Page 86 of The Cost of Love

She keeps looking out while I try to break down my day-to-day tasks. Using kid-friendly terms, I set out the role and its expectations.

“I think I would like to do something like that,” she says, finally sitting down.

“Really?”

“I like bossing people around, and I think I could make some good deals. Plus, I don’t want to be poor ever again.” She juts out her chin and lifts her head.

Her usual sunny and carefree demeanor is gone, and in its place is a determination that is so reminiscent of her sisters’.

“I think you would be really good at it.”

This gets her smiling again, and soon she is ready to keep learning.

I spend the day showing her tasks that she can help me complete. When I have to knock out some emails, she sits next to me on my personal laptop and writes me up a cover letter for why I should hire her. It’s so good and well outlined that I promise her an internship as soon as she turns sixteen.

We eat lunch, do some more exploring, and soon it’s time to go home. I wish I could have her here with me every day, even if I barely got anything done.

“Thanks, Alex. I had a great time.”

“Me, too.”

“I hope I can be the CEO one day.”

Something tightens in my chest enough that I have to grip it. What a novel concept. Having someone I love to give this empire to. Finding a child who may want it. Of course, she can change her mind, and I would never hold her to it, but what if Gabby took over the company and continued on our family in a way I would want?

“You can be. Just wait until you’re eighteen to tell me, and I’ll make it happen after you finish university.”

“I will, but I want to. I’ll be the best.” She holds out her hand for me to shake, solidifying our deal. With it, she creates a new dream for me.

If I marry Chanice, she will be my child, so I will have fulfilled my obligation. All while never having to compromise my values. Without knowing it, Gabs helped me come to a conclusion.

Chapter 33

Chanice

Ilook out the window at the buildings that pass by, blurring with the streetlights. They reflect on my skin, and I wonder what I look like to him.

My hair is pressed for the first time in my life and swooped into a high ponytail with a curled bun. My makeup is professionally done, allowing my complexion to sing. I’m wearing a red sparkling ballgown that shines even in the darkness. I finally look like someone who belongs on his arm.

“How is the new job?” he asks, gripping my hand.

I turn towards him, my lips lifting as I take him in. The forest-green blazer with matching pants pops against the black dress shirt underneath. His red handkerchief in his pocket makes him look particularly Christmas-themed. He is looking at me the way he always does, his affection not impacted by the fact that I look like this. It reminds me that he loves me as I am.

“The job is amazing. I have learned so much. I’ve been freaking out about messing up, but so far Chef Tomas has only had praises.”

He brings our joined hands up to his mouth and kisses mine. “That isn’t surprising.”

“It should be. I haven’t been in a professional kitchen since I was nineteen. With my budget, eggs and rice were a staple in our home.”

“And now?”

“Now I get to cook whatever I want.” This time, I kiss his hand in gratitude. Taking this job might not have been possible if it weren’t for him giving me the support to pursue my dreams.

I talk in more detail about what I’ve learned so far as we move across the city. Once we pull up outside the museum hosting the auction, I turn to look at the people exiting their vehicles.

“Are you ready?” he asks. The gentle tone of his voice makes it clear that it is okay if I’m not.

A big portion of me wants to never leave this car, and turn back around. My heart also accelerates at the prospect of the evening. So I tell him I am, and we step out to bright lights and well-dressed people.