“Right. Spare time.” Piper barked out a laugh. “I thought we talked about this, Sum.”
“It’s a good compromise,” I said, even knowing it wasn’t true.
“You meansacrifice.”
“Whatever.” I stepped to the front of the line and asked Piper to hold. I got the ticket sorted out and then returned my attention to her. “We’re about to board. I’ll see you later.”
“I can’t wait!” she squealed and blew me a kiss before disconnecting the call.
I boarded the plane and checked my phone. There were a few missed calls from Nico, a few texts too. I ignored them all and navigated to my inbox. I selected a recent email from Stanford and logged in to my portal, my thumb hovering over the button to indicate my acceptance.
This was it. There was no going back.
Finally, I pressed the button, knowing that I was finally making the right choice. Because it was one I’d made for me.
With that done, I settled back into my seat with a smile. I had no idea what came next, but I knew I’d taken the correct next step. I’d finally listened to my inner voice, and I hoped it wouldn’t lead me astray.
Chapter Two
Alexis waved when I stepped out of my truck, holding up a finger as she finished a call. “Just a minute,” she mouthed.
I held my hand to my forehead to shield my eyes from the sun. The house was…interesting. Definitely different from our usual project. But I could see why she’d been drawn to it. The style was unique, the neighborhood had potential, and I could feel my blood pumping as ideas coursed through me. It was the first time I’d felt alive in weeks.
“Hey. Sorry about that.” She grinned, coming to join me. “I probably shouldn’t keep LA’s Businessperson of the Year waiting.”
I rolled my eyes, even though I knew she was teasing. “Oh please.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “How have you been?”
“Good. Closing a few last-minute deals before the end of the year. You know how it is. Anyway… I know you’re short on time.”
It felt like I was always short on time, running from one thing to the next in an attempt to do more, be more. I often wondered when—or if—it would ever be enough. I could remember thinking I’d be set when I made my first million. Then I did it, and I was focused on making ten. And then the goalpost moved again. I’d passed so many milestones now, they’d begun to blur together. Yet, it never seemed like enough. The excitement of my earlier days faded beyond recognition, and with each new accomplishment, I seemed to care less.
I nodded. “I’ve got an interview after this.” Followed by a dinner meeting, an evening run, and looking over figures until I fell asleep in bed.
“And I’ve got a ballet recital to attend.” She beamed. “Sophia is so excited to be the Sugar Plum Fairy.” She headed up the drive, her heels clicking against the concrete. “Let me show you around.”
I marveled at the difference in Alexis. She’d always been professional, polished, an astute businesswoman. But she’d changed over the past few years. She used to be all about work—much like I was. Then she’d met Preston, and there’d been a shift. She now prioritized family and downtime over work, and she seemed a lot happier. But surely it had come at a cost, I consoled myself. Though her company seemed as successful as ever. It made no sense.
I listened as she told me about the home’s price and features, surveying the work that needed to be done. I nodded, agreeing with her assessment.
“Let’s do it,” I finally said when we returned to the front entry. The tile was crumbling, the walls likely had water damage, but I relished a good challenge. I needed it. It was the only thing that made me feel…well,something.
“Awesome. I thought you’d see the potential.”
I nodded, sliding my hands into my pockets. “The view alone—” I shook my head, glancing toward the dark living room and peering through the grimy windows. Everything was already taking shape in my mind “—is worth the price.”
“Agreed. I’ll get the ball rolling. Are you going to want to do some of the work on this one or…?”
“Absolutely.” I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. Let me know when you’re ready for demo.”
“You sure?” she asked, head tilted. “I know you’re crazy busy, and it’s the holidays.”
“Did I miss any deadlines on the last house?” I asked, cutting her off before she could inquire about my holiday plans or lack thereof.
“No, but—”
“Then trust me to make it work.”
“Okay.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Yeah. Absolutely.” Her phone chimed. “I’ve got to head out if I’m going to make it to Sophia’s recital on time.”
