Chapter 57
**Tom**
I strolled down the hallway, my mind buzzing from the day's lectures. The familiar scent of polished wood and old books filled my nostrils as I approached Leonardo's apartment. My brother had insisted I come over for dinner, probably to badger me about the family business again.
I pressed the calling bell, its cheerful chime echoing through the door. A moment later, it swung open, revealing Leo's grinning face.
"Bro! You made it!" He pulled me into a bear hug, nearly crushing my ribs.
I chuckled, patting Leo's back. "Easy there, tiger. I need those ribs for breathing."
He released me with a laugh and ushered me inside. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the air, making my stomach growl.
"Kate's in the kitchen," Leo said, closing the door behind us. "She's whipping up something special."
"Kate's cooking? I thought you two had a personal chef."
"Hey, we're not that bougie," he protested, leading me toward the kitchen. "Besides, Kate's been taking classes. She's gotten pretty good."
We rounded the corner to find Kate, Leo's girlfriend, stirring a pot on the stove. Her long blonde hair was tied back in a messy bun, and she wore a frilly apron that looked like it had never seen a speck of food before tonight.
"Thomas!" She beamed at me, waving a wooden spoon. "So glad you could make it. I hope you're hungry!"
I nodded, trying to hide my apprehension. The last time Kate had cooked, we'd ended up ordering pizza. "Starving. What's on the menu?"
"Oh, just a little something I whipped up," she said, turning back to the stove. "It's a surprise!"
Leo shot me a look that said, 'Be nice, or I'll kill you.'
I cleared my throat. "Well, I'm sure it'll be delicious. Can I help with anything?"
Kate's eyes lit up. "Actually, yes! Could you set the table? Leo's useless with that stuff."
"Hey!" Leo protested, but I was already halfway to the dining room.
I chuckled, grabbing plates and silverware from the cabinet. "You know, Leo, for a big shot businessman, you'd think you'd know how to set a proper table."
"I pay people to do that for me," he grumbled, following me with a handful of napkins.
We fell into an easy rhythm, arranging everything just so. I precisely placed the plates while Leo tossed the napkins haphazardly onto the table.
"You're hopeless," I said, shaking my head as I straightened one of his napkin disasters.
"That's why I keep you around, bro. You're the detail guy."
We finished setting the table just as Kate waltzed in, carrying a steaming dish that smelled... well, not terrible. Progress, I supposed.
"Dinner is served!" she announced with a flourish, setting the mystery meal in the center of the table.
We all settled into our seats, Leo pulling out Kate's chair with an exaggerated bow that made her giggle. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Lovebirds.
With a dramatic flair, Kate lifted the lid off the dish, revealing what looked like... chicken? Maybe? I hoped it was chicken.
"It's coq au vin!" she proclaimed proudly.
Leo and I exchanged a quick glance. "Looks great, honey," he said, ladling a generous portion onto his plate. Always the brave one, my little brother.
I followed suit, trying to keep my expression neutral as I took my first bite. To my surprise, it wasn't half bad. A little heavy on the wine, perhaps, but edible. I'd call that a win.
We ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Leo cleared his throat. Here it comes, I thought.
"So, Tom," he began, trying and failing to sound casual. "Have you given any more thought to that CEO position?"
I sighed, setting down my fork. "Leo, we've been over this. I haven't decided yet."
"But you've got to decide soon," he pressed. "Dad's not getting any younger, and the board is getting antsy."
Kate looked between us, her eyes wide. "Wait, what CEO position?"
"Blackwood Industries," Leo explained. "Dad wants Tom to take over as CEO."
I stabbed at a piece of chicken, avoiding their eyes. "It's not that simple. I have a life here, a career I love."
"But think about it, Tom!" Leo leaned forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "You'd be perfect for the job. You've got the business background and the people skills, and let's face it: you look great in a suit."
I snorted. "Flattery will get you nowhere, little brother."
"It's not just flattery," Leo insisted. "Dad wants you to join. He believes in you. We all do."
I felt guilty. Dad had always disliked my teaching career, but he'd be thrilled if I returned to the family business.
"Look," I said, running a hand through my hair. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, I really do. But this isn't a decision I can make lightly. It would mean uprooting my entire life."
Kate piped up, "But think of all the good you could do! Blackwood Industries has so much influence. You could really make a difference."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Et tu, Kate?"
She shrugged, grinning. "What can I say? I'm Team Tom."
"Alright, alright. I'll think about it. Really think about it. But I'm not making any promises."
Leo beamed, raising his glass. "That's all I ask, bro. To new possibilities!"
We clinked glasses, and I took a long sip of wine. As I set my glass down, I caught sight of my reflection on the polished surface of the table. For a moment, I saw myself in a crisp suit, sitting at the head of a boardroom table. The image faded as quickly as it had appeared, leaving me with a strange mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Now," I said, picking up my fork again, "can we please talk about something else? Like how Kate managed to make chicken taste like a wine cellar?"
Kate gasped in mock outrage and threw her napkin at me. Leo burst out laughing, and just like that, the tension dissolved. As we fell into easy conversation and laughter, I pushed thoughts of CEOs and family legacies to the back of my mind. For now, at least, I was content to just be Thomas Blackwood, the professor who couldn't escape his family's grand plans.
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