Page 60 of Just One Chance

"I still do consulting work, and I can do that virtually. I only travel occasionally when a client insists on it. The brewery is my priority."

"I'm glad everything worked out." They were worried that it would be a bust, and that no one would support the business. But that was turning out not to be true. I longed to be in a place like that, knowing that your business was taking off, and you were on the right track. But I was the one who'd stalled for too long, waiting for my parents to make me a success.

"What about you? You heard anything about Kennedy's plans for the inn?"

"We don't talk about that stuff. We keep it separate for our sanity. I don't want to influence her decision."

He stretched his neck. "So what does that mean for you?"

"I hired Gina to build a website for me, and I'm working with her on some marketing ideas. She's been really helpful so far." I was impressed with her knowledge and enthusiasm.

"I knew you wanted to contact her, but I didn't think you'd move so quickly. I thought you wanted to wait and see what your parents decided."

I picked at the label on my beer. "I'm done with waiting. I'm going to create the future I want."

"Good for you."

"You don't think it's a huge mistake? What if I'm too busy and can't create the furniture they want?"

Beck chuckled. "That's business. They didn't secure their spot, and now you're moving on. You don't have any obligation to them, even though they're your parents. You have a right to build your business the way you want to. If they didn't get on board when you had time, then that's their loss."

"I didn't feel good when I was just waiting for an answer. I felt powerless."

"Now you feel good, like you're moving in the right direction."

"Yes."

"That's the power of deciding. Don't let anyone dictate where you're going in life. You've gotta make those decisions yourself."

"I feel good, Beck. Better than I have in a long time." I sipped the beer, enjoying the evening despite the chill.

"I'm happy for you."

"Everything's working out for us." Beck was further along in his journey, but I wasn't too far behind him. Knowing what I wanted was the biggest piece of the puzzle. Now I was determined to build a business that sustained me, not the family. And I was building a home I could be proud of. No more living above my shop, no matter how easy and convenient it was.

"What's this I hear about you breaking ground on a house?"

I nodded. "I'm finally doing it. I contacted a few contractors, and I'm waiting for the estimates to roll in. I know what I want, and I'm making moves in that direction."

He clinked his bottle against mine. "That's great."

"Yeah, everything's coming together." So why did it feel a little empty, like something was missing? I was making moves with my business and my future home. What else was there?

"How's it going with Kennedy?"

"You mean personally?" I asked, buying myself a few more seconds to think.

He nodded. "Yeah, you still hanging out with her?"

"Yes."

His brow furrowed. "You sure that's a good idea?"

"I have no idea what I'm doing with her. We spend our nights together, and we don't talk about work, or at least not about the decision she has to make. It's kind of hanging between us." This unspoken thing that's getting bigger each day.

Beck leaned his elbows on his knees. "How are you feeling about the situation?"

"Conflicted."