare.”
Tyler considered that. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“You don’t. And you’d regret passing on this opportunity. You know that.” Foster shrugged. “I’m retiring, Ty. Not dropping off the face of the earth. You can call me whenever you need advice.”
“All right. If you think I’m ready, I’ll take over as CEO once you retire.” Tyler wandered back to the window. He met Foster’s gaze over his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“You can also use the time to make things right with Iris.” Foster rose from his desk and approached Tyler. “If you love her, son, don’t give up.”
Tyler looked out the window again. The vivid blue sky and glass-and-metal buildings were invisible to him. Instead he saw wide, sad eyes the color of strong coffee. “I’ve hurt her too badly. She’s not interested in anything more I have to say. And frankly, I can’t think of anything else to express how very sorry I am.”
“Then don’t say anything.” Foster’s hand came to rest on Tyler’s shoulder. “Actions speak louder.”
Finally, a glimmer of hope. “Are you suggesting I buy her flowers or candy?”
Foster shook his head. “Those things would be nice. But I think, in this case, you need a more personal gesture.”
Tyler’s frustration returned. “Like what?”
Foster patted his shoulder. “You’ll think of something, son.”