“And yet despite that, I’d consider you a close friend. So, can I give you some personal advice as a close friend?”
I huff out a laugh, but still nod. Raze remains serious.
“Life is way too short, Finn. Shit happens and within seconds, what was once supposed to be a long life is shortened and ended.” He looks as if he knows this from experience, his blue eyes dimming solemnly. “So, you seriously just got to go for what you want. Regrets are for people who are sure they have a hundred years to live.”
My expression is mirroring his by the time he’s done. For someone as young as us, it’s never escaped my notice that Raze seems to carry a heavy weight on his shoulders, much heavier than mine, that’s for sure. As he said, talking on a personal level hasn’t really been something we’ve ever done. Raze is kind and a hard worker, and yeah, in a weird way I do consider him to be a close friend. After all, we’ve worked together for almost ten years. It’s only now, though, that I’m realizing that maybe Raze has been watching me just as much as I’ve been watching him.
“You know?”
His smile is subtle. “I pay attention.”
“And you never mentioned anything?”
“It was never my place to. Besides, it’s never stopped you running the company, so why bring up something that’s not a problem?”
I look up to the sky and close my eyes, my head hanging backward in relief. It has always been somewhat a concern for me—knowing whether or not my staff would still think me a respectable boss if they knew about my OCD. Knowing that Raze has known for a while and hasn’t found a need to be concerned, lightens the tightness in my chest.
“I actually wanted to ask you something,” he says.
I look back down. “Anything.”
This time, he actually seems a bit nervous, scratching the back of his neck. His face is already red from the heat, but you can still see a fresh wave flush his face.
“I wanted to ask if I could work with you after you leave.”
“But you don’t even know what I’m leaving to do.”
He chuckles. “You forget one thing.”
I tilt my head.
“I live in Eaglewood.” He smiles.
Well, fuck.
“Nigel.” I sigh.
“Nigel.” He laughs. “And you remember what my degree is, right?”
I think back to Raze’s resumé. I remember seeing University of Denver on there, but the degree…
“Architectural Engineering?” he offers.
Huh.
I nod and clap him on the shoulder. “Then let’s talk.”
* * *
The moment I see Oakleigh, I scoop her up into my arms and spin her around. She shrieks as I do. Her shrieks turn to laughs as I place her safely back on the ground.
“What on earth is this?” she asks, a massive smile on her face.
“I got some good news so I’m in a good mood and I want to share that with my woman.”
“Oh, your woman, huh?” She chuckles.
“Damn right.”
