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“Supposed to be the best in the city” He was delighted with himself I didn’t correct him I knehere the best oysters were And they weren’t in a fancy restaurant They were in a dive outside of town I’d never be able to find again

“I’m sure they’re wonderful” I held one of the shells in my hand

“You know this dinner is a celebration” His eyebroere high on his forehead

“Oh?”

“You know this is about the hotel I’m very proud of you, Kennedy”

My chest warot the Vieux Carre, Dad”

He tucked the linen napkin at his collar He had to wiggle his tie toI think you should know about the arrange fell into place Now that it’s official You should see the total picture”

We took a second to hile the glasses of chane were poured by our server

“What do you ht the auction ell”

He same of chess ahead of time It paid off” I kne chess was played

The bubbly happiness started to turn sour “What did you do?”

He winked “Kennedy, you know thisto the co to create for the next generation of Martins”

“Well, that’s not happening anytime soon” I hated when he talked about me like I was a piece of livestock to breed

“This is where your dynasty begins Your own legacy” He spoke as if ere in a hobbit book Had the medication altered his personality? This was intense, even for him

“Dad,” I tried to quieten him