On the way home, Jeff called Uncle Bob's youngest son, Ben. He had always been Jeff's favorite cousin for the same reason that Bob was his favorite uncle. Ben shared his dad's big personality, though not his girth.

Ben was a history teacher and basketball coach at a high school up in the valley in St. Helena. Though he was barely forty, he had become something of a legend as a coach, whose teams always seemed to win more than their talent warranted.

Jeff decided he wouldn't even touch on business issues, not wanting to be insensitive. “How are you feeling about your dad's situation?”

Ben didn't seem overly concerned. “I'm okay. I'm just glad he found out when he did. Based on what the doctor said, he should be okay, as long as he stops eating all that crap and stays out of the work stress. Frankly, I'm probably more worried about you.”

“Me?” Jeff was genuinely surprised.

“Yeah, with Dad stepping away, I'm wondering how you're feeling. And what you think's going to happen at VB.”

For a moment, Jeff wondered whether Ben was more concerned about his cousin or his own financial interests.

“Well, it's going to be hard, but after meeting with Clare and Bobby tonight, I think we'll figure it out.” Jeff was acting more confident than he was feeling.

“I wish I could help.” Ben seemed sincere.

“Well, I'll take all the help I can get. Do you have any opinions or ideas about the business?”

“I'm afraid I don't know much about the Xs and Os of what Dad does. I wish I did. But if you want to put together a company basketball team, I'm your man.”

Jeff laughed. “All right. Hey, if there is anything I can ever do for your mom and dad, let me know.”

“I will. Main thing is to keep them in your prayers.”

“You know I will.”

Ben smiled. “We all really appreciate what you're doing for Dad. The company means a lot to the family, and not just financially.”

“Of course,” Jeff replied, doing his best to mask the growing pressure he was feeling.

The cousins agreed to get together for coffee in a week, and the conversation ended just as Jeff pulled into his driveway.

He hadn't talked to his wife, Maurine, since all of this happened, wanting to break the news to her in person. She was a constant source of perspective and empathy, as well as optimism. Usually, Jeff appreciated that optimism. Tonight he was more than a little disappointed that she didn't seem even a little worried.

“As bad as I feel for Bob, I think the work part is actually a good thing for you,” Maurine explained.

Jeff looked at her like she was insane.

She clarified. “Just listen. I love that it's calmer up here and that your commute is shorter and that we see you more. But you need a challenge. You've always needed challenges.”

“I don't know.” He took a deep breath. “This one might be a little too close to home.”

She seemed a little surprised. “You mean the family thing?”

He nodded. “I never thought that my success at work could impact my relationship with my family. Heck, even my dad will know if I screw this up.”

Maurine dismissed it all. “Don't be silly. They're all rooting for you. No one expects you to be Superman. Just take it one issue at a time.”

Jeff wanted to argue, but knew that she was right. Thinking about the big picture too much would overwhelm him, but he could certainly manage one issue at a time.

Fortunately, the first and most important issue would be the subject of his meeting the next day.