My brother uses Gary all the time as his realtor for all his house-flipping renovations. Blake referred me to him when I told him about my idea.
Walking up to the front door, I glance around, and all is right. The minute I step into the space, it’s exactly what I had imagined after seeing the pictures.This is it.
Gary waves, holds up two fingers, and mouths,‘give me two minutes.’That’s fine with me. I move around the space; it’s all open. It can be transformed into a reception area, a couple of offices, and a large conference room. Perfect size for a start-up. Hopefully, Blake will be able to clear his schedule to squeeze my project in.
I take pictures of the space and then a video to send to Blake.
Kai:
Clear your calendar. This is exactly what I’m looking for.
Blake:
Give me your deadline and we’ll have it done.
I shake my head and smile. He's the best brother, always willing to help me out.
Interrupting my thoughts, Gary says, “Sorry about that. Nice to meet you.”
“No problem. The space is what I expected. Can we talk numbers?”
We completed the offer and should hear this week. Gary told me the owners of the coffeehouse were considering selling the business and asked if I might be interested in representing them in the transaction. Honestly, I hadn’t considered business acquisitions as part of the firm’s services, but I told him to keep me posted.
“Great working with you, Kai. Once I hear back, I’ll give you a call.”
“Thank you.”
SIXTEEN
Ava
Kai’s trip here was eye-opening for me, and my mind reels about the situation while my entire body has a visceral reaction to him. Our short time together has me questioning everything. I don’t stay anywhere long enough to create these types of connections. Here I am trying like hell not to pay attention to them, but they’re too strong to ignore.
I don’t see it in the cards, not now, maybe not ever.But then why do I keep talking to him?We’ll both be disappointed when I leave for my next trip.How do I sever ties with him?Every time I think about it, nausea rolls up my throat, and I have to swallow it back down. My heart sinks to my stomach with every thought of him.
Am I leading him on? While I take what I need and leave him standing, waiting for me.
These next few days, I’m hyper-focused on wrapping up the Bonanza on a high note, but I told Kai that I’ll be straight out and crash into my bed every night. So, not a whole lot of talking, just a few text messages exchanged.
Lia was right. Food Truck Bonanza far exceeded last year’s revenue. I met a rep, but I'm not sure if anything will come of it. I’m happy with the rest of our time in Virginia Beach. Packing up the van to head back to Saxville. It’s crazy to think the last time I was there was twomonths ago.
My sister’s co-ed baby shower is next week. I’m heading back there to help finalize the plans and address anything else that comes up. Not sure why they’re hosting a baby shower, never mind a co-ed one. Logan says it’s because my sister wants to have a party to celebrate with everyone, and they had a girl last time. This baby is a boy.
Logan follows my sister's lead in planning parties, and his line,‘happy wife, happy life,’holds true for the two of them.
I took my time heading up the coast, taking a couple of extra breaks along the way. Once I hit Connecticut, I’m exhausted and decide that I can’t do the last three hours, so I grab a hotel room. The need to sleep was overwhelming. It was a good call to leave when I did; it gave me enough time to drive back without being up against the clock to arrive at my sister's.
The next morning, I finally decide to text her my ETA.
Ava:
I’m 3 hours away!!
Theresa:
OMG! You’re coming earlier than I expected.
Ava:
