Chapter 20 - MARCO GETS OLD
My father did not enjoy aging.
Nobody was surprised.
At seventy, he stopped pretending reading glasses were temporary.
At seventy-two, his cardiologist told him to reduce work.
He fired the cardiologist.
Then rehired her after I threatened to tell Luca.
Grandchildren have leverage adults should use carefully.
Dad eventually stepped down from Santori Holdings’ executive chair.
A professional successor took over.
No family emergency.
No crown passing to me.
I joined one board committee because I wanted to.
Not because my surname demanded it.
Then Marco’s old habits found new forms.
He called Luca’s school to ask about a security incident before telling me.
I found out.
“Dad.”
“It involved a stranger near the parking lot.”
“The school had already handled it.”
“I wanted details.”
“You are not the parent.”
He stared.
Then:
“Correct.”
He apologized to the principal.
No exception.
Then his estate plan.
He asked me to serve as trustee for several family gifts.
“No.”
“Why?”
“I have enough.”
He appointed a professional.
Then asked whether he could leave Luca a significant trust.
“Your money.”
“Any conditions?”
“No.”
“Then fine.”
He grinned.
“No Santori Holdings requirement.”
“Good.”
“No marriage requirement.”
“Good.”
“No first son requirement.”
“Dad.”
“I am demonstrating.”
Slow learner.
Then Darlene’s health.
She developed arthritis and sold her large house for a condo.
No dramatic downfall.
She maintained limited contact with Luca through occasional supervised or public meetings as he requested.
Travis’s relationship expanded to daytime visits twice monthly.
No overnights until Luca was older and evaluator supported.
I did not attend.
Then one day Luca came home angry.
“Dad Travis said Cole Meridian was supposed to be mine one day.”
My body tightened.
“What exactly?”
“He said he used to think that.”
Important.
“Did he say it should be?”
“No. He said that was part of why he got stupid.”
I relaxed slightly.
Then:
“Do you want Cole Meridian?”
“No.”
Good.
Then Luca asked:
“Do I get Santori?”
I laughed.
“You get information about some trusts and maybe future interests. You do not get a company because you exist.”
“Good.”
He went back to a video game.
Generational reform validated.
Then Travis asked me through co-parenting channel:
May I attend Luca’s school concert?
Public event.
No direct contact required.
Current orders allowed.
I said yes.
Marco sat beside me.
Travis sat across the auditorium.
Darlene did not attend.
Luca played triangle.
Badly.
Afterward, he waved at both sides.
No one owned the wave.
Then Marco whispered:
“He has my timing.”
“He hit one triangle.”
“Perfectly.”
No.
Then Dad had a mild heart attack at seventy-four.
Survived.
Hospital again.
I hated hospitals more than I realized.
Luca visited.
He saw the patient bracelet around Marco’s wrist.
“Check it.”
Everyone laughed.
Dad held it up.
“Correct name.”
Then Luca said:
“Don’t let Grandma change it.”
Silence.
He meant Darlene.
Marco looked at me.
I let Luca own the joke.
Dad said:
“No one touches my bracelet without paperwork.”
Good.
Humor on the child’s terms.
Then Luca sat beside him and ate crackers.
No estate papers.
No governance discussion.
May you like
Hospital becoming a hospital again.
That mattered.
