Page 4 of Charm Me

“No, sir.” We chuckled. Our conversation had just started but I could already see why Dad liked Glen. He had a kind smile and kind eyes. He seemed friendly enough. That combined with his ability to create and grow a successful financial management company in Manhattan meant he had to be good as his job. I inquired to three different firms to manage our accounts and Glen’s initial proposal was by far the best.

But I couldn’t make this decision lightly, not after what happened with Jerry. Granted, Dad had been a little too trusting of Jerry and never checked up on him—a mistake I would not repeat. We would not lose money to embezzlement under my watch.

I was a good judge of character, and so far, my first impression of Glen was good.

“You look a lot like your father, Stetson and all.” Glen grinned and pointed at the hat atop my head.

I mirrored his grin. I tended to forget I had it on. I took it off and sat my hat on the couch next to me, giving Glen the respect he deserved. “Feels odd not having it on. I think I was born in a hat.”

“I remember that feeling. It’s been a long time since I wore one.” He still smiled but it faded some from when I first walked in. “I’m sorry to have to meet you again under such conditions. I knew Jerry well and his actions were just as much a shock to me as I’m sure it was to you and your family.”

“Yes, you could say that. He was a part of our family.” I grew up calling him Uncle Jerry. He’d been the brother Dad never had. Jerry was at every family gathering, celebration, event, and even Sunday dinner. When I uncovered the depth of his theft, Dad didn’t speak for three days after I told him. He sat in his old rocker and stared at the mountains in silence for hours on end. Mom worried when he got like that, but I’d done my best to ease her concern.

I was a lot like Dad in that we were silent brooders. Sometimes we just had to sit in silence until we processed the situation. I’d been surprised it had only taken him three days before he talked to us again. I sat on this information for weeks before my mind settled enough to sit Mom and Dad down to discuss it. Dad had insisted on dealing with Jerry himself even though I had offered to take care of it. The last thing my dad needed at his age was the stress over losing a friend on top of so much money.

I hadn’t seen Jerry since the day dad had him escorted off the property and I didn’t suppose I would see him again until his scheduled court date.

“I got your list of questions regarding our proposal and I’ve prepared our responses.” Glen handed me a file. I appreciated his quick change in the conversation. My expression had no doubt turned grave same as it always did when the topic of Jerry came up. It would take years to get over Jerry’s betrayal and it wasn’t a topic I was particularly fond of discussing, least of all with a new financial manager. “We can go over those one-by-one if you like or you can read over them at your leisure and we can discuss them during our next meeting.”

“Give me a chance to look it over and let’s discuss tomorrow if that works.”

“Certainly.” Glen shifted in his seat and his lip twitched. “There is one other option I’d like to present you with.”

I nodded with a faint smile. “I’m listenin’.”

“You mentioned in one of our conversations you were interested in diversifying the Montana ranch.”

“Yes, we have a lot of land unsuitable for cattle. There’s got to be somethin’ we can do with it besides enjoy the view.”

“I believe there is.” Glen smiled. “I asked an associate analyst to prepare a presentation for you based on her past work experience and market analysis of your ranch in Montana. I believe she has some great ideas. She’s ready to present them to you now.”

“Now?” I furrowed my brows.

“Yes, Zoe understands your business and is a brilliant financial analyst with extensive experience in urban planning. She can be trusted or else I wouldn’t have brought her in.”

I wasn’t all that excited about him bringing someone else in on this, but it didn’t hurt to listen. “Okay, lets hear it.”

“Great, she’s set up in the conference room.”

I followed Glen down the hall toward a room at the end with my hat in hand. The clank of my boots on the tile floor echoed throughout the office space drawing every eye toward me. I doubted these folks were used to seeing a cowboy amongst them. I kept my eyes ahead and tuned out their stares.

Glen stepped through the door first. As soon as he stepped aside, my eyes landed on the woman standing next to the large screen. My heart rate sped up and my chest tightened when.

I found my puits d’amour.