She perks up at my obvious interest. “When we initially introduced the idea of building Dreamland Tokyo, Yakura’s first question had nothing to do with profits. I found it strange that someone as successful as him wouldn’t care about how much money he stands to make.”
“What did he ask about?” Cal leans toward Iris.
“If we could make Dreamland Tokyo happen before he was too old to enjoy it with his grandkids.”
“I don’t remember that,” I reply, drawing a blank on that part of the meeting.
Her eyes roll. “Of course you don’t. You were too focused on pulling up the next slide discussing expected proceeds.”
“So he cares about his family,” Cal says.
She nods.
“We’re screwed. There’s no way Declan can work with someone like that.”
“I disagree. Because while your father might be clever, he missed one tiny detail.”
“What?”
“Me.” Her smile rivals the sun.
Fitting because it burns away that last bit of remaining anger I have toward my father. In its place, I am filled with a newfound sense of hope. I can convince Yakura to stick with the project, so long as Iris helps me. She can appeal to just about anyone’s humanity—mine included.
Cal whistles. “Someone thinks mighty highly of herself.”
I want to smack the back of his head but hold back. I’d hate to waste his last brain cells with something impulsive.
“I know my strong suits, and picking up after Declan’s messes happens to be a personal strength of mine.”
“So what’s your plan then?” my brother asks.
“Easy. We show him exactly what Dreamland has to offer.” Her eyes seem to sparkle.
“How do we do that?” I lean back in my chair and consider her idea.
“We take him to where it all started and show him what he would be missing out on if he walks away from this deal.”
“Are you suggesting we take a family trip to Dreamland?” Cal asks.
She nods, and his smile is wiped clean off his face. I feel the same way.
Unlike Rowan, neither one of us wants anything to do with the park. Every memory of our life with our mother is attached to the place. The only times I’ve gone have been strictly for business, and I’ve been sure to keep it that way.
“How is this supposed to change his mind?” My voice comes out rougher than intended.
“Yakura is a family man. We need to show him how, unlike your father, so are you.”
Cal’s laugh grates against my nerves.
“What’s so funny?” My teeth grind together.
“The idea of you playing a family man is too good to pass up. You can count on me to be there.”
“Who said you were invited?” She looks at him like a bug beneath her shoe, and I could kiss her for it.
He waves a hand down his body. “I’m part of the promotional package.”
“Not happening,” I respond for her.
He looks over at Iris for help and she shrugs. “He’s the boss.”
Forget kissing her. I could fuck her for standing by me instead of Cal on something like this.
“I don’t like you two ganging up on me.” He rolls his eyes.
She gives his hand a pat. “It’s in your best interest. You hate business talk anyway.”
He sighs. “You’re right. Still fucked up though when you’re my best friend.”
“And he’s my husband. Don’t make me choose between you two.”
My world seems to tilt as she says the words. The weight behind them nearly knocks me on my ass, and I grip onto the handles of my chair in a chokehold.
“You two in love is disgusting.” Cal’s lip curls.
She laughs. “No one said anything about love.”
The way she laughs his statement off feels like someone pierced my chest with a serrated knife. My chest burns equally strong as my gut churns.
Give her time to come around.
I’ve seen the way she looks at me. There is no way she doesn’t love me, even if she hasn’t processed it yet.
“There’s a chance he might not even say yes,” I grumble underneath my breath. I’m almost hoping that’s the case if only to avoid visiting Dreamland.
“After all this time, you still doubt me?” Iris actually looks somewhat hurt by the idea.
“It’s not you that I’m worried about,” I amend. It’s everything that going to Dreamland will stir up for me.
“Leave it to me.”
Iris drops a stack of papers on my desk. “Here.”