I was confident in my ability to outperform my father’s lawyers in court. It wasn’t just my intelligence, but more the lack of effort from the men on his team. They relied on my father’s reputation and ability to bribe the officials. I’d bury them, no question. Especially with Dr. Harris at my back.
The one crucial person I hadn’t given enough thought to was my guy. Could being with me compensate for his relocation across the country, and the sacrifice of losing his dream job? The effect on Beau couldn’t be ignored. Finishing my degree meant we’d be far closer to achieving the charter boat service Beau had always dreamed of establishing.
My cell phone rang, interrupting my ruminations. I strode into my office, glancing at the wall clock, not yet seven in the morning. Hmm. I swiped the small screen, putting the call on the speaker option. “Dash Richmond.”
“Dash,” Carter said, and dove right in. “I needed to initiate this call before starting my workday. A plane’s being readied for you at the Dallas Executive Airport. Joanie, one of our employees, will rendezvous with you in Chicago to get you where you need to be. She’s scheduled meetings with the school, then you’ll check out the living conditions, and take a tour around the immediate area. You’re scheduled to return to Dallas tomorrow morning,” he said, his no-nonsense voice grew softer to a whisper as he spoke to someone else near him. “Did I get that right?”
“Yes. Only add that Joanie will take him to the airport in the morning too. He’ll stay in your place tonight,” a female voice said.
“Did you catch that?” Carter asked.
“I did.” I thought this was a discussion on my commitment to the idea, but instead the wheels were in motion.
“You still there?” Carter asked.
“I am.”
“What’s got you silent?”
“The offer’s exciting,” I started, my mind racing to process everything while considering all angles. “Your help aligns with my goals to thrive in spite of my father and family. It’ll make him crazy.”
“Whenever it happens, I want to be there when you confront him, so it’s settled. I’m traveling today. Don’t take the first offer given from the school and carefully consider everything. Chicago is a very different place than Dallas. We’ll continue this conversation this evening,” Carter said.
I nodded a few seconds before speaking. “Thank you. Let me talk to Beau and then I’ll head to the airport. We’re a package deal.”
“That’s right, I remember. Dr. Harris explained the fucked up things your old man did to you two. I don’t abide by the class structure. Tell me again what his needs are.” I heard the call switch from speakerphone to a direct conversation. Good. I didn’t want anyone to think badly of Beau. “My personal assistant is with me. I’ll transfer the phone to her. Let her know what he needs?”
“Hi, Dash, I’m Lisa. Tell me what he needs.”
“Beau likes his job.” My smile grew as I ensured he’d be as happy as possible with the move. “It’d be nice if he could transfer with FedEx or get a job with UPS.”
“What does he do?” she asked.
“He’s a delivery driver. He’s currently employed with FedEx, and he may be able to transfer. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself,” I explained, lifting my gaze as the front door opened and Amelia came through.
“It’s no problem to secure employment. I’ll have answers for you two this evening,” Lisa said.
“Thank you,” I said.
“No, thank you. Carter’s been grinning ear to ear this morning in the office. It’s a real treat,” she said in a tone that showed happiness or maybe that was just her natural way.
“I even brought donuts today,” Carter said, taking the phone back. “I need to leave. I’ll call you tonight. Enjoy yourself.” The call ended. All my excessive contemplations were futile. I was heading to Chicago. I had to call Beau, schedule a cab, and pack a bag.
“What’s going on?” Amelia asked as I came out of my office with the phone in hand. At the same time, it dinged with a notification. The message had to be from Beau. I opened it as I nodded toward my bedroom.
“Come with me and I’ll explain. I feel like things are finally going our way again.” As I went, I opened the message.
“Stop fretting and make the call,” Beau texted.
My wonderful guy knew me well. As I set my thumbs to typing on the small keyboard, I felt like moving to Chicago was the best idea. Fingers crossed it turned out that way.
“The place is stunning,” I said to Beau. “Look at these appliances and the way the whole kitchen’s seamlessly put together. It’s beautiful and functional,” I explained, happy with the way my day had gone. Hope filled my being, something I desperately needed. “I’ll go to the bedroom.”
I walked the length of the contemporary dining room then up the sweeping stairs, curved along a wall, directly facing Lake Michigan. At the top, one way went in the direction of a large guest bedroom, the other way was the main bedroom. The entire house flowed well together in both the architecture and interior design. The colors and decor were much like my home in Texas. Beige, cowboy brown, black, and whites. The pop of color came from different layers of blue all across the spectrum.
“Close your eyes.” I paused at the doorway to make sure Beau’s eyes were closed, then pushed the door open with my foot. “Open.” I slowly scanned the room with the laptop camera.
“Are those windows?” Yes, they were large windows with an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan.
