Page 79 of Snap

"That you actually rest," I said firmly. "Think about selling off the business, get a business partner, get someone to manage everything, I don't care what it is. Go to Queensland, lie on the beach, and rest."

He looked thoughtful for a long while. Finally, he said, "I was thinking of learning to surf."

That didn't sound very restful to me, but I suspected it was the best I was going to get from him.

"Fine." I stuck out my hand to him.

He shook it. "How do you feel about taking on the real estate side of things too?"

My jaw dropped and I almost snatched my hand back. "Like something you knew all along I'd prefer." Was that how this went? I only got my way after he got his?

"Of course it is," he said. "Of course, you'd need time, training, support. I can make sure you have all of those things. And Ollie, he won't be playing football forever. He'll need something to do… You know, after."

"I'm not sure running a billion-dollar company was quite what he had in mind for after." I shrugged. "I guess I can talk to him about it."

Dad started laughing. He laughed until tears let down his cheeks.

"What's so funny? I asked.

"It's taken years to get you to come around about the Rapids," he said between gales. "But you didn't even think twice about the real estate."

I shook my head at him. "It's taken this long to realise you won't take no for an answer. I don't want to spend years fighting on this." The truth was, I was actually excited for the challenge. Buying, renovating and selling real estate was much more my thing than football.

He gave me a dubious look.

"Besides, when Ollie finishes playing, he can take over the Rapids and I'll manage the rest," I said lightly.

"Why am I starting to think you had this in mind all along?" he asked.

I smiled. "Because I think like you. If there's anything you taught me, it's to be two or three steps ahead of anyone else."

"Anyone but me." He argued, but his heart wasn't in it.

"You taught me too well, oh great master." I bowed from the waist.

The fact was, I'd only thought of it as he mentioned the real estate business, but it made sense. Who else would do a better job with a pro football team than a former player? The general consensus was that Hawk would take over as head coach someday. Between the two of them, the Rapids would be unstoppable.

Dad chuckled. "It wasn't what I planned, but I think that might work out even better than I imagined." He looked particularly pleased with himself.

"All the years you've been badgering me," I said slowly. "The solution was in front of your face the entire time. Just pass the team on to a member of the team."

It wouldn’t have been that simple, I knew that, but this was a neat solution. One that would make us both happy. All of us, if Ollie was on board with it.

"I didn't know which player you'd choose," he said.

"Assuming I'd choose any of them is presumptuous," I pointed out.

"I'd call it realistic," he said. "They are a fine bunch of young men. You could do a lot worse."

"Even Bam?" I asked teasingly.

He frowned briefly. "You would have whipped him into shape."

"Women are not—" I started.

"Rehab centres for men," he finished for me. "I know. Which is why I'm glad you chose one that doesn't need rehab."

I sighed happily. "He really doesn't," I agreed.