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“So it was always a given that I carry on the family legacy.”
He nodded. “I get that.”
“Is that how you’re feeling about the law firm?”
“I’ve always felt that way. Like it was expected of me to follow in my dad’s footsteps.”
“Exactly.” It was nice to be with someone who understood where she was coming from.
“I think you’re the only one who really gets me.” He gave her a grin that melted her heart.
“Same here. I’m so glad I told you. I could never tell my brothers, and I didn’t feel like I could tell other friends. I thought it would make me sound ungrateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.”
“I bet Adelia would’ve understood if you’d told her. She followed in her parents’ footsteps with the acting.”
“She probably would’ve, but at the time, she was busy, modeling in Paris or somewhere, and we didn’t talk as often.”
“I see.”
“It’s nice to have someone to confide in.”
His arm brushed against hers and goosebumps spread from the place it touched.
“How long have you felt this way?” he asked. “Like, when did you first consider moving up here?”
“The summer before senior year, I came here and helped out for a few weeks. It was wonderful, and I loved learning about the entire process, from the growing all the way to pouring a glass for the visitors.”
“So, what changed?”
“My dad sat us kids down and told us we are the future of Schultz Chocolate. He said one day the three of us will be running the company when he retires. He was all emotional about how he never thought it would become all it has and how he did it all for us and the future generations of Schultzes. I had been so close to telling my parents I wasn’t going to college after all.”
“But you obviously didn’t.”
She shook her head.
“And you regret it?”
“I don’t. I haven’t really thought about any of this in years.” She smiled wistfully. “But whenever I come up here, I wonder what might’ve been.”
He nodded. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what-ifs lately.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “Have you?”
“Yeah. What if I quit my job to write music? What would my life be like if I did?”
Skylar was excited to hear he was seriously considering this.
“What if my dad disowned me? Would I be able to make a living?”
“I highly doubt your dad would be anything but supportive. But if he did, you’d figure it out. I would help you.”
“You would?”
“Of course. There are a lot of avenues for songwriters. Do you want to write for other people or perform your own songs?”
Franky chuckled. “Well, seeing as my voice is more Weird Al Yankovic than Al Green, I’d probably want to write for others.”
“Hey, I love Weird Al, and I’m sure he makes a good living with his songs.”