Family Business, Part 02

 Haley cried and sniffled while standing naked and red bottomed in the corner. Laura ignored her daughter and focused her attention on Trevor and Eliana. “Is the apartment really that bad?”

“I don’t mean to complain,” Eliana said. Haley’s condition in the corner was first and foremost on her mind. Still, the small apartment’s deficiencies were something she could list off in her sleep. She would have spilled them all without a second thought if not for Trevor’s sharp squeeze on her thigh beneath the table.

He said, “The heater is on the fritz and Dan is so swamped he told us he won’t be able to give it a look until late next week.”

Laura shifted her gaze toward Eliana. “Definitely not a place for small children then is it? Why don’t you stay with us? At least until the heater is fixed.”

Trevor cleared his throat and shifted forward in his seat. His hand remained firm on Eliana’ s thigh. “Thanks, Mom, but we’re alright. What we need is a house of our own.”

Chuck flashed a grin and said, “My dad is breaking ground on a new family neighborhood off the north end of the lake this spring. The first homes will be ready come the fall. If you’re in a rush, there is the old Sander’s house off Pine Rock. Nobody has lived there for years. It needs a lot of work, but it’s available right now. I can take you guys out there tomorrow if you like.”

Paul settled back in his chair at the end of the table. “Son, there is no good reason for you and Eli to be staying in that apartment, especially with a broken heater. You’ll stay here tonight and Eli can supervise bringing all your things over tomorrow. It may not be all the privacy you want, but your health and safety are more important. And Chuck is right. Those new homes are coming and we’ll get you and Eli into the perfect one once they’re ready.”

Trevor tightened his grip on Eliana’s thigh. “We have a lease, Dad. We’re fine where we are.”

“Without functioning heat your lease in null, son. I’ll take care of it and the move. No more arguments, you’ll move into the guest room until we can get you into a nice home of your own.”

Eliana was torn. The only good thing about the apartment was the separation it provided from Trevor’s family. But if a few months living with them would net a new house, it seemed a small price to pay. Her gaze turned to Haley in the corner. Then again, if living under her in-laws’ roof meant submitting to their brand of corporal punishment, she wasn’t keen on the experience. Trevor was clearly against the move. To Paul she said, “We like our independence.”

Laura smiled and leaned closer. “Of course you do and we’re not trying to take it away. This is a temporary arrangement that will make your lives better in both the short and long term. Besides, we’ll get to know each other better in the interim.”

Paul said, “And you’re family.”

“Eli and I know what is best for us,” Trevor said.

“Then it’s settled.” Laura stood. “Eli, come with me and we’ll get the guest room setup.”

“Mom—

“Stop being stubborn, Trevor.” Laura took Eliana by the arm and guided her out of the room.



The guest room was upstairs with a small balcony overlooking the backyard. It had it’s own bathroom, a large walk-in closet and was only slightly smaller than Eliana and Trevor’s entire apartment. The sparse furnishings made it seem even larger. A king-size bed with a leather padded headboard and a sleigh shaped footboard was the central feature. On the wall opposite the foot of the bed was a matching 12 drawer dresser with dual mirrors. Light beige carpet covered the floor. The walls were painted in a creamy coffee color and accented with bright white floor and ceiling moulding.

Laura slipped into the closet and emerged with a stack of sheets. She deposited them on the dresser and extricated the fitted sheet, tossing it onto the mattress. Eliana took the right side and together they quickly stretched and tucked the bedding into place. Laura fetched the flat sheet and said, “You’re uncomfortable staying here.”

Eliana singled out the top corner of the sheet and pulled it toward the headboard. “We moved here to be helpful, not to be treated like a couple of kids.”

“Then maybe you should consider acting like adults.” Laura mirrored Eliana’s efforts tugging the sheet taut.

Eyeing her mother-in-law, Eliana said, “Excuse me?”

“I think you very much know your comment about the apartment was both petty and inappropriate.” Laura moved to the foot and tucked the sheet beneath the mattress.

Eliana took a breath. She couldn’t blame Laura for being a little miffed. It would have been better to have just commented on the timing not being right for having kids. But with her own parents that always led to more arguments on the subject. “You’re not wrong. I would have apologized straight away, but Trevor wanted me to drop it. We’re not ready for kids and I’m maybe a little too sensitive about being pressured on the topic.”

Laura stepped back and appraised their progress. “One or two blankets?”

“How cold does it get overnight?”

“Never below 60 in the house.”

“One should be fine.”

Laura disappeared into closet and returned with a thick brown blanket. “I wasn’t trying to pressure you into anything you’re not ready for.”

“Every time I talk to my mother it’s the main topic of conversation.”

“So you were responding to your mother and not me?”

Eliana sighed and she helped smooth the blanket in place. “I don’t know, maybe.”

“Can we at least agree it was inappropriate?” Laura asked.

Eliana nodded. “I am sorry.”

“I appreciate that, but in this family we expect apologies to be more sincere.”

Eliana blinked at her mother-in-law. Had her tone or infliction been off or was Laura trying to create a problem between them? She took a steadying breath and said, “It was sincere. I know I shouldn’t have said what I did and I am sorry about it.”

Laura presented a gentle smile. “I’m sure you are sorry, Eli, but what I’m talking about is your apology lacks the motivation needed to keep this sort of thing from happening again.”

“Well, I can’t promise I’ll never say the wrong thing again. That’s not practical, but I can promise I will try my best to minimize it.”

“You’re part of our family and Paul and I have a responsibility as parents to provide correction, guidance and motivation when you need it. I’m sure that’s not what you want hear, but if you and Trevor want to lead a happy life and takeover the business, you’re going to have to embrace the values of our family and this community. Otherwise you might as well pack up your things and head out to find whatever community it is that you want to embrace.”

Eliana stepped back. “The whole reason we moved here is because you told Trevor it was time for you to pass the reigns to him. You’ve been dragging your feet on making it official for months and now you’re going to try to blame changing your minds on me because I was a little short with you at dinner?”

“What happened at dinner is just a symptom of the larger problem. You’re not invested. And it’s not just you, Trevor is barely any different.” Laura sat on the edge of the bed. “Our family business is crucial to this community. You don’t seem to understand what that means and Trevor has lost sight of it. We can’t put everyone’s future in the hands of two people who don’t really care about that future.”

Eliana balled her hands into fists as she stomped around the foot of the bed to stand in front of her mother-in-law and glare into her eyes. “So, you don’t trust me. You believe I’ve corrupted your son. You disrupted our lives. Wasted our time. And you have the nerve to suggest we’re the ones that don’t give a damn about other people’s futures? Who the Hell do you think you are?”

Laura met Eliana’s gaze with squared shoulders and a stiff back. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you have a job before moving here?”

“A career that I gave up to support Trevor’s desire to help his family.”

Laura nodded. “You’re angry about what you gave up to be here. That’s not what Paul and I wanted.”

“What did you think was going to happen?”

“We thought you would join Trevor at the company. Learn our business and eventually run it together like Paul and I have done for the last 30 years.”

Eliana’s brow furrowed and she shook her head. “What?”

“We thought it was something you both wanted. Trevor is invested in your happiness more than anything else. You’re not happy and you’re not invested in being happy here. You’ve got both feet out the door and Trevor is just a half step behind you. We’re not going to stop you from leaving, but we aren’t going to put the fate of this entire community in your hands either.”

Eliana relaxed her hands and sat on the bed beside Laura. “Trevor and I have been trying to make this work, but no one ever said there was a place for me in all of this.”

Laura took hold of Eliana’s hand. “There is if it’s what you want. You don’t have to work at the company. There are other ways to be a part of the community, but if you aren’t a part of any of it there is nothing to motivate you and Trevor. We just need to know that you care about more than yourselves.”

Eliana sighed. “And actions speak better than words.”

Laura smiled. “I know you care about Trevor because you’re here with him. I want to believe you can care about our business and the people here, but I haven’t seen any indication of it. So show us what you care about and then we’ll all know whether or not bringing the two of you home was worthwhile.”



Eliana and Laura returned to the dining room. Haley remained naked and red bottomed in the corner, though her sniffling had subsided. If the guys had been talking they silenced themselves before they could be heard. More likely, they’d focused on clearing away the wrapping paper and Haley’s gifts. It also appeared one of them had wiped down the table. The two women took their seats.

“All good?” Paul asked.

Laura smiled. “The bed is made.”

Eliana said, “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready for some cake.”

Trevor cleared his throat and reached for Eliana beneath the table.

Paul chuckled and said, “I think you’re right. Haley, are you ready to blow out your candles?”

Trevor relaxed and patted Eliana’s thigh.

Haley said, “Yes, Dad.”

“Join us,” Paul said.

Haley turned away from the corner and tiptoed to her place at the table. It was only then Eliana noticed her sister-in-law’s chair had been withdrawn and tucked into the alcove next to the sideboard. Haley’s clothing was also gone and nowhere in sight. If Haley was the least bit concerned, she gave no outward sign of it. Under the circumstance, she was probably more concerned about the paddle still laying on the table and her undoubtedly throbbing buttocks.

Paul retrieved a lighter from the top of the sideboard and ignited the numbered candles on the cake. At the same time, Laura fetched an actual camera and a tripod. While the flames danced atop the candles, everyone posed individually and in various groups with Haley. Laura and Paul took turns snapping the shots and then set a timer for a full group picture. Wax dribbled onto the top of the cake for the final few snaps.

Laura led the family in a rowdy rendition of Happy Birthday. The song ended with laughter, applause. Haley leaned down and blew out her candles while Paul captured the action shot. For Eliana it was a disconcerting series of events. The pink flush brightening Haley’s cheeks and forehead reflected the obvious embarrassment—humiliation even—of the situation.

Haley remained elevated on her tiptoes. Her hands pressed firmly to the back of her head. The stance emphasized her nakedness throughout everything. It was an obvious intentional accompaniment to the punishment evident in the glow and heat emanating from her buttocks. And yet everyone, Haley included, exuded the feelings of genuine happiness and celebratory delight. Positions reversed, Eliana would have been enraged or defiant or running away.

Paul turned to Chuck and asked, “Would you like to help the birthday girl out and cut the cake or shall I?”

“I’ll do it.” Chuck rocketed out of his chair and sidled himself next to Haley. He kissed her cheek and carefully lifted the 5 candle from the top. Chocolate frosting clung to the bottom. He brought it to Haley’s mouth and she licked the frosting clean while his fingers massaged her back. And then he placed it on a white paper napkin and repeated the process with the 2. He picked up the cake knife and methodically marked the top edge of the frosting with a shallow cut every 30 degrees. Only then did he carve out slices for everyone and serve them onto the decorative plates. Chuck passed the plates around with the final one resting in front of Haley. Finished, he sat down.

Eliana hesitated expecting Haley to pick up her plate and take the first bite. That was how it always worked in her family. But Haley didn’t move from her punitive stance. Only her eyes moved toward the slice of cake.

Laura noticed and said, “Don’t worry, someone will help Haley enjoy her birthday cake in a little bit.”

“Oh,” Eliana said, “I’m just used to the birthday girl or boy getting the first bite.”

Paul said, “We consider that a privilege and it’s one Haley didn’t earn this year. Hopefully, she’ll be a little more dedicated to good and responsible behavior over the coming year once her birthday punishment has concluded.”

“I promise I got the message, Dad,” Haley said.

Laura said, “I hope so, but your track record over the last three years isn’t encouraging.”

Haley sighed. “You have to admit I’ve already improved a lot since the holidays.”

“True,” Paul said, “however, a couple months of good behavior doesn’t erase everything that’s happened. We want you to believe you’re on the right track and if you are it’ll become obvious over the next year.”

“I know and come next year, you’ll be proud of me.”

“We’re already proud of you,” Laura said. “But you have some growing up to do and it’s our job to help correct, guide and motivate you when you need it. Right now, as unpleasant as it is, you need some of that.”

“I assure you the loss of my clothes and the application of the paddle has provided me with an abundance of all three. Any chance you’ll turn the heat up? My rear is burning, but the rest of me is freezing.”

Paul shook his head. “You know the rules. Besides, it wouldn’t be much of a punishment if you were comfortable, now would it?”

Haley let out a shallow huff. “No, I guess not.”

 Paul flashed his daughter a sympathetic smile. “At least you’re going to be well motivated.”

All except Haley dug into their slices of cake. Eliana couldn’t help glancing at her sister-in-law from time to time. In part, she wondered how Haley managed to hold her position. Of course, with closer inspection, there was obvious strain and effort involved. Haley’s legs and arms trembled. And she swayed ever so slightly shifting her weight from left to right. There were occasional blips of vertical movement too as Haley no doubt attempted to assuage her exhausted calf muscles.

Eliana’s also wondered what it would feel like to be in Haley’s place. Not just the physical taxation, but more the emotional state. Exposed. Humiliated. Helpless. Punished. Beyond the blushing and pursed lips, Haley didn’t reveal much of what she was feeling. Was it because Haley had grown accustomed to being in such situations or was she merely putting on a stoic face that would fall away as soon as she was secure in the privacy of her bedroom? The latter seemed more likely.

When Chuck finished his slice of cake, he began feeding Haley hers. She bent down, keeping her head up. Chuck delivered bite after bite to her lips, slow and steady. His free hand massaged her back, occasionally dipping to her reddened buttocks.

After Haley swallowed the last bite, Paul said, “I think it’s time to retire for the evening. Haley, you’ll clean everything up here and, when you’re finished, take the paddle back to the shed.”

“Yes, Dad.” Haley appeared relieved as she lowered her hands and collected plates from around the table.

Chuck stood and said, “I should be heading home.” He interrupted Haley’s work to give her a kiss and Paul walked him to the front door.



Upstairs in the guest room, Trevor shut the door and sat on the bed beside Eliana. “I’m sorry about this. If you really want to leave, we’ll leave.”

Eliana shook her head. “It’s fine. Maybe better than fine. I had an interesting talk with your mom.”

Trevor raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

“I don’t know.” Eliana shrugged. “What has your dad said about why he hasn’t handed over the reigns to you?”

“Not a lot, but I’ve been getting the impression he’s afraid I’m not going to stay. The thing is, I’m not going to stay if he doesn’t start trusting me. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about this earlier. I think I need to give my parents a deadline. Make it clear they can’t just string me along.”

“From what your mom told me tonight, I think they’d tell us to just go then.”

Trevor cocked his head to the side. “What did she say?”

“Your parents don’t believe we’re invested in making a life here and they won’t turn the company over to us until they’re convinced otherwise.”

He grunted and said, “They’re not wrong, are they?”

“Yeah, but neither are we. We have no guarantees from them and tonight is probably the most honest your mom has ever been with me. And it wasn’t pretty from either of us. I’m glad it happened in private because I think we both had some serious misunderstandings we needed to clear up.”

“What are you thinking?” Trevor asked.

Eliana shrugged. “Your mom made it clear they aren’t handing the company over to you. They want to hand it over to both of us, but only if we’re committed to the company and the community. So, can we trust your parents?”

“Right.” Trevor took a deep breath. “Before we moved back here, I would have said absolutely. Now, I just don’t know. We’ve already sacrificed a lot and if we leave, it’ll have been for nothing. And it will take it us a year or two to get back to where we were. I don’t know if I’m willing to commit without some kind of certainty about our future here.”

“I agree,” Eliana said. “I’m willing to go to work for the company, learn the ropes and whatever else we need to do to build a life here, but not without assurances that we won’t be spending the next decade or two living under your parents’ thumbs.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. You don’t want to work for my parents.”

She took his hand. “If I don’t, we might as well leave.”

“We talked about this. My parents barely cut Haley any slack at the office. They won’t cut you any. I won’t put you through that.”

“I’m not that fragile. If this is really what you want, I’ll play their game. But only if we get a formal commitment from them. They can’t expect us to be all in if they’re not willing to do the same.”

“They might tell us to take a hike.” Trevor exhaled and shook his head.

She shrugged and squeezed his hand. “Then we call their bluff.”

“And if it’s not a bluff?”

“Then we prove we’re not bluffing either. Or we cave to their demands. It depends on if this is what you want and how badly you want it. I’ll follow your lead and do what you need me to do.”

“What about your family?” Trevor asked.

She chuckled at him. “This morning wasn’t about my family. It was about me feeling isolated and lonely. You mom presented a pretty good solution to that.”

“OK, let’s try to make this work. I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow about the four of us having a private meeting.”

“I’ll get our stuff moved over here.”

Trevor laughed.

Eliana raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“We don’t even have pajamas for tonight.”

“I can think of worse things than sleeping naked with you.”

He pulled her to him, ran his hands through her hair. She nibbled on his earlobe. He kissed her neck. She unbuttoned his shirt. He unzipped her dress. She let the dress fall to the floor and kissed his lips. He tossed his shirt across the room and finished undressing her. She unfastened his belt. He pushed her onto the bed and shimmied out of his pants and boxers. Somehow his socks were still on. She cared only enough to smile as he climbed atop her and pinned her to the bed. His lips caressed her neck, her breasts, her navel…

Her eyes fluttered shut, she gasped and arched her back into the mattress. She bit into her lip. His tongue sent the first wave of euphoria rippling through her naked body. His hands forced her hips still. She strained against him. Two shuddered breaths later, she surrendered to him.