“Yes. But you did a phenomenal job.” His smile turned serious. “Have you considered hearing my explanation?”
No more dodging. I had to face this.
“I have.”
“And?” His eyes bore into me.
“Yes, I want to hear what you have to say.”
His eyes beamed. “Wanna go now? We can talk over dinner.”
“No. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
AUSTIN
Gettingto see Ava was the highlight of my day, and I wanted to see her as much as I could. Friday was usually less chaotic, but I had three meetings today because of several new projects. I had my secretary, Louise, shift my schedule around so all the meetings were stacked together. I needed to free up the late afternoon to be at No Name.
If someone had told me two years ago that I’d rearrange my work schedule so I could work at a bakery, I’d have called them a liar. But right now, that was the glaring truth. Being in Ava’s presence revitalized my soul in ways I couldn’t even imagine. Her smile, her voice, the way her long hair draped around her face, the scent of her floral perfume—everything about her boosted my heart.
I’d dwelled in the dark after our breakup, and seeing her again was the light I desperately needed.
What could be better than seeing her live her dream at the bakery? She’d shared it with me, and I’d cherish that moment till the day I die.
I wasn’t a baker, but I’d learned to appreciate the art of baking because of her. During our time together, I’d eaten many of her breads and pastries. I was the lucky man to have tasted her first creations. The excitement and pride on her face the first time she made the bunny-shaped breads still etched in my mind. She’d called the cute bread her bunny buns.
Yesterday, I got the chance to make the adorable bunny bread. The experience swelled my heart like yeast. Or rather, it confirmed something that flared through my body—Iwantedher back. This was my chance to make things right—my opportunity to tell her I love her.
Would she give me that opportunity? Or was this wishful thinking?
Renewed with hope, I shoved all doubts aside and focused on today’s schedule. I had one more meeting before I could leave the office. Tanner Properties just bought five new properties around Worcester County. Worcester was a beautiful city that was becoming a mini Boston, but not as crowded or as expensive yet. The cost of living would climb though.
A retail plaza was in the early stages of development, and an apartment building was slated just one block down, making it convenient for the future residents.
My dad retired after I took over the company. He’d become more mellow and enjoyed traveling with my mom. He and Mom had just come back from their Milan trip. But things weren’t this joyful over a year ago. My stomach twisted thinking about the past.
A knock sounded on my door, and I glanced up to see my dad in his brown felt coat. Rising, I walked around my deskand over to greet him. His Parkinson’s required him to walk with a cane, which he viewed as a flaw. But time and a new perspective in life had allowed him to accept the progress of life.
“Where’s Mom?” I asked, making sure he got to the chair safely. Once settled, I sat across from him on the couch.
“She’s chatting with Louise.”
Louise and my mom had been friends for a long time. She started out as my dad’s secretary when he first opened Tanner Properties.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I asked.
“No, thank you. Your mom and I are meeting up with friends later. Retirement has been a dream.” His blue eyes flashed with pride. “Thanks to you.”
“You worked hard to start this company. I won’t let it fail. It’s our family’s legacy.”
As their only son, the pressure to succeed weighed heavily on me, but I never complained because I enjoyed the work.
“It is.” He sighed. “I made many mistakes along the way. I thought I’d made smart decisions but ended up tossing the company into extreme financial peril.” Regret strained his face. “I’m sorry for placing you in that difficult position.” He leaned back into the couch, looking at me. “Your mom never stops scolding me, you know. I made you lose the love of your life.”
What could I say? I didn’t want my dad to hold guilt in his heart. The man had recovered from heart surgery and was doing well.
Though resentment lingered in me, I blamed myself for not handling the situation better back then.
