The Return Home

Colin started feeling heaviness in his chest as he entered the elevator. He had suffered from anxiety attacks for a few years. This was something different, since finding out he had family on his dad's side. Anxiety comes in many forms, he assured himself. He was reminded of the movie What About Bob? Colin laughed to himself. He would need to take baby steps off the elevator. He pressed the button for the twentieth floor. He was meeting with Grey in his office. He slowly inhaled and exhaled to feel less nervous. He felt like he was alone and out of his league. Suddenly, he was that kid raised in a middle class family from San Diego.

Colin couldn't remember the last time he had jitters from his first day at work. He was happy to have made a new friend in Bianca. She was nothing like he imagined she'd be. He couldn't wait for Shayne to arrive in Dallas. He missed his younger brother. This was all new, meeting family without him. They had grown up like best friends and he could confide anything to him.

As he approached Grey's office, he had a million questions swirling in his mind. Would he ever fit in as a legitimate member of this oil family? How would he get over the anger he felt about his father's choice to leave this family, that ultimately effected Colin and Shayne? He wanted to move forward with his life without nagging doubts. But he didn't know how.

He put his game face on and knocked on the office door. "Enter." Grey was on the phone. He motioned for Colin to have a seat. He sank into a comfortable leather chair in front of the desk. Grey had a beautifully appointed office. The walls were a neutral backdrop for his dazzling view of the Downtown Dallas skyline. Grey sat behind his huge cherrywood desk. Architectural buildings that he designed hung on the walls. They were all signed by Grey. Pictures of Kendall and their two children sat on his desk. Grey was so kind to Colin with their initial phone call. Colton, on the other hand, was reserved.

Grey ended his phone call and smiled broadly. "I didn't want you to think I was pawning you off on Bianca the entire day. I've been extremely busy today taking care of business I delayed yesterday." He placed a folder down on his desk. "I wanted an opportunity to consider what job would suit you here at Carrington Enterprises. This is a family-run business and I want you to feel part of the company. Brody and I were discussing you working in the engineering department. He oversees that department and could use help."

'That would be great. I have a degree in engineering, but engineering varies significantly. I worked in aerospace. I know Brody is a software engineer. I'm willing to learn anything I can to be of help. I'd be happy to work with him." Colin poured a glass of water from the pitcher on Grey's desk.

"Brody is great to have as part of this company. I'm not just saying that because he is our cousin." Gray sat back twirling his pen. "How did your tour with Bianca go today?" He asked.

Colin took a gulp of water. "It went better than I thought it would. She turned out to be a very nice person. Brody was right. I love this office complex you designed. We still have more to tour. We had lunch at an Italian restaurant and I got to know her better. I made a new friend." He smiled.

"I'm happy to hear things worked out well. Bianca is great at running our HR department. I'll have her add you to our employee roster. Welcome aboard." Grey stood and gave Colin a firm hand shake.

"Oh, before I leave—I also met Jagger today."

Grey sat on the edge of his desk. "Honestly, that guy is annoying. He just can't let his relationship with Bianca go. She broke up with him months ago and he's hoping she'll change her mind. He realizes what he lost."

"I don't like him," Colin spoke a little too forcefully. He couldn't help feeling protective of Bianca. His shoulders tensed.