With Just A Touch

Chapter 1

Dom

It isn't easy to live in someone else's shadow, especially if it's your father's.

I think pretty much everyone has heard of my father, Jonathan Grenier. He has built the Essex Hotels from the ground up, with nothing but sweat and blood. So, it's no wonder that he immediately made a name for himself in the hospitality industry.

Now that he just retired, people are expecting a lot from the new CEO of his company, which is me. I don't want to be known as another ignorant rich heir who inherited all of his daddy's wealth. I aspire to be just like him in every aspect, and I will be. 

This deal that I've been trying to close for some time now is the key to my success. I'm on my way from Manhattan to the Bedford Hotel to meet with its owner, Walt Morris. It hasn't been easy convincing Walt to sell his hotel to Essex Hotels, especially because, just like my father, the Bedford Hotel is the product of his hard work and dedication.

But I'm not the kind of person who gives up easily. Even though courting Walt has been really a challenge, I have a good feeling that my perseverance is finally about to be paid off and that Walt is now ready to sell his precious hotel to us.

I can't even count the number of times I've requested to have a meeting with him. He agreed to every single one of them, but he turned down my proposal every time. I just had to swallow my pride after.

As I drive, I try to take in the beauty of Manhattan in spring. Unlike in summer, the temperature is mostly cool, and there are occasional light winds to cool off a person's hot head, especially after surviving an eight-hour shift in the borough of New York City. Of course, let's not forget the colorful and beautiful flowers that are starting to bloom everywhere and bringing the place to life.

Finally, upon arriving at the hotel, I go straight to Walt's office, where he welcomes me with a glass of bourbon. We don't immediately discuss business, no. Of course, we talk about other things first, like the weather, my dating life, and anything that is not related to our work.

“Such a beautiful day today, isn't it, Dom?” Walt slowly walks toward the window and watches the people and the cars in the street as they pass by. 

“It is,” I agree as I walk up beside him. I look down to where he is looking, and as usual, every New Yorker is busy busting his ass to make a living.

“New day, same old shit,” Walt remarks, and when I look at him, he's staring off into the distance. I wonder what he's thinking right now.

“Yeah, but unless you love what you're doing, then you wouldn't mind the shit.” I learned that from my father.

“Spoken like a true businessman,” he chuckles and then takes a sip of his bourbon. “Well, this shit is too much for me, Dom.”

“Already waving your white flag?” 

Here we go.

“Hey, I'm not getting any younger here. I'm old, and I'm getting tired of handling business matters.”

“What do you want to do, then?” I ask, even though I already know where this is leading.

“Sitting on a yacht while fishing and drinking beer wouldn't be so bad,” Walt replies with a raised eyebrow as if he's waiting for me to agree with him.

“You do realize that drinking isn't good for you, right?”

“Just go fishing then.” Walt looks at his glass of bourbon and puts it down, waving his hand in dismissal. He walks over to the table and sits, and I follow him.

“And?” I ask, giving him a little push to say what I've been dreaming of hearing these past few months. 

Please, just let it be today.

“And,” Walt says as he looks me straight in the eyes, “I'm now ready to sell my hotel to Essex Hotels. I know you've been itching to hear that from me.”

Finally! 

To hear Walt Morris say that is like music to my ears. I pretend not to look too overjoyed, but deep inside, I'm tap dancing.

“I'm glad you finally agreed to this, Walt. I promise you won't regret it.”

“I hope not,” he replies, crossing his arms over his chest. “By the way, have you seen Sweet Caroline Bakery on the ground floor?”

“I think so,” I lie. “What about it?”

“That's my tenant,” Walt answers curtly.

“Oh, okay.” I'm not sure where he's going with this.

“The bakery still has five years left on its lease agreement.”

“Don't worry about that—” I try to say, but Walt silences me.

“The previous owner, Caroline Andrews, recently died of cancer, and her daughter has taken over the business.” Walt scratches his chin before adding, “I just feel sorry for the girl because she's all alone in the world now.”

“I understand your concern, Walt. I really do, but this is business. We can't always let our pity for other people get in our way.”

“I know that. But maybe you could let her finish the remaining years in their contract. She's still grieving, Dom.”

“Just let me handle this, okay? I assure you that this won't be a problem.” 

“Be gentle, Dominic. Not everyone is as tough as you.” 

Walt rises and picks up his glass of bourbon again before standing by the window, but I remain in my seat this time.

The bakery is the least of my concerns right now. Everything and everyone has a price, and I know that the owner will agree to terminate the lease in exchange for money. I just have to give the right amount, and it will all be done.

Once I finish my work at the hotel, everyone will remember me as me, and not just as Jonathan Grenier's son. I will make sure that this will be my first successful project as the new CEO of Essex Hotels.