Downtown Billionaire

by Hannah Jo Abbott

  Andrew’s heart started picking up the pace just at the thought of it. “Maybe. I’m not sure.”

  “Just pretend you’re asking her to meet you for an appointment for work. But ask her to have dinner with you. Maybe practice what you want to say, I know you like memorizing things. That first ask is the hardest part, but once you start spending time together, it will get easier.”

  Andrew seemed skeptical. “I don’t know, man.”

  “You don’t have to do it. It’s up to you, I’m just giving you a suggestion for how to do it.” Hudson walked to the step and started making his way to the second floor. “Let’s see what the rest of this house looks like. Who knows how your life might change?” His voice echoed down as he ascended, “Or, you know, you can just live in the guest house alone for the rest of your life. It’s up to you.”

  Andrew was afraid that’s exactly what would happen.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Lacey wanted to ignore the text on her screen. Maybe if she did, it would all go away.

  Got the money. Found a ride to get home, need to pay them for gas. Send more money.

  She had known it was probably a bad idea to send Miranda the money, but what was she supposed to do? Now she knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it until she sent more money. The buttons on her phone screen clicked as she logged into her bank account, Lacey looked at the screen and knew she couldn’t send much more. Calculating the amount she had from her last school paycheck and what she was bringing in from the library, she sent her mother a text with the amount she could send, But that’s all I can spare. She knew that she couldn’t really spare that, but it was easier to eat Ramen Noodles for a week than it was to tell Miranda no.

  With thoughts of her mother pushed to the back of her mind, Lacey walked into the library building. “Hi Sonya,” she greeted the other part-time employee.

  “Hey girl, how’s it going?”

  “Fine.” Lacey wished that were true.

  “You’re early today.”

  “Yeah, if you don’t mind, I’ve got a little research to do before I clock in.”

  Sonya waved a hand. “That’s fine, it’s been fairly quiet today.”

  “All right, I’ll be in the back if you need me to clock in early.” Lacey tugged the strap of her bag back up to her shoulder and headed to the tables in the reference section. She rounded the corner of the back shelf and stopped in her tracks. Andrew Hartley sat at the table, bent over a stack of books. “Oh,” her mouth fell slightly open as she glanced at the books and saw the exact items she was coming to look for.

  “Oh, hey,” Andrew said.

  “I see you’re doing some research,” she said, her eyebrows shooting up.

  He looked guilty. “Yeah, just reading about the town’s historical protection laws.”

  “Oh,” Lacey’s voice went flat and her heart sank. She was sure he was going to find a way to prove he could tear down the building.

  “I think you’re right.”

  “What?” Shock registered on her face.

  “Maybe I’ve been going about this the wrong way.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. My grandparents loved this building, they were proud of their contribution to the town. And even though I think they would be proud of my contribution with a new library, maybe I need to be open to a different possibility.”

  Lacey stared at him, but no words came.

  “But I’m confident that the building won’t be protected by the historical provisions, since it hasn’t already been declared a historical property.”

  Lacey’s face fell. “I was afraid of that. I was actually coming back here to find the same books you were looking at.” She hadn’t wanted to admit it, but he was probably right. She had been grasping at straws.

  “I can go. Here,” he stood abruptly.

  “You don’t have to go.”

  “It’s fine, I uhh, I have work to do at…work.”

  Lacey rolled her eyes. “Do you hate me that much?”

  “What?” His voice rose a notch, and his face started to turn red.

  “I’ve seen you talk to other people, I’ve seen you talk to a room full of people. You put words into sentences and present ideas with ease. But then you see me, and you find an excuse to leave. Do you really hate me that much that you can’t even stand to talk to me? I mean, I don’t like what you’re trying to do with the library, but there’s no reason to be rude.”

  “Rude?” He asked.

  “Yes,” she said harshly and a little too loudly. Looking around as if she just remembered she was in a library, she repeated the word quietly. “Yes.”

  “You think I’m rude?”

  “Only to me,” Lacey could feel the heat in her face. But as she said it, she saw a look wash over his face, was that embarrassment? He looked too shocked to speak, so she went on. “I’ve seen you talk to other people. And you talk in front of a crowd of people with no problem. But me? You act like you would rather be anywhere else, and you barely say two words.” She stopped and stared at him, daring him to say she was wrong.

  He dropped his gaze to the table and spoke quietly. “Talking to a group of people is different. I can memorize a speech and say the words. But I’m not so good with one-on-one.”

  “What does that mean? It’s all an act? You just perform when you’re in front. But you can’t talk to just one person?”

  “No, I don’t mean that. I’m just not quick on my feet. I…I never know what to say.”

  Lacey crossed her arms and watched as he stepped away from the table. She felt certain he was going to walk out on another conversation. “But you make an effort with other people. Why am I the exception?”

  He looked up and met her eyes so quickly it startled her, then he blurted out. “Because I like you.”

  Lacey’s eyes shot open wide and her hand flew to her mouth. Finally, she was the one who was speechless.

  “I…I…” Andrew stuttered again, still sounding unsure what to say.

  “You like me?” Lacey asked, her voice calm now, and sounding full of disbelief.

  Andrew rubbed the back of his neck and avoided making eye contact again. “Um, yeah.”

  “So…you can’t talk to me because…you like me?”

  Andrew sighed. “I know that’s dumb. I guess I’ve just always felt a little…you know, awkward.”

  “Always? Even in high school.”

  He looked up at her. “Especially in high school.”

  “But you were part of the cool crowd. You were one of the popular kids.”

  “Nah, I was just friends with them. I hung out with them, but I was just the quiet one who went along with them.”

  “Wow. I just thought maybe you were a little stuck up, because you didn’t talk much.”

  “Don’t you mean rude?” He asked.

  A blush crept over her face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I just felt like you didn’t like me, and couldn’t stand to even talk to me.”

  “No, that’s not it. I’ve just been…” he paused, seeming to search for the word. “I’ve just been afraid, and I guess I let that get the better of me.”

  Lacey smiled, letting what he was saying wash over her. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy, after all. “I guess not everyone can say exactly what they think all the time, like me. Big blabbermouth that I am.”

  “I don’t think you’re a blabbermouth.” Andrew’s tone was serious and when she looked at him, she saw the kindness in his eyes.

  “I’ve been told I am. Pretty much all of my life.” She shrugged.

  “I wish I could be as confident as you.”

  Lacey would never have described herself as confident. Sure, she could talk to anyone, but that had always been more of a front, to protect herself. She wanted to tell him that, but instead she only said, “Thanks. But you know it’s really not that hard. If there’s something you want to say to someone, or something you want to ask, don’t think about it. Just take a breat
h and say it.”

  Andrew shuffled his feet back and forth. “Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?”

  Lacey smiled. “See? You did it. Was that so hard?”

  “Honestly?”

  “Of course.”

  “I don’t know yet, because you haven’t answered.”

  Lacey threw her head back and laughed. “Sure, why not?”

  “Well then, I guess maybe it wasn’t so hard after all.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Andrew had thought asking Lacey out had been the hard part. That’s what Hudson said anyway. But maybe he had lied. Now I have to come up with something to say all night long. I don’t know if I can do that.

  As if he had read his mind, Hudson’s name came across his phone with a text message. Don’t try to plan what you’ll say tonight. Just be normal, ask questions, and let the conversation happen.

  But what if it doesn’t happen? Andrew texted back.

  Don’t worry. It will. Just be yourself.

  That’s what I’m afraid of.

  Andrew still felt like the real him was the quiet, shy, awkward kid who hung with the cool kids in high school. He had put up enough of a show, and he got along with his friends. But he wasn’t cool or popular.

  “God,” he prayed out loud. “Please help me. I have no idea what I’m doing. This is way outside of my comfort zone, but if you want me to spend time with Lacey, please make me less awkward than normal. Calm my nerves and just give me the words to say.” He squeezed his eyes tight before he said, “Amen.”

  He hoped he looked alright in the gray polo shirt and dark jeans. He had told Lacey he would pick her up at six, and he wanted to be on time, which meant being a few minutes early. He hoped that rule applied to dates, as well as meetings. He wasn’t sure, since he didn’t know any of the rules of dating. Nevertheless, he took a deep breath and walked out the door.

  It was a nice summer evening and still light out as he drove to the apartment buildings near town. He found the apartment number easily enough and walked to the door. He knocked and waited several minutes. He was just about to knock again when the door opened and Lacey appeared.

  “Hi, sorry, I wasn’t sure I heard you knock the first time. The TV was on a little too loud, I guess.”

  “That’s all right. I hope I’m not too early.”

  “No, you’re just fine.” Lacey stepped out and Andrew took her in for the first time. He stopped himself from breathing out the word, “Wow.” She wore a light yellow summer dress, and white sandal wedges. Her hair swished as she turned to pull the door shut, then she turned around and almost bumped into him since he hadn’t been able to move. “Oh sorry,” he said.

  “That’s all right. Ready?”

  “Yep.” They walked to the car and a few minutes later were headed down Main Street. Andrew hadn’t said a word since the door step. Okay God, help me out here, he prayed silently.

  The silence was thick as they rode in the car. Andrew could feel his heart pounding and he was afraid he was about to break out in sweats. He searched his mind for something to talk about, but nothing came to him. He looked at Lacey and offered a grin that he hoped didn’t show how terrified he was.

  When they arrived at the restaurant, he cleared his throat more than once as they got out of the car and walked inside. The hostess seated them at a table and left them with their menus. Andrew fiddled with his for a moment. Once the waitress had taken their drink orders, Andrew took the chance to pretend to look over the menu with great interest. Even though he already knew what he would order. He was a creature of habit, and he had eaten at the restaurant enough times to know what he liked.

  Lacey glanced over the menu for less than ten seconds before announcing, “Oh, I’m definitely going to have the seafood platter.”

  “Oh, have you had it before?”

  “Nope, never been here before.”

  “Really? And you just knew that fast that that’s what you wanted?”

  Lacey shrugged. “Yep. I saw something that sounded good and made a decision.”

  “Are you sure? We’re not in a hurry.”

  She tilted her head and gave him a curious look. “But I don’t have to look at the whole menu. I don’t need to know fifty options to choose from, I only need to pick one I like.”

  Andrew’s eyes were wide as he wondered what it would be like to make a decision that quickly. Was it possible to really only need one option? He rubbed his chin as he thought.

  A look of concern washed over Lacey’s face. “Is that bad?”

  “Oh no, no,” she looked so sad, almost hurt, that Andrew couldn’t help but reach over and put his hand on top of hers. The light touch felt cold and hot all at the same time, and he wanted to keep her hand in his, but he pulled back. “That’s great. I just wish I could make up my mind like that.” He gave her a grin. “Really. It’s impressive.”

  She grinned too, and it seemed to ease her mind. “Well then. I stand by my decision. Seafood platter.” She closed the menu and put her elbow on top of it before settling her chin in her hand. “What about you?”

  “I’m going with the grilled pineapple chicken and roasted vegetables.”

  “I’m guessing you’ve had that before.”

  He smiled, knowing he was caught. “Many times.”

  Lacey let out a laugh. “That’s good, too. To know what you like and stick with it. I like that kind of commitment.”

  Their waitress brought their drinks and took their orders and left them to talk, saying to let her know if they needed anything.

  Silence fell over the table again for a long moment. Andrew took a deep breath and pictured the list of questions he had typed into his phone earlier that day. “So what do you like to do in your spare time?”

  Lacey gave him a funny look. “Well, I don’t have many hobbies, really. During the school year I stay busy with work and preparing for work when I’m not at work. I do like reading and watching movies.”

  “That’s nice,” Andrew said. With the menu gone from his hands, he fumbled with the silverware wrapped in a napkin and stared as if it was a truly interesting item. He told himself to look up at Lacey as he spoke. “Are you more of an indoors or outdoors person?”

  There it was again, that funny look. “Umm, I guess more indoors. I like to be outside, but more like a walk in the park, or a picnic. I’m not exactly a hiking, fishing, working outside kind of person.”

  Andrew nodded.

  Lacey looked like she was waiting for him to say something, but he didn’t. “What about you?” She finally asked.

  “Kind of both, I guess. I’m happy to hang out inside, reading, working on a computer, that kind of stuff. But I like being outside too.” Andrew could hear himself not really answering the question. “What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever been?”

  Lacey gave a heavy sigh. “Andrew?”

  “Yes, umm, what?” He felt panic rising and knew he had said something wrong.

  “You know this isn’t a job interview, right?”

  Now it was his turn to sigh. “Yeah, I know.”

  “We can just talk. You don’t have to run down a list of questions.”

  “I’m sorry. I was just trying to make conversation.”

  Lacey tilted her head and grinned at him. “It’s all right. But tell me the truth. Did you memorize these questions?”

  He dropped his gaze to the table. “Yeah.”

  “And did you look them up online?”

  He looked up and met her eyes. “How did you know?”

  Lacey laughed. “It was pretty obvious.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said again. “I told you, I’m not quick on my feet.”

  Lacey gave him a kind smile. “You know what? Don’t apologize. I appreciate that you cared enough to try. But I think if you just relax, maybe you won’t need memorized questions. You can save those for later.”

  “All right…” Andrew paused as the waitress came and delivered their fo
od.

  “So,” Lacey said. “Don’t think about a list of questions. In fact, don’t think at all. Just say the first thing that comes to your mind.”

  “What made you want to be a teacher?”

  Lacey smiled showing all her teeth. “Now, that’s a great question.”

  Thank You, Lord, Andrew prayed silently.

  Lacey lit up as she launched into talking about her job. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher in the third grade, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. Well, maybe a librarian,” she grinned.

  “But you’re a librarian now too, right?”

  “Well, not exactly. But I do like working at the library. But it was my third grade teacher, Miss Peterson, she was the best. She made learning so much fun. I will never forget the way she read books to us, chapter books with the best stories, and told us history stories, but in a way that made them come to life. She was fun and just made learning fun too. She told us every day that ‘Education is not knowing everything, but knowing how to learn everything you want to know.’ I’ve never forgotten that.”

  “Do you tell your students that too?”

  Lacey glanced at him as she smiled from ear to ear. “Every day.”

  “That’s nice. I bet your students like having you as a teacher.”

  She shrugged “I hope so. I want to be as fun as Miss Peterson, but it’s not as easy as it looks. We have so many marks we have to pass and things we have to check off our list. It’s a lot of work, and sometimes stressful. But I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

  “Except maybe a librarian?”

  She smiled at him again. “Exactly.”

  “Where did you go to college?”

  “Southern State,” she said as she took a sip of her sweet tea. “Well, I finished at Southern State, I started at the community college and got some of my basics before I went to Southern on a transfer scholarship.”

  Andrew nodded. “Several of my friends went to Southern. It’s a great school.”

  “It is. What about you?”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah, where did you go to college?”