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“Here, here!” Asad lifts his champagne. “Happy birthday, boss!”
“Happy birthday!” Sara yells.
Dr. Young lifts his glass too. “Happy birthday, Cullen!”
“Thanks for coming, everyone.” Cullen’s eyes swerve to me and linger. “Thank you, Nardi, for putting this together.”
A lump forms in my throat. There’s a sheen of sadness in Cullen’s eyes and it makes me feel like I’m being stabbed in the heart.
“I, uh, ehem,” he clears his throat, “I was originally planning on announcing this through an email, but since the core players are here…” He nods to Asad and Dr. Young. “Now is as good a time as any to say… I’m officially stepping down as the CEO of Cullen Tech.”
Gasps rip from Asad and Dr. Young’s corner of the living room.
Josiah frowns.
“Asad, Dr. Young, Sara… I’ve enjoyed building the company and working side by side with you. You, along with the rest of Cullen Tech, put your blood, sweat and tears into the PLP. Because of you, we were able to build a functional simulation.”
“What’s the PLP?” mom whispers.
I whisper back, “It’s Cullen’s life’s work.”
“Ah,” mom nods.
“My intention,” Cullen speaks boldly and firmly, “was to take this all the way from a simulation to manufacturing until finally,we incorporated the PLP into every airline. But life has other plans and so…” He inhales a deep breath. “My last decision as CEO is to hand the PLP over to another company.”
“You’re selling the PLP?” Josiah cries.
Asad looks shocked.
Dr. Young sets his drink down on the counter, his face pale.
“I want Asad and Dr. Young to be able to take Cullen Tech in a different direction if they so choose.” Cullen’s smile is sad. “The PLP was my dream. It doesn’t have to be your burden.”
“It’s not a burden,” Dr. Young says fiercely. “It’s our heart and soul.”
“Do you know how many hours of sleep I lost because of the PLP?” Asad lowers his head. “Look, I’m going bald right here.”
Sad chuckles break out.
“Don’t sell the PLP, Cullen.” Dr. Young firms his lips. “We’ll see it through to the end.”
“No matter where this next stage takes you, rest assured, wewillput pilot-less planes in the sky,” Asad says determinedly. “You have my word.”
Cullen’s nostrils flare and I can tell he’s trying hard to keep his emotions in check.
Sullivan puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Josiah walks up to Cullen. “Don’t worry. I’ll help them if they ever get stuck.”
“Can he do that?” Sunny asks.
“This little guy is a genius,” Asad tells her jovially. “You bet we’ll be coming to him for advice.”
“Thank you, Josiah,” Cullen says weakly.
“I won’t forget anything you taught me.” My little brother’s voice shakes. “I won’t forget you, Cullen.”
Silence rings out for a moment.