Downtown Billionaire

by Hannah Jo Abbott

  Good morning, beautiful.

  A few weeks ago she would have thought it was cheesy, but from him it just seemed perfect. Because I think he actually means it.

  I’m at work this morning, but can I come by and bring you lunch later?

  Sure!

  Lacey wondered if he knew she was starving when he offered to bring food. She brushed the thought away. He would be coming by on a lunch break; it made sense for him to eat with her. She sipped her coffee and took a look around the apartment. Bags from her trip laid in the middle of the floor and across the one chair. It still seemed surreal that she had traveled in a private jet to New York, without so much as packing a suitcase. At first she had panicked, but when they arrived at the hotel Mallory had brought over some clothes, shoes, a toothbrush, and other necessities for the next few days. Lacey offered to pay her back, but Mallory insisted this was part of the fun of the trip. Lacey didn’t want to be a charity case, but she also knew she didn’t have the money anyway.

  Now she sighed as she set down her empty coffee mug. Sleeping in had seemed like a good idea, but she knew she needed to get moving.

  An hour later she had showered and straightened up the apartment. She carefully took the shopping bag to her room and reached in. She pulled out a small Empire State Building figurine and gently placed it on her dresser. Andrew had walked hand in hand with her to the gift shop to pick it out. When they had chosen just the right one, he kissed her and whispered, “So you can always remember this day.”

  She squeezed his hand and whispered back. “It’s beautiful, and I love it. But I’m sure I don’t need anything to help me remember. I’ll never forget it.”

  Lacey smiled at the figurine now. She had meant it when she said she didn’t have to have it to remember, but seeing it sitting on her dresser meant that the whole trip had been real.

  A knock on her front door told her that Andrew was real too. It still surprised her. “Hey,” she said as she pulled the door open.

  “Hey,” Andrew walked through the door carrying take out bags.

  “What did you bring?”

  “Nothing fancy, just sub sandwiches from the deli next to my office.”

  “That sounds great. I don’t need fancy.”

  Andrew set the bags on the couch and turned around to take her in his arms. “Are you sure?” He narrowed his eyes. “New York didn’t spoil you?”

  She giggled. “Well, of course it did. But I don’t need that all the time, so it’s good for me to come back to reality now.”

  Andrew leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Good, because I’m pretty much a sub sandwiches kind of guy on a regular basis.”

  “I like that about you.”

  “Do you?” Andrew gave her a lopsided grin.

  “Yes,” she bit her lip, wanting to kiss him again.

  A thoughtful look crossed his face. “Would you ever want to live somewhere like New York?”

  Lacey scrunched up her face. “Hmm, I don’t think so. It’s fun for a trip. And if I’m being honest, now that I’ve been somewhere I would love to see more places. But I think I would always want to come back home.”

  Andrew smiled. “I’m glad. I feel the same way.” He took a deep breath. “And I’m hoping that I will be coming home with you.”

  Lacey’s face flushed as he leaned down and kissed her. Deeper this time. She let herself melt into his embrace as she kissed him with no fear. When they pulled apart, Lacey was breathless as Andrew cleared his throat. “I guess we should eat,” he said.

  “Sure, sounds good.” She touched her lips as she made her way to the kitchen. “I’ll get us something to drink. Want water?” She asked, hoping he would say yes, since she didn’t have anything else. When he did, she poured two glasses and carried them back to the living room. “How was work this morning?”

  “Good.” He took a bite of his sandwich and didn’t offer more information.

  “You know I haven’t seen your office yet?”

  Andrew gave her a surprised look. “Would you like to see it?”

  “Of course. You spend a lot of time there, I feel like it’s probably an important place to you. So yes, I would like to see where you work.”

  “I’d be happy to show you. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it before now. I just didn’t know you would be interested.”

  “I’m interested in everything about you. So, unless you’re hiding secrets from me, showing me your office would be part of that.”

  A wave of concern washed over Andrew’s face, but he covered it as he took a long drink of water.

  Lacey laughed out loud. “Don’t look so worried. I was just kidding, I’m sure you’re not hiding deep dark secrets. Although, I haven’t met your sister yet, so maybe when I do she will give me all the dirt.”

  Andrew laughed too, it sounded a little nervous, but Lacey guessed maybe his sister had embarrassing stories about him. “She’s coming to visit soon, you’re invited to dinner when she’s here.”

  “Hmm,” Lacey tapped her cheek. “I’ll have to check my busy social calendar to see if I’m available.”

  Andrew pulled her hand away from her face and kissed her fingertips. “I’ve seen your social calendar.”

  “You’re right. As long as it’s not during school hours, I’m pretty much free.”

  “Unless you have plans with your boyfriend.”

  Lacey let that last word roll around in her mind. “Boyfriend,” she tried it out. “My boyfriend.”

  “How does it feel?” Andrew asked.

  “Different. I haven’t used that word in a very long time.” She wrinkled her nose. “And the way my mom says it sounds so sleazy.”

  “Do you think I’m sleazy?” Andrew put his hand to his chest and feigned offense.

  Lacey laughed. “No, not at all. I could get used to calling you my boyfriend.”

  Andrew smiled, but Lacey thought her heart might stop when he said. “It works for now. But I could get used to you calling me something more permanent.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Andrew’s morning text arrived right on time, bringing a smile to Lacey’s face, and then a frown. Good morning beautiful. Can’t wait to see you today. Meeting at the Town Hall at four.

  Lacey sighed. She hadn’t found the courage to bring up the library subject. Things had been going so well, she was a little afraid to rock the boat. She had realized in New York that she had misunderstood the conversation between Hudson and Andrew, but she still hadn’t heard what Andrew’s plan for the library was. He couldn’t really want to tear down the building, could he? There had to be a better way. He had said he was considering other options, but she didn’t know what they were. But she also knew that some of the other members of the committee would want to keep the building, so she wasn’t too concerned yet. At least the councilman would be interested in preserving the history of the town.

  After her coffee and breakfast, the day seemed to slip away from her. She was off from the library that day, but she had some video training to watch to complete some continuing education credits before school started back in the fall. She had put it off long enough. She propped up the computer on the couch and settled in with a notebook for a couple of hours. When she rose to stretch, she realized it was nearly two o’clock and she hadn’t had lunch. Knowing a trip to the fridge would only remind her that she didn’t have much there, and that Miranda had walked out with her food and her money stash, Lacey bit her lip in anger at her mother and to push away the hunger pains growing in her stomach. Instead of going to the kitchen, she went to take a shower and dress for the meeting.

  An hour later, she was ready to go. She whispered a prayer of thanks when she reached into her bag and found a granola bar in the bottom. She told herself she would grocery shop after the meeting.

  When Lacey arrived at the Town Hall, she felt her pulse picking up pace as she walked down the hall. She wanted to believe it was excitement over seeing Andrew, but she knew it was because
of what they were there to discuss, and she was worried. Before she entered the room, she could hear him talking quietly. When she rounded the corner she saw him leaning over the table, both hands spread across a pile of papers, talking to the councilman. She cleared her throat as she entered the doorway and Andrew turned his head and flashed her a smile. He nodded to the other man as he pushed up from the table and walked to her.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi,” Lacey felt herself putting up walls. She wanted to be able to give her opinion about the library without her feelings for Andrew getting in the way.

  He reached over and quickly squeezed her hand before letting go and turning back to the table. “How was your day?”

  “Busy.” Lacey kept her answers short. Andrew seemed to notice as he took his seat at the table. She didn’t want to make things awkward, but she also didn’t want to be obvious in front of the entire committee, so she took her usual seat across the table. Mr. Ramsey kept up a conversation with Andrew about his latest fishing trip, and Lacey busied herself with her notebook until Mary arrived and they struck up a conversation.

  At exactly four o’clock, Andrew called everyone’s attention. “Thank you for being here. I know being a part of this committee has taken time in your schedule, and I appreciate that. I don’t want to keep you longer than necessary. Today I have some official plans to present to you.” Lacey watched as his eyes flickered over to hers, but didn’t stay. “These are plans for a new library building, and it’s my hope that the committee will approve the proposed plan and we can move forward.”

  The councilman spoke up. “Thank you, Mr. Hartley.” He motioned to the papers Andrew was rolling out on the table. “We would like everyone to take a look. Keep in mind the discussions we have had in the past meetings and prepare to take a vote.”

  Lacey felt as if her heart might pound out of her chest and she stood alongside everyone else to peer over at the architectural drawings. Her heart sank as she saw the beautiful renderings of a large building. She couldn’t deny that the sketches were incredible. Large columns on the front, with wide steps, big glass doors, and large windows on every floor. The inside would have plenty of space with wide open areas, and an elevator going from the basement to the top floor. But seeing the grass lawn where her favorite building in the world stood, was just too much. She sank back in her chair and waited, while everyone else pointed and smiled and raved about the proposed building. She felt sick to her stomach.

  When everyone had seen their fill and asked Andrew a number of questions, they all took their seats, congratulating him on such a great job.

  “It’s really lovely, Mr. Hartley,” one of the other women said.

  “Thank you.” Andrew’s voice sounded so sincere, and Lacey couldn’t stand it.

  “Is this open for discussion?” Lacey blurted out.

  Andrew looked at her and nodded slowly. “Yes, of course.”

  “Are we not going to talk about a possibility for keeping the current building?”

  Everyone looked at Andrew wide-eyed.

  “Well, we can discuss it.”

  “What about protecting the history of the building?”

  Andrew shook his head and looked to Mr. Ramsey who spoke, “We have looked into that, and while the building is old enough to be designated as a historical building, it’s not protected by the preservation laws until it has been nominated and passed an inspection.” He cleared his throat. “The nomination and inspection has to be approved by the owner of the building.”

  Lacey refused to look at Andrew, even when she heard him speak.

  “We considered the old building. But after looking at the building and the financials, as well as assessing the historical significance of the building, we felt like the most responsible thing and the best way to make use of the space is to start from scratch with a new building.”

  Lacey felt her face turning red, the blood pounded in her ears. “Who decided? The committee didn’t vote.”

  “We’re here today to take a vote. But the Hartley Company decided this was the proposal we wanted to put forward.”

  “Well, there are still some of us who care about the library and don’t want to see it torn down for a new building.” Lacey looked around the table, but no one said anything. She could tell some of them were avoiding eye contact with her, and even Mary bit her lip and stared at the table. “Doesn’t anyone think this is important?” Again, silence. Lacey looked at Andrew as if he had betrayed her. She turned to her friend. “Mary?”

  “Well…” Mary shrugged. “I know the building means a lot to you. But it is very old, and not in a good way. There are so many repairs that would need to be made. And a new building would give us so many resources for the community. I just don’t want to give that up.”

  Lacey looked around the table feeling defeated. “I guess we should just vote, then.”

  “Well I’m not sure that’s really necessary,” Mr. Ramsey said. “I think we have a consensus. And really it’s up to Andrew to make the final decision.”

  “Andrew?” Lacey practically shouted. “Why?”

  “Well….umm, because his family owns the building.” he stumbled over the words.

  Lacey looked back to Andrew. “But his family owns the old building, not a new building. So isn’t that up to the town?”

  “Well, yes, of course. I just meant that, umm, that it’s up to Andrew to call for a vote.”

  Lacey thought that made sense, but Andrew looked stressed over the conversation, and she wasn’t sure that was all there was to it.

  “All right, well are there any other questions or comments, before we vote?” When no one spoke, he moved forward. “Then let’s put it to a vote. All in favor of moving forward with the plans for a proposed new library building, please raise your hand.” Everyone in the room raised their hand. Everyone but Lacey. Andrew looked like he didn’t want to ask for the other side, but Lacey dared him with her eyes to try that. “And all opposed?”

  Lacey raised her hand high in the air.

  Everyone was quiet. The tension was thick. Finally Mr. Ramsey broke the silence. “Well, that decides it. Thank you, everyone, for serving on this committee. We will be taking the recommendations to the full council at the next meeting. I know several of you showed interest in helping with fundraisers for the library. We will be in touch as we begin organizing those. Mary will be our point-person for that. We look forward to sharing with you as we continue with this project. Thanks again.”

  Talk sprang up around the room as people got up from the table and milled about. But Lacey didn’t waste any time. She stood and gathered her things. And was out the door while Andrew was still talking to other people. She made it out the door and all the way to her car before he caught her arm.

  “Lacey, wait.”

  “Let go,” she demanded, throwing fiery darts at him with her eyes.

  He did as she asked, but he didn’t move. He planted his feet and blocked her from opening her car door. “Just wait a minute. I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would be everyone in favor against you.”

  “I didn’t think you were going to be against me.”

  “You knew how I felt about this.”

  “No! No I didn’t. The last I heard, you were considering an alternative.”

  “I did consider it. But it just really isn’t what’s best.”

  “So why didn’t you say anything? You let me walk into that meeting and blindsided me.”

  “No, I said the same thing I’ve said in every meeting we’ve had.”

  She bit her bottom lip to keep the tears at bay. “But I thought we were more than those meetings.”

  “We are.” He reached out again for her arm. She pulled away, but he caught her other hand and held it. “We are. But I was afraid if I brought it up outside the meeting that it would just be a fight.”

  “Why would you think that?” Lacey’s words dripped with sarcasm.

  His expression softened. “I was right.�
��

  “Of course it would be a fight. But I would have rather fought with you in private and then figured out a way to work through it together. Instead of you flaunting your plan in front of everyone.”

  “I’m sorry.” Andrew spoke quietly. “I really just didn’t know how to bring it up. I kept wanting to, but I just kept putting it off until it was too late. But I’m really sorry.”

  Lacey felt some of the fight go out of her with his apology. She dropped her gaze to their joined hands. But something was still bothering her. “What did Mr. Ramsey really mean when he said that it was your decision?”

  Andrew shuffled his feet and stared at the ground. “Well, umm, I guess, like he said, because it’s my family’s building. Technically, now it’s in my name. So legally the decision to keep it or tear it down is up to me.”

  Lacey narrowed her eyes at him in disbelief. “Yeah, I get that. But there’s more to it isn’t there?”

  Andrew met her eyes and held them for a moment, silently telling her she was right. He stepped closer to her. “Can we go somewhere and talk about this?”

  “Why can’t you just tell me now?”

  “Can we just talk somewhere more private?”

  “No, if you have something to tell me, just tell me.”

  Andrew sighed. His voice dropped as low as she had ever heard him speak. “It’s my decision because the building is mine, the property is mine, and I’m paying for the new building.”

  Shock washed over Lacey’s features. “You mean, you’re paying for part of the new building, right? We’re planning fundraisers, and the town has some funds to pay for it. That’s what you mean, right?”

  “No.”

  Lacey waited and stared at him impatiently.

  “Yes, there will be fundraisers, and yes, the town has some funds. But those will all be going towards new books and materials, maybe some new equipment. But the building, I’m paying for.”