AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Not every relationship can be exploited, Nate,” Will explains. I’d be insulted, except he’s not wrong. I’ve used my reach and money to woo people over to my way of thinking. When you’re a hustler, you hustle. In lieu of business brains, I lean on my street smarts.
That electrical permit stood between me and a C.O., better known as a Certificate of Occupation. If I don’t have my permits in order, I can kiss retail and residential contracts adios. A little money in Gary’s palm sped up the process and a little more in Daniel’s persuaded him to sign in a timely manner. I think he still hates me, but the feeling is mutual. Vivian in the middle was a kink I hadn’t seen coming. She’s hellbent on following the rules for some reason.
She fascinates the hell out of me.
“The big picture is what’s important,” I tell Will. “These live-works are going to employ and house a lot of people. People who will have date nights and attend book signings and celebrate grandma’s eightieth birthday. They need what I’m building. If I have to smooth rough roads along the way, so be it.”
Will puts his cigar in his mouth, answering with silence. For good reason. He inquires about my arm of Owen Construction on occasion, but he lets me run it. He understands the value of mistakes. I’ve made plenty. The more mistakes I made, the more I learned. And the more cautious I am not to make them in the future.
I think of Vivian and wonder if her caution is born of her desire to stick to the straight and narrow or make up for her past mistakes. Maybe both. I admire the stars and blow smoke rings over my head.
Guess I’ll find out if she shows up for dinner tomorrow night.
