AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m glad he got to see you have a successful start. How is business going?” He hasn’t been open for long, but Hudson has already had people contact him.
“Good. I’m optimistic about this showing I had. The family seemed interested. The house would be an ideal home for them.”
“Good.” I smile.
Hudson nods, checking the time. “I gotta go. I have a meeting with a new client. I’m having dinner with Lex tonight, so you’re on your own.” He smiles.
“Leave the number for pizza on the fridge, Dad,” I joke as he walks toward his room.
“You have it on speed dial,” he retorts.
“It’s not my fault you won’t cook for me,” I call out and serve myself another cup of coffee before sitting at the counter with my laptop.
It’s probably a good idea to work from home today. I’ll give Sage some space to think about my offer. She may think I’m crazy, but it’s a win-win situation for both of us. I’ll get the money I need to start my business and still have extra after I give her the chunk I promised her.
If she’s tight on money, it’ll be a saving grace. She can even see it as a job. She’ll be getting paid to be my girlfriend.
Man, I sound like a creep again.
Thankfully, no one can read my thoughts.
I take a break from work after a couple of hours and head out for lunch. The sun is shining, and it feels good to be outdoors. The apartment was starting to feel like it was closing in on me.
I miss volunteering. I miss helping people and spending time in places where I know I’m making a difference.
One thing’s for sure. Even when I’m running my own non-profit agency, I’m going to be out there doing the work myself. If I didn’t have to be here to secure the money and work on everything I needed to establish the charitable foundation, I’d be back in Africa helping the village where I’d been volunteering before Christmas.
I’ve never met such honest, loyal, and caring people in my life. They had nothing, not even clean water, but they always had smiles on their faces. They shared the little food they had with all of us, like a true community.
And the kids.
I shake my head at the memory. So many were sick. We helped in any way we could. Not just bringing them essentials for a healthy life, but helping the doctor administer medicine and treat any wounds. You name it; I did it. Those children were angels.
It didn’t matter how hard some days were. I always had a smile for them. They reminded me of being a kid again. Although, if you ask my parents, I still act like a child.
It was hard to leave Without Borders, but if I can get this non-profit launched, I’ll be able to offer even more.
I scratch my bearded jaw and realize I’m in front of the coffee shop. I look through the glass and see Sage talking to the other barista.
I hesitate.
I could walk in and grab something to eat, but I promised her I would give her time to consider my offer.
When she looks up and spots me outside, her eyes widen. I smile and wave before continuing to the diner. I need a real plate of food. And maybe I’m the one who needs some space to truly think out this plan of mine, so it doesn’t blow up in my face.
I give in and walk to the coffee shop after having lunch at the diner. When I see it is mostly empty, I don’t think twice about it.
“Hi.” I smile at Sage, who eyes me with a careful expression.
I feel like I have walked into a cage full of lions.
“Hi.” Her gaze tracks my pace.
Today, she’s wearing science lab flask earrings with purple bubbles coming out of the top.
I take my time walking to the counter, my hands in my pockets. I read the menu on the wall above before looking at her again. My smile falters when I see that she’s glaring at me with her arms crossed. I put my smile back in place and order.
“I’ll have a cappuccino, please.” I wave my fingers at her.
