I chuckle. “Not quite, and it’s been harder than I anticipated,” I admit. “Letting go of the reins after twelve years has not been easy, but with the latest expansion, I don’t have a choice. Something had to give.”
“You’re a workaholic, my friend. I’m just glad you’ve finally realised jetting backwards and forwards from the US every month is not sustainable.”
“You can talk.”
I tut. Until April, Caleb was completely driven by work and growing his company. It’s why Frazer Developments has expanded at the rate it has.
“Maybe once, but now I have other priorities.” He smiles, his eyes darting back to the kitchen. “I’m starting to realise I want to slow down and enjoy life. It’s why this house is so important. It’s our escape.”
I nod. I understand probably more than most.
They say,Be careful what you wish for.
Twelve years ago, when I first went out on my own, I wished for success. After specialising in sustainable architectural design, my business took off, making me a very wealthy man.
My reputation and designs have won me and my company more awards than we can physically display. When we moved into our new offices last year, the marketing department dusted them off and set up a room dedicated to past projects and the awards we have received.
Until recently, I have remained involved in every project that passes through our books, but that is no longer feasible. My partnership with Frazer Developments has meant I’m spending more and more time this side of the pond. And I’m getting too old for all the late-night conference calls and early morning meetings.
But I’m the first to admit that taking a step back has not been easy, but I’m starting to see the benefits. I’m more buoyant,energised. I’m no longer waiting for the phone to ring or having heart palpitations when it does.
“What time are Elijah and Pen arriving?”
Caleb checks his watch. “Another couple of hours.”
“I may head downstairs for a swim.”
“My pool not good enough?” Caleb laughs.
“Your pool is not a swimming pool,” I say, rolling my eyes. “It’s a plunge pool.”
It’s twenty metres, but for an ex-swimmer, I like to extend, get lost in my strokes before turning.
Caleb tuts.
“Ignore him, Jax,” April says, coming back into the room. She wraps her arm around Caleb’s waist, placing a hand on his chest. She grins up at him before returning her attention to me. “He knows that. Elijah tells him all the time. When you get back, we can celebrate. The champagne is on ice.”
My arms cutthrough the water. I touch the side and turn, kicking off the wall as I head back the way I’ve just come. I hit the opposite end and grab the side, pulling myself to standing. I pull off my goggles and lift my head. Two familiar legs, clad in jeans, stand by the pool.
“Hey, stranger,” Elijah says. “Feeling better?”
“Much,” I say, placing my palms on the side of the pool, before hauling myself out and onto my feet.
Elijah hands me my towel.
“You haven’t lost any of your form,” he says.
It was something we always critiqued when we were training, any slight deviation could mean seconds on our time.
“I still swim every day, old habits die hard,” I say. “You’re early.”
Elijah chuckles. “Or you’re late. You’ve been down here an hour and a half.”
My eyes flash to the clock on the wall.Shit.I really was lost in the moment.
“It doesn’t matter, but the ladies wanted me to check you hadn’t drowned.”
“Let me grab a quick shower, and I’ll meet you back upstairs.”
