by Parker, Ali
“All of my hotels start out as projects,” I reasoned. “I wouldn’t know what to do with a turn-key property.”
He laughed. “No, you wouldn’t. I don’t see any obvious problems, but you know a picture can hide the bad stuff.”
“I do know that, which is why I would inspect the property with a contractor.”
“All right, well, let’s make the call.”
I grinned. “Really?”
“You’re going to do it anyway.”
“I am.”
I sat back while he made the call to the realty company we normally worked with. A realtor licensed in the area would be calling me back shortly.
“Now, finance,” he said with a grimace.
I rolled my eyes. “As if that’s going to be an issue.”
“You know your accountant is so tight, he squeaks when he walks. He is going to tell you there isn’t money in the budget and you just bought a hotel that is in the renovation stage.”
I nodded. “Yep and I’ll write a check from my personal account if it’s the right hotel. I’m not looking to jump into anything without doing my due diligence, but I do want to move closer to her. I’m confident you can handle things here.”
“Thank you. I’m happy for you, but man, this is kind of wild.” He shook his head again.
“I know. It’s wild and crazy, and I’m happier than I have ever been.”
“All right. I’ll do what I can to help you.”
“I’m going back to my office to make a few calls. Thanks for your support.”
He nodded and waved. I walked out, feeling like a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It meant a lot to have his support. I knew he was cautiously optimistic for me and Sade. It was understandable he had reservations.
I made the first call to my finance manager and briefly updated him about what I planned to do. He didn’t sound happy, but he promised to have a report to me by the end of the day outlining what kind of assets he could free up. I wasn’t worried. That was one of the best things about being wealthy. I didn’t have to worry I didn’t have enough money.
Once I got off the phone with him, I called Sade. I knew she would be at work, but I wanted to tell her the news rather than text her. I was too excited to text.
“Hey, baby, good news. Richie is on board! I’m waiting on a call from a realtor to check out one of the properties for sale. I’m expecting to be there this weekend to check it out in person. Finance is already on it as well. If you’re free, maybe you can tag along. I’d love to get your opinion. I’ll talk to you later.”
I ended the call and sat down behind my desk to start making a list of things I needed to get done. Things were going to be happening fast. I had no doubt in my mind I would own a hotel in the area and I would be moving. If I had it my way, I’d be living in Fresno with Leia by the end of the month.
I was that serious.
I pulled up the listing I had saved in my browser and started reviewing the information again. Then, I started my own research into the hotel. I pulled up Yelp, the bane of any business owner’s existence. I grimaced. There was a good reason the hotel was up for sale. It was essentially in ruins.
I clicked through some of the pictures offered by the reviewers. I cringed, making a mental note that I was going to need an exterminator and a whole lot of paint. The guest pictures told the real story. The pictures taken by a professional photographer were designed to make the place look good. I wanted to know what it really looked like.
It wasn’t pretty.
I moved on to check a few other review sites and pulled a few details from the county site. It was definitely a project. Instead of scaring me off, it intrigued me. I pulled myself away from the listing and got back to my list of things that needed to happen. I did a quick Google search and found a realtor to handle the house search for me.
I had that anxious feeling in my gut again. It was a good feeling. It was anticipation and excitement, knowing something good was about to come. It was difficult to focus on the real work in front of me. I’d get started on a report, and something else would pop into my head that was added to the list.
It was hard not to get too excited. Although Sade said she was on board with me moving closer, I didn’t want to push her too fast. I knew I could be a lot. I could come on strong, and I didn’t want to risk pushing her outside her comfort zone.
I went back to work, checking my phone every few minutes. Sade should be going on break any minute. She’d check her voicemail and hear the news. When I last saw her, she’d been excited and looking forward to me moving closer.
I heard the phone buzz and snatched it up.
Yeah! I’m so excited! I’m in the breakroom and can’t talk. I will see you this weekend.
I smiled, relieved she was still looking forward to me moving closer. Things were going to be moving fast. I hoped she was ready for it all.
Chapter 41
Sade
It had been a good day at work. I was looking forward to getting out of my scrubs and settling in with a glass of wine and my phone. I was expecting a call from Trent. We were going to talk about our plans for the weekend. I was so looking forward to seeing him.
I walked around the corner and saw someone sitting on my front steps. “What the hell?”
It wasn’t my usual surprise visitor. I walked closer and saw Khloe sitting there, and I realized it wasn’t a happy visit. I picked up the pace and walked faster.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
We had talked a couple of days ago, and she hadn’t mentioned she was coming. She rose to her feet, and I could see the tears in her eyes. I immediately wrapped my arms around her. She sobbed while I held her. I consoled her the best I could without knowing what it was that had her so upset.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, stepping back and using the heel of her hand to wipe her tears.
“Let’s go inside,” I said, putting my arm around her and leading her inside. “I have a bottle of wine we can bust into.”
“God, I need it,” she said, her voice watery.
I pushed open the door and went directly to the kitchen. I didn’t know what else to do but get her a glass of wine. I poured two glasses and carried them back to the living room.
“So, do you want to talk about it?” I asked gently.
She let out a loud sigh, her shoulders sagging forward. “I lost my job.”
“What? Why? You just got hired!”
More tears streamed down her cheeks. “I know. That’s why I got fired. Apparently, I got hired at the wrong time. The company just got bought out, and they are cutting staff. Last one hired, first one fired.”
“Oh no. I’m so sorry.”
“I’ve applied at other places, but I don’t know if I’m going to get a job with no experience. I can’t pay rent. I’m going to lose my apartment.”
“You’ll get another job,” I said, hopeful that was true.
She looked at me. “And if I don’t? I’m going to be homeless if I don’t find something fast.”
I put my hand on her leg. “Look, if you lose your apartment, you can stay here with me. I have an extra room. You can apply for jobs around here.”
“I don’t want to crash your party. I know you and Trent are getting pretty hot and heavy.”
I laughed. “I usually go to his place. You’re not crashing my party. I wouldn’t mind having a roommate again.”
“I’m a roommate that can’t pay.”
“We’ll figure it out. You’re not homeless.”
She drank her wine. “I can’t believe this is happening. I was so excited about my job.”
“You’re going to be fine,” I assured her.
“I don’t know. I feel like such a loser. I did all that work in school, and now I’m jobless. Four years in fucking school and I’m jobless. I applied at a couple of accounting places, but they aren’t hiring. Other places say I don’t have enough experience. How can I get experience if they don�
��t give me a job?”
“You’ll find a job. You have a degree in business. You have plenty of workable skills. Someone is going to hire you. When did you get fired?”
“Last week,” she confessed.
I slapped her shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was embarrassed. Your life is all rosy and perfect, and mine is falling apart. I didn’t want to bring you down.”
“Khloe, you could have told me. You don’t have to carry this all on your own.”
She shrugged a shoulder. “Honestly, I thought I would get a job pretty fast. I didn’t think it would be so hard.”
“I’m sorry you’re struggling. I think I know what can make this better.”
“What?”
“Let’s go to the store, get some junk food and ice cream, and eat all our worries away,” I suggested.
She smiled. “I can’t pig out.”
“Sure, you can.”
“Come on. Let’s go.”
I took the now empty glass from her hand and put it down. I got up, pulled her to her feet, and practically dragged her out the door. We headed across the road to the market and loaded up on chips, ice cream, and a frozen pizza. I insisted she let me buy it.
“Thank you,” she said when we were both in our pajamas and settled in on the couch with bowls of ice cream while the pizza cooked.
“You’re welcome. I miss this.”
She nodded. “Me too. I was so excited to be out in the world. I had this idea everything was going to be so perfect. I was going to be living in a new city, have a new life, and everything was just going to be perfect.”
I laughed. “If only life was like that.”
“Oh, come on. Your life is turning out fabulous.”
I shrugged. “It isn’t terrible.”
“How is Mr. Trent?”
“Perfect,” I answered with a wide smile.
“I’m really happy for you guys. Does it suck that he is so far away?”
I nodded. “It does, but it works.”
I hesitated to tell her about his plans to move closer. I felt a little guilty that things were going so well for me. I didn’t want to rub it in her face.
“Why don’t you just move there?” she asked. “He would take care of you.”
“No way. I don’t need him to take care of me.”
“He’s a good guy. It isn’t like he’s going to treat you like he owns you. That guy is way too nice to be like that.”
I shrugged. “I’m going to tell you something, but please don’t freak out.”
Her eyes went wide. “You’re pregnant!”
I rolled my eyes. “No. Sheesh. Why does your mind automatically go there?”
“Because you’ve been fucking like rabbits,” she said dryly.
I laughed. “Not really.”
“All right, what’s your big secret?”
I bit my bottom lip. “Trent is going to buy a hotel here and move here.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Oh my god. Seriously?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yep.”
“Damn. I’m happy for you. I really am. You got really lucky with that one. I’m a little bummed I didn’t see him first. Of course, it wouldn’t have mattered. He was into you the second he laid eyes on you. Julia and I both saw it. It was a little awkward being around you guys.”
“Why?”
“Because the sparks flying between the two of you were pretty intense.”
I smiled. “I know. We both agree it’s fast and crazy, but we both feel very strongly for one another.”
“Good. Grab the bull by the horns, or whatever it is your dad would say. Speaking of—have you told him?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m afraid to.”
“You would think your dad would be happy you were with a military guy.”
“Not my dad.”
“What happens if you decide to marry him?”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I need to. For now, I’m just going to leave it alone. I like what Trent and I have, and I don’t want to risk ruining it.”
“I get it.”
“Thanks.”
We ate and drank, and I had a feeling I was going to regret the wine and ice cream dinner tomorrow. I put fresh sheets on the bed in the spare room. I was happy I had the bed. My couch was decent but not quite as comfortable as a bed. We said our goodnights, and I headed for my room, closing the door behind me.
I had sent Trent a quick message, letting him know it would be a bit longer before I could call him. Once again, I felt like I was sneaking around and talking to a boy on the phone after hours.
“Hi,” I said in a low voice when he answered the phone.
“Hey, baby. How’s everything going?”
I sighed. “Khloe lost her job and is worried she won’t find another in time to make her rent payment.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty upset. I told her she could stay in the spare room if she ends up losing her place.”
“You’re such a good friend, baby,” he said.
I smiled. “I’m only doing what she would do for me.”
“I can make a couple of phone calls,” he started.
I laughed. “No, Trent. You are not going to bail her out.”
“I’m not offering to bail her out. If she wants to move out here, I can put her up in the hotel. If that isn’t an option, I know a few business owners that might want to hire her.”
He was such a good guy. “I didn’t tell you about Khloe to get you to help.”
“I know. I absolutely know that, but I can’t help but offer. It’s in my DNA.”
I laughed again. “You are truly the most generous person I have ever met.”
“Nah, I just like to help out good people. Khloe helped me when you guys were here. I feel like I kind of owe her.”
“She helped you out? How?”
He chuckled. “She was very encouraging. I liked her. I like Julia too. You have some good friends.”
“Thank you. I’m sure they appreciate that. I’ll let you know if things get any harder for her, but I think this is just a bump in the road. She’ll recover. I’ll help her if I can.”
“Okay. I won’t offer to help anymore.”
“So, did you talk to the realtor at all?” I asked.
“I did. He’s putting together some information for me. I’ve also got another realtor working on finding a house out there.”
My stomach got butterflies in it. He hadn’t actually come out and said it, but I knew he expected me to live with him. I wanted to live with him, but I was struggling with the financial aspect of it all. He had expensive taste. Why wouldn’t he? He was a billionaire. I couldn’t ask him to move into my tiny condo with Leia.
He worked hard and deserved to live in luxury. I knew he would absolutely pay for everything if I moved in with him, which was going to be weird for me. I was going to insist he let me pay something, or I didn’t think I could feel comfortable in the house.
“You are really gung-ho on this,” I told him.
“I am. God, I am. I’m sitting here in this big-ass house alone, and all I want is to be with you. I will move heaven and earth to make that happen.”
His words were powerful. Giving me the warm fuzzies low in my belly. “You make me happy.”
“Good. I want to make you very happy. The realtor is supposed to get me a list of houses by Friday. Do you have time this weekend to check some out?”
I laughed. “My weekend is going to be doing whatever you want to do. I have no plans except to be with you.”
“Good. Very good. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me either. Give Leia a head rub for me.”
“I will. See you in a few days. Goodnight and sweet dreams. Think of me.”
“Always,” I whispered and hung up the phone.
I pulled the blanket up. The AC was a little too chilly, but I was too lazy to get up and turn it up a little. Instead, I lay
there thinking about Trent and how quickly my life was changing. It was all good changes.
I ran all the scenarios through my brain. It was my scientific brain. I was playing out all the things that could happen.
My gut told me everything would be okay. My brain told me to tread lightly.
Chapter 42
Trent
I grabbed my stuff from my office and headed down to see Richie. I knocked and pushed the door open. He looked up from the report he was reading. “What’s up?”
“I’m heading out. I called the hotel owner, and we’re going to meet tonight.”
“At the hotel?”
“No. I’ll do that tomorrow. I just want to talk to the guy, feel him out a little, and see what I can offer.”
Richie chuckled. “You’re going to use that charm to get a hell of a deal?”
“You saw the pictures—the real pictures. I can’t pay full price.”
“Yes, you can.”
“Okay, I can, but then I would feel like I was getting the short end of the stick.”
He laughed. “All right. I’ll call if something goes down, like Gabe making a decision by himself.”
“Hey, I’ve only gotten two phone calls from him this week. He’s getting better.”
“That’s easy for you to say. He’s too scared to call you.”
I winked. “That’s the perk of being the boss. I’ll see you later.”
I headed out, meeting Bentley at the car. I got home and talked with Mira, letting her know my plans for the weekend had been moved up a day. She was going to stay at the house and take care of Leia. Then, it was back on the chopper. I felt like I spent as much time in the helicopter as I did in the back of my car lately.
I was excited to have an extra day with Sade. I had worked late the night before, handled all my business, and was confident Richie could handle the rest. I had sent Sade a quick text, letting her know I would be arriving early. Unfortunately, she was at work and wouldn’t see the message until her break.
I had the waiting car take me to her place of work. I wasn’t worried I would get her in trouble for showing up unannounced. If there was an issue, I’d fix it. I talked with the woman at the front reception desk.