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Her expression softens. “No, I don’t think it would.”
I let my gaze roll over everyone at the table. “I understand that change can cause anxiety. But there are so many opportunities in Charleston right now. Your New York investments are still being taken care of, but I can offer you more this way. More opportunities, higher returns, and a lot less risk.” I lift a brow. “Look at what we did with Smith and Carson.” That’s the publishing house that Ava now runs. “There’s no way in hell we can get that kind of return for your money in New York.”
A few of the people around the table nod their heads.
“But if you’re uncomfortable with that I understand. Say the word and I’ll have your investments returned to you. I have a long list of people who would like to be part of the future we have to offer here.”
That’s no word of a lie. A day doesn’t go by without someone asking if I’m taking on new clients. Many of them are hugely prestigious. But I have a sense of loyalty and these are the people who have been with me from the start.
“I’m okay with you looking at Charleston,” Rachel says.
“Yep,” Sydney Clark, the man next to her agrees. One by one they all give me the assent.
“Richard?” I ask. His jaw is ticking. He’s a self-made man. He knows the value of every dollar. He’s also proud as hell.
He lets out a long breath. “It would just be nice to see you in New York more often.”
“Noted.” I nod. “And I miss you, too.”
Laughter breaks out across the room, the atmosphere diffusing. Even Richard manages to crack a smile. With their grievances aired, I go on to talk about the companies we’re working with right now, giving them a rundown of where we’re at.
By the time we finish the meeting everything is calm. We stand and talk, while Sam arranges for fresh coffee and pastries.
The irony that I can persuade these hard-faced investors to trust me when I can’t persuade the woman I love to do the same doesn’t evade me. I wish I could talk her around as easily.
But I’m not daunted. I can rise to the challenge.
Because I want her more than I’ve wanted anybody else.
“Do you have any dinner plans?” Rachel asks, touching my elbow. She’s almost eighty but her dinner parties are legendary.
“Actually, yes,” I tell her. “I’m eating dinner with my girl.” Virtually, at least.
“You have a girlfriend?” She smiles at me. “How wonderful. I didn’t know that. What’s her name?”
“Sophie,” I tell her. “And to be honest, she’s not my girlfriend yet. But I want her to be.”
Her eyes twinkle. “Oh my. A woman who can resist your charms. No wonder you want her. It’s like that Groucho Marx saying. What is it?” She frowns. “Oh yes. ‘I’d never belong to any club that would have me as a member.’ Isn’t that it?”
I laugh. “Sounds about right. She has high standards.” And I’m not sure I can meet them.
“Of course she does, dear.” Rachel pats my arm. And then squeezes my bicep, her eyes widening. “But you’ll win her. I know you will.”
* * *
SOPHIE
I’m trying so hard to keep my eyes on the television screen, but every now and then I sneak a peek at my phone, just to check that he’s still there.
And he is. He’s set up his phone on his knees, I think, though it’s hard to tell from this angle. If I’m being really honest, I’m a little too distracted by the fact he’s bare-chested, propped up on some pillows on his bed, his finger tapping his chin as we watch the last episode of the first season together.
“Jimmy and the twins,” he repeats, his lip curling upward. “Good name for the male anatomy.”
“You haven’t heard that one before?” I ask, smiling because he’s smiling. And yep, that makes me a sap, but this is the best part of my day.
Until now I’ve felt like I’ve been barely surviving. With trying to do two peoples’ work and getting my head around the submission Michael wants me to write, my brain feels constantly full. I should be working now, but I promised I’d do this with him.
And I’m so glad I did. There’s something about Liam Salinger that calms me, which is crazy if you think about it. I’ve spent most of the time I’ve known him riled up by his presence. But now all I actually wish is that he was here with me watching the show.
