The family rivalry

"Hey, I can't hold the elevator any longer." I open my eyes to find my brother's impatient ones just outside of the elevator door with his hand hanging in between the door.

I take a deep breath as closing my eyes for a solid minute barely did anything for the turbulence that's occupying my whole body, "I think I'm ready.

He scans my troubled face and sighs, "Gianna, you will be perfectly alright. Have some faith in yourself. You have worked hard for this and you will do great."

His gentle voice somehow slows down the quickening of my heartbeat like always. If there's anyone I trust with my life it's him. Tristan has always been that one person who had trust in me even when I didn't. Sometimes I fear I would let him down but even then; he won't let it hurt me more than it hurts him. I nod and finally take a step out with him right beside me.

Just a week ago I was in Hawaii taking a much-needed vacation after my graduation. A week later I'm in New York living the most important day of my life. I have been awaiting this for longer than I remember. My first day at our family business.

All those exams, late night study sessions, top grades coming down to this. Although, this company is a part mine and my sibling's inheritance, our father has always voiced out how each one of has to be worth of it and none of us argued that.

We step around the long hallway filled with employees greeting Tristan and me. Dad's office comes into view and he takes the lead and knocks on the door, "Come in."

The frosted glass door opens to dad's towering frame staring right at the door with a small smile. We both walk in as he rounds his desk to stand in front of me.

"Hello honey. Glad to finally see you here. I'm sure you'll make me proud." I smile for the first time today and wait for him to say something else. However, he gives a small peck on forehead and walks back to his chair.

I shake off my disappointment and smile towards my brother when he gives me an assuring nod. Dad has always been inexpressive on such matters; he barely smiles so I shouldn't be disheartened by this.

Tristan guides me through the office as if I haven't seen it before. And finally walks me to my very own cabin, adjoining to his, "I know you are not new to any of this, except now you are a part of the company and have your own place here." He smiles proudly and gestures to the chair.

I smile big and settle down on the plush chair. "I can't believe how fast this day arrived."

He nods, "I know, it feels like it was last week when I dropped you off at college."

I fidget with my hands and ask him something that's bugging me since this morning, "Do you think I'm getting more than I deserve?"

He smiles slip and a frown takes over his face, "Why would you think that? You deserve this as much as any other hard-working person. Your grades and your talent do not lie."

I shrug, "But it would've taken them years while it took me just a degree."

He blinks and says sternly, "By that logic, are you saying I don't deserve to be the CFO of the company?"

I shake my head and chuckle, "Of course not. Well, you got me there."

His smile returns as he takes my hand in his, "Just because you already had the opportunity doesn't make you any less worthy of this. It isn't your fault, stop trying to reason that's out of your control and make the best of what is. Okay?"

I squeeze his hand and nod, "Yes, thank you."

He squints his eyes playfully, "You won't be thanking me when you'll be swimming in work. Come on let's start."

We go through all current on goings that I was already familiar with. Even though I was away for college since the last four years, I have been actively keeping up with the company. However, I couldn't be involved until I was qualified to do so. Dad has always been particular about all his kids being grounded and deserving of our family lineage. He has seen my grandfather built this business from the ground up decades ago and swore by to do justice to the same for his legacy. And I possess the same feeling and can't wait to contribute to this.

Tristan goes back to his cabin after briefing me a little more. Finally, alone, my eyes take in my surroundings. My gaze fleets over the cool tones of the furniture, and smile knowing well Tristan did this and I know who helped him with this. A large window behind my chair provides the perfect view of the world outside from the 14th floor of our office in the very first hotel of the Davis chain.

After four long hours of studying some old records to refresh my knowledge and helping Tristan with some emails, I watch the door as a figure knocks through the frosted glass door.

I don't have to see to know who that is, "Come in Dad."

"Hello honey, how is it going?" He asks coming towards my desk.

I look around the papers and say, "Oh, I'm just getting through everything."

He smiles and nods, "Good, I don't expect you to excel on your first day. Don't tire yourself out already. Did you take a lunch break?"

I hesitate and shake my head, "Tristan asked but I wasn't hungry."

He sighs disapprovingly, "You cannot be doing this already."

"I know, I'm just really enthusiastic today and I wasn't thinking straight. It won't happen again." I bite my lip and look away.

"I understand." I look back at him. "You need to settle back in New York before you divulge into work. Take the rest of the day off, probably go meet some old friends?"

I chuckle and cringe internally at the mention of friends, "I'm fine. I can meet them some other time, no big deal."

He frowns, "Oh, come on. If you want to take any advice from me, it will be that when you have the time use it. Go, once you start actually working, you'll be counting down days until you have time for yourself."

I force a smile on my face, "Sure Dad, thank you."

He leaves with a satisfied nod. Usually, dad is pretty disciplined and always strives for perfection but I know today he is looking at me as his daughter and not an employee. I know he seeks the best for me but how do I tell him I'm not as perfect as I appear to be.

New York has always been my home but there's hardly anyone I know other than my family. I attended private school like every other rich kid does, but even then, there were some richer than the others. I don't deny the fact that I am privileged to be born in one of the richest family of New York but it hasn't worked always in my favor.

I used to make friends, however some wanted invites to high end parties, some wanted invites to my brother's bedroom and some wanted to challenge themselves and pull the daughter of one of the richest men in New York.

I didn't give up though, I tried again; in college. Guess what? It was even worse. I barely possessed any social skills and looked like an idiot trying to fit into situations where I didn't belong. It wasn't enough though, some had preconceived notions about me; "She is a spoiled brat", "She is pretentious", "She is superficial", without ever knowing me. And others barely glanced at me. I had few acquaintances, well if you can call talking about assignments and exchanging notes that, then yes.

Oh, but my dad doesn't know that, I don't think anyone does; I haven't got around the point where I voice this out loud. I'm lonely, I actually have no friends, I don't know how that has happened to me but at 22 I have no one I can call mine other than my family.

I rest my head in my hands and sigh loudly, sensing an incoming headache. I think I need a coffee and something sweet. I take dad's advice and pick up my purse to do just that. I go to Tristan's cabin to tell him but find it empty, so I text him instead.

I leave the office and go to my car. I sit in the driver's seat and decide on where to go. I go over some places I have already visited but something new catches my eye. It's fifteen minutes away, located in one of the high value areas of the city but I don't mind as I have nothing to do for the rest of the day anyway.

After twenty minutes, (I'm a slow driver) I reach 'Rendezvous', from outside it looks quite luxurious for a coffee shop, well considering its location I'm not surprised. I park and step inside, my nose instantly getting hit by the sweet smell of chocolate, bread, coffee, not too overpowering but perfectly present.

They have options to both order at the table or at the counter, so I decide to explore the display of various baked goods. I settle on a simple blue berry muffin and a latté.

I smile at the barista as she prepares to take my order. Suddenly, a very muscular voice says beside me, "The usual Jenny, thank you."

My eyes automatically drive towards the right, meeting with a very handsome man. His phone rings with a call and he starts talking with the same velvety voice. I stare at his side profile, a square jaw, perfectly trimmed beard, long lashes, veiny hands, very full lips, gleaming skin with a warm tone, I don't think I have ever been this awestruck by a man.

"Ma'am, are you ready to order?" My thoughts are interrupted and it takes me by surprise making me flinch and involuntary take a step back.

I watch the barista's eyes widen before I feel it, the touch of a body against my back. However, it is more than a touch as the person stumbles and loses their balance. Before I can fully comprehend what has happened, I watch the splash of fresh coffee spray all over the arm of the man I was admiring a minute ago.

Oh fuck.