"I quit my job. I don't have to live in New York. And I don't want to."
"You don't? I thought you loved it here."
"I used to, back in my twenties, but I've outgrown it. After that weekend in Vermont I got back to New York and didn't want to be here. I wanted to be in that town. With you." I cup my hands around her face and kiss her. "Please don't leave."
Her eyes fill with sadness as they meet up with mine. "I already took a job. I'm going, Aiden. It's too late."
"It's not too late. You don't have to go. You could get a job in Vermont."
"In that tiny town? Aiden, there aren't any jobs there. For me, or for you."
I search my brain trying to find a way to make this work. An idea pops in my head but I want to make sure it's possible before I say anything to Sophie.
"I need to talk to someone," I say.
"About what?"
"I'll tell you later. Just promise me you'll at least consider staying."
"In Vermont?" she says, sounding confused.
"Yes. In the town that we love so much." I kiss her, then rest my forehead on hers. "The town where we fell in love."
"Love?" she asks, her lips turning up.
"I love you, Sophie."
Her smile drops. "Aiden."
"I know it's soon, but I do. I love you."
"I love you too," she whispers, a tear slipping down her cheek. "But I thought I lost you."
"You didn't lose me. And I don't want to lose you. So please, tell me you'll consider staying."
She nods, sniffling.
I kiss her again, then take a step back. "I have to go. I have a lot to do." I look around at the boxes. "You need help with this?"
"No, I got a couple college guys to help. I'm paying them with pizza and beer."
I pull out my wallet and hand her four twenties. "Is that enough? If not, I can run down to the ATM and get more."
"Aiden, I'm not taking your money."
She tries to give it back but I'm already at the door. "I have to go."
"Wait!" She races to the door.
"I'm not taking the money back."
"That's not what I was doing." She smiles, then reaches up to kiss me. "You didn't kiss me goodbye. When will I see you?"
"I'll call and let you know. You're leaving right now?"
"Yeah, I rented that van I had before. It should fit everything."
"Have a safe trip. Call me when you get there."
"I will."
I turn to leave, then turn back and take Sophie in my arms. "That wasn't good enough for a goodbye kiss." I kiss her, a long passionate kiss that would lead to a lot more if some college guys weren't about to show up. "I love you. I'll see you soon."
A huge smile fills her face. "Love you too."
I race down the hall to the elevator, and when I get to the street I walk so fast I'm practically running. I need to hurry back to my apartment and call Tom and see if this is even possible. It's a long shot, but Tom's a dreamer like me. And he's got a romantic side. That might be all I need to convince him of the deal I'm about to propose.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Aiden
"I know you won't be getting all the money up front, but I'd give you a portion of the profits until it's paid off," I say to Tom after explaining my offer.
The deal I'm proposing to Tom is that he sell the inn to me on a payment plan that would give him a percentage of the profits until the inn is paid off. Since he needs money now to help with medical expenses, I'd give him a large down payment. I've made a lot of money the past few years, both at my job and with my investments, and I'm willing to put all of it towards the down payment. From a financial standpoint it's a risky move, but I believe in my heart it's the right thing to do. I feel like everything I've done up until now has been leading me to this moment. To this place. To this decision that'll change the course of my life.
"It'll take years to pay off with the kind of money we're talking about," Tom says, sounding hesitant.
The offer I gave him for the inn was the amount listed in the original contract, the one Tom never saw. It's a lot of money but it's what the place is worth.
"I understand that," I say to Tom, "but I'm willing to do it. This is what I want. I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
"Aiden, I think you need to give this more thought. Sure it's nice to come here for a weekend or two, but living here all the time is a different story. You're used to living in New York. Boston. Big cities with lots to do. This would be a huge change."
"I know, and I'm ready for it."
"What if Sophie doesn't agree to it? What if she moves away? Are you still willing to do this?"
I think on that a moment, realizing he's right. I really want to do this, but is it worth doing if Sophie's not part of it? This whole time I've been imagining her beside me, helping me run the inn, but there's a good chance she'll say no. She already has a job back in Kansas. Would she give it up to stay here in Vermont?
"I think you need to talk to her," Tom says. "If she says no, and you decide you don't want to do this, I understand."
"Wait—so are you saying you're open to the idea?"
"Well, I can't very well take the offer I have now. It's not even half what the place is worth."
"It's just a starting point. They know you'll negotiate higher."
"Are you saying I should negotiate with them?"
"No. I mean, it's up to you. I can't make this decision for you, but I can tell you that the inn's not going to be the same if they buy it."
"What are their plans?" he asks, concern in his voice.
I can't tell him that. It's confidential, and if anyone at the firm found out I told Tom this information, I could be sued. It's in the agreement I signed when I took the job. Even if I no longer work there, I'm still not allowed to share confidential information with a client.
"I'm sorry, Tom, but I can't tell you that."
He's quiet a moment, then says, "They're tearing it down. That's why they're offering such a low price."
I keep quiet, which is all the answer he needs.
He blows out a breath. "I should've known that's what they were going to do. The place needs a lot of repairs. And some fancy New York investors aren't going to care about all the charm and history this place has to offer. They just see dollar signs. They're probably planning to replace the inn with one of those fancy spa hotels that cater to the rich."
That's exactly what they're planning, but I can't tell him that.
"Tom, if you need time to think about this, I completely understand. I'll wait to talk to Sophie until you've made a decision. I don't even want to tell her about this unless I know it's going to happen."
He doesn't respond.
"Just call me back when you're ready. It was good talking to you, Tom. We'll talk again soon."
"Aiden, wait."
"Yes?"
"I'll do it. I'll take the offer, but only if you promise to keep the place as is. Obviously you can update the furnace or paint the walls, but I don't want the inn being torn down. Lois would be heartbroken and so would I."
"Tom, I would never tear it down. I wouldn't even think of it. I know the place needs work, and I do have plans to remodel parts of it, but we can go over those plans before you sign the deal. And I'd like to get Sophie's thoughts as well."
"What kind of remodeling are you talking about?" he asks, sounding concerned.
"I'd like to host events there. Weddings. Anniversary parties. Birthdays. Baby showers. To do that I'd need to add space."
"So an addition?"
"Yes. I'd hire an architect to make sure the addition maintained the look of the inn so it wouldn't look out of place. I'd also like to create a space out back for outdoor events. The land behind the inn is beautiful and not being used."
He chuckles. "Lois said the same thing. She's been pestering me to build a gazebo out back for years, along with some flower gardens and benches. She had it all planned out. It just never got d
one."
"I'd love to hear her ideas. Maybe we could work together to figure out how to best use that space. I've only just started to think about this. I'd love to get input from both of you, as well as Sophie."
"She'd be the doing the events, I assume?"
"If she agrees to it, yes. With her event planning experience and my business experience, I think we could do really well. It may not even take that long to pay off what I owe you."
"I'm not worried about that. I know you'd make this place more successful than I ever did. I never even advertised. I just waited for people to come back every year."
"They came back because you and Lois made them feel like family. I'm hoping I can do the same."
"I'm sure going to miss the place," he says with a sigh.
"You're welcome back anytime. If you decide to come back and work a few hours a week, I'd be happy to have you. The same goes for Lois. She can take back her kitchen whenever she wants."
"I don't know if that'll ever happen," he says, sadness in his voice. "She's a strong woman but..." His voice trails off.
"You should talk to her about this. Both of you own the inn. It's a decision you need to make together."
"She'll tell me to decide, but yes, I need to talk to her. Can I call you back later today?"
"Today. Tomorrow. End of the week. Whenever you decide."
"Thanks, Aiden. We'll talk soon."
He's considering my offer. I thought he might, but I wasn't sure. Now that I know this might actually happen, I want to tell Sophie. I want to tell her the dream I have of us being together and running the inn. But I'm going to wait until I know for sure.
Getting out my computer, I type up a formal resignation letter. I include a two week notice, but there's a good chance Roger will tell me to leave before the two weeks are up. I'm hoping he does so I can put all my energy towards my plans for the inn.
By noon, I've sent my resignation letter to Roger, assessed my finances to figure out the down payment I can offer Tom, and began writing up an official deal to buy the inn.
My phone rings and I see Pete's name on the screen.
"Hey, Pete," I say, scanning over the offer letter on my laptop. "I can't make happy hour tonight. I've got too much going on."
"Yeah, sounds like it. Did you seriously quit your job?"
I sent all the guys a text a few minutes ago telling them I'd quit and was going to be running my own business.
"Roger lied to me," I say. "He went behind my back, knowing how important this deal was to me. I'm not working for someone like that."
"So what's the new business? You starting up your own investment firm?"
"I'm buying an inn, or I'm trying to. I'm writing up the offer letter."
He laughs. "Yeah, right."
"I'm serious. I'm putting in an offer to buy the inn. The one in Vermont that Roger's trying to buy."
"You're buying an inn? In Vermont? Have you lost your mind?"
"I know it seems crazy but it feels right. I know in my gut this is what I'm meant to do."
"How are you going to run it from New York?"
"I'm not. I'm moving there."
"Wait—hold on. You're moving?"
"You can come visit. I'll give you a discount on the room. Or maybe I'll let you stay for free." I laugh. "The best friend special."
"Aiden, what the hell is going on? You're not really doing this, are you?"
"I am. Hey, I need to go. I need to get this offer done. I'll call you back later."
Griffen calls next, then Tanner, then John. I tell them I'll meet them all for drinks later this week and explain everything. They think I've lost my mind but they don't get how much those weekend trips to Vermont changed me. I didn't realize how unhappy I was here until I went up there and imagined a different type of life that fulfilled me in a way my current life never did.
Around three, I send the offer letter over to my lawyer to review, then take a minute to relax. I've been going nonstop since leaving work this morning.
Sophie texted earlier that she'd made it to the inn but I didn't have a chance to call her until now.
"Hi, Aiden." She sounds happy.
"Hey. How'd the move go?"
"It was fine. When I got here, Tom had the maintenance guy help bring in my stuff, then he drove me to the rental place to return the van."
"When is Tom putting you to work?"
"In a few minutes." She laughs. "I'm going to help prep for dinner. I'm actually looking forward to it."
"You are? I didn't know you liked cooking that much."
"I don't, but I'm not really cooking. Just doing prep work. I just love being here. The inn. The town. I'm really going to miss it when I have to leave."
"You don't have to go."
"Aiden, you know I don't want to leave you, but until I come up with a better solution for making a living, I need to take the job back home."
I want to tell her my plan, but can't. Not yet.
"I have to go," she says. "I need to start my shift. Can we talk tonight? I'm off at eight."
"Sounds good. Have fun at your new job."
"I will. Bye, Aiden."
Hearing how happy she sounds there, I think there's a chance she'll accept my offer. But I'm not getting my hopes up until I know for sure.
The door to my apartment opens, startling me. I get up and see Celine walking in. She still has a key. She wouldn't give it back.
"Celine, what are you doing here?"
She walks over to me, her eyes narrowed, hands on her hips. "You quit? Have you lost your mind?"
"I'm getting that question a lot today, but no. I've just decided to take a different path in life."
"Meaning what?" she snaps. "What exactly are you going to do?"
"Celine, I don't have time for this. You and I are over and there's nothing more to say." I walk to the kitchen to get a drink.
She storms over to me. "This is because of HER, isn't it? She made you quit because she's jealous of me!"
"What does my quitting have to do with you?" I ask, taking a bottle of water from the fridge.
"She knows my father owns the firm, which means you can't avoid me if you work there."
"She had no idea I was quitting. It was my decision." I set the bottle down and turn to Celine. "I can't keep doing this with you. We're not getting back together. You need to stop coming over here."
She glares at me. "You had a fling with her. It wasn't real. What you and I have IS real, and now you're just giving it up?"
"We clearly have different opinions of what our relationship was, but I'm not going to waste time debating it. It's over." I walk to the door and open it. "You need to go."
She meets me at the door. "You'll regret this. I was the best thing that ever happened to you."
"Goodbye, Celine."
She storms down the hall to the elevator.
I could've yelled at her for getting Sophie fired but I chose not to. I didn't want to start fighting with her. I just wanted her to go.
As I shut the door, my phone rings. It's my dad. He must've heard the news. I reluctantly answer, knowing he's going to yell at me.
"Hey, Dad."
"Aiden, what is going on? Celine said you quit your job."
"Why are you talking to Celine? I told you we broke up."
"She called me. She was concerned."
Celine has my parents fooled into thinking she's the perfect girlfriend who only wants what's best for me. They've only met her a few times. They have no idea what she's really like.
"I'm fine, Dad. I just needed a change."
"I assume you have another job lined up?"
"I'm buying an inn and moving to Vermont."
I hear him sigh. "Aiden, not this again. You don't go making adult decisions based on silly childhood memories you can't seem to let go of."
"That's not what I'm doing. And I don't want to let go of those memories. They're part of who I am."
"Your grandfather wasn't
like us. He grew up poor. Didn't finish high school. Running that inn was all someone like him could do. I didn't put you through four years of college and two years of business school so you could do what your grandfather did with no education. That's ridiculous to even consider."
"Not if it's what makes me happy. I'm sorry, Dad, but this is what I want to do. I was just heading out so I need to get going. I'll call you later this week. Bye, Dad."
"Aiden, I—"
I end the call, not wanting to fight with him. I'm a 33-year-old man. I don't need his permission to make life choices. I knew he'd be angry about this but he needs to get over it, and he will eventually. It'll just take some time.
At five, I see Tom's name appear on my phone as it rings.
"Tom," I answer, hearing the anxiousness in my tone. "How's it going?"
I'm worried he's calling to turn me down. Maybe Lois thought it was a bad idea. Or maybe he talked to his bank or financial advisor and they told him my offer was too big of a risk.
"It's going well," Tom says, a smile in his voice. "Your girlfriend's doing a great job in the kitchen.The chef said she finished the prep work in half the time he gave her to do it."
"Yeah, she's a hard worker." I love talking about Sophie, but not now. I need an answer about the offer.
"When do think you'll be up here again?"
"I'm not sure. I gave my job a two-week notice but I'm thinking Roger will want me gone sooner than that."
"It'd be good to talk in person. You think you'd be able to come up here this weekend?"
"Yes. Definitely. Did you want to go over the offer, or what are you thinking?"
"I'd like to go over the changes you want to make. Lois would like to be there too."
"Wait, are you saying—"
"Welcome to the inn business, Aiden."
I let out the breath I was holding. "Tom, I don't know what to say... other than thank you."
He chuckles. "Catch up on your rest now. Running an inn is a lot of work."
"My grandfather used to say the same thing. But he loved it. I have a feeling I will too."
"Have you told Sophie yet?"
"No, I was waiting until you gave me an answer."
"She's on her break. Why don't you give her a call?"
"I will. Thanks again, Tom. We'll talk soon." My heart's pounding and I can't stop smiling. This is really happening. I'm buying an inn.
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