New Beginnings. Jill Barnett

know SkiStar is struggling. But the brand was already failing when you bought it. No man can make a business turn around overnight.”

      “Three years and counting isn’t overnight. Orders for the new line are in the toilet. Scott’s been making noises about all the money we’ve been pouring into Phillip’s side of the company.” Mike paused, staring at the dark color in his wine. “Just the other day Scott said something to me about how Phil is always just skating by. He was complaining that because he’s older, he’s had to pave the way and take harder knocks.”

      “That’s not true and you know it.”

      “But he thinks it’s true.”

      “Children always think we ruined their lives. Those two operate so differently. Scott analyzes everything, thinks it through. He’s methodical. Risk-averse. Phillip makes his decision and that’s it. He’ll decide whether the risk is worth it quickly, then jump on it or walk away. He has a quick mind. He’s you.”

      “But he doesn’t suffer fools and says exactly what he thinks, like someone else I know.”

      She laughed. “Some of my better points.”

      “I know Scott’s frustrated and I understand that,” Mike said. “SkiStar’s pulling a hell of a lot of money every year out of the board business, and with no sign of any gain at all.” He paused. “I wonder sometimes if I’m beating a dead horse.”

      “Is it Phillip? Is he screwing up?”

      “No. He told me tonight he has some kind of plan to present to the board Wednesday. I know he’s the doing the best he can. But Scott isn’t happy about it. I think the financial draw and constant losses are starting to create friction between the two of them, which is exactly what I was trying to avoid when I bought the SkiStar.”

      “You have always tried too hard to keep things fair and even for them. I know why you do it and I love you for it, but they’re brothers. They’re going to compete. It’s perfectly natural. Look at them on the slopes. Look at how they’ve always fought for our attention. They need to work out their own status in life and in business. Each of them needs find his place. As much as you’d like to, you can’t make their worlds perfect.”

      “Well, that’s good because I haven’t. Things are far from perfect.”

      “Don’t beat yourself up over it. Listen to what Phillip has to say.”

      “Whatever it is, it’s going to cost money and Scott isn’t going to be happy.”

      “Too bad for Scott. Don’t let them put you in the middle because your father was a jerk with you and Brad. It’s your company, Mike. You make the decisions. I’ll support you. The boys will have to accept your decisions.”

      Mike set this empty glass down. “Has Mickey said anything to you about joining the professional boarding circuit?”

      March laughed. “Only constantly since his sophomore year. He’s looking for a reaction whenever he says it.”

      “Well, I gave him one.”

      “I won’t,” she said stubbornly. “You know what the real problem is?”

      “Enlighten me. You’ve got a better handle on him nowadays than I do.”

      “He’s just unsure of himself and looking for an easy out. These kids today have so much pressure on them and they’re greener and even less ready to choose their futures than we were. They have so many more choices. College selection is coming up. The truth is he’s scared he won’t get accepted at his first choice. It’s important for him to shine in this family. Look at Scott and Phil. He’s afraid to want it too much and be let down. Or worse, he’s afraid to let you down.”

      “Hell, I don’t care where he goes to school as long as he goes and gets a decent education.” Mike drank some more wine, then added, “And I do care that he doesn’t become a convicted felon in the next nine months.”

      March laughed. “I know as a parent I should be concerned about what happened today.” She paused. “But Mike, really…The purple cow?” She began to giggle.