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“Do you really believe you’ve changed?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I take my work just as seriously as I have always done. But what has changed is the motivation behind everything I do. My life isn’t filled with those three words - me, my, and I – anymore. Now I think in one word - we.”
It was good to hear that Hearts didn’t need to give up everything for another person. Perhaps I should have taken to heart the advice I gave Joyelle. Maybe I shouldn’t quit on my own dreams.
“She’s asked me about my work and I’ve always changed the subject. I felt like if I started talking about it, she would see my dedication for my work and feel like there is no room for her in my life.” That was the furthest from the truth – all I wanted was to make room for Joyelle.
“Is that why you took her camping?” he asked.
I shook my head. “That was different. Over dinner one night, she talked about how much she loved it. How she wished she could do it again. I guess I brought her camping just to…”
“Make her happy,” Phillip said. “That’s proof that you’re starting to change. Because putting a smile on her face is what makes you happy. And before you deny it - I recognize that expression. I’ve seen it often when I look in the mirror.”
“And you’re not worried that all these…changes, happened too fast?”
Phillip shook his head. “I was very resistant to it in the beginning. I spent most of my life knowing exactly what I wanted. At least until I didn’t want it any longer. Richard, what is the point of being able to purchase whatever you want, go wherever you want, if you don’t have someone to share it with?”
“You’re talking like a man in love. I’m not at that point.” Yet.
“Are you sure about that?”
“We’ve only known each other a couple of weeks,” I stated.
“Don’t look at love like you do business. There isn’t enough research or time in the world to tell you if it is love or not.”
“When did you realize you were in love with Linda?” I asked.
“I wish it was as easy as pinpointing a certain moment, but it’s not. All I know is I can’t remember not loving her. I’m not sure it helps, but my advice is simple. If you believe you can live without her in your life, she’s not the one.”
That was simple. Figuring out the answer to that question wasn’t. “Thanks. Now, can you help me with a business/personal matter?” This is where I thought our conversation would’ve started.
“Does it involve Joyelle?”
I shook my head.
“Let’s hear it.”
I spent the next hour telling him everything I could about Chance and what I wanted to do.
“Legally, it’s not difficult to set up. I can draw up the papers for you to sign in a few days.”
“Thank you,” I said. Even though Logan was going to get me the information regarding bills from the hospital, I knew that was only part of what Tyler needed help with financially. I didn’t want him to worry about losing his car, home, or anything else. He, his wife, and their young daughter had lost enough already. “I just want to make sure that no one traces this back to me.”
Phillip nodded. “That won’t be a problem, either.”
“Good.” I wanted to help, but I knew Tyler was proud and wouldn’t take it from me directly.
Heck, I’m still stuck babysitting his Ferrari.
“I should get back to work,” I said.
Phillip said, “Why don’t you and Joyelle join us for dinner?”
“Thanks. Maybe another time.” I wanted to be alone with Joyelle tonight. Last night was amazing - holding her, touching her, but so much had been left unsaid.
When I left Phillip’s office, I sent Joyelle a text.
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU TONIGHT.
Phillip hadn’t told me anything I didn’t already know. I cared about Joyelle a lot. Even though I had no idea where this was leading, I knew I wanted to continue exploring it with her.
I’m thirty-two and I’m ready for more.
But I wasn’t so sure she was. There was only one way to find out.
It’s time to ask.
