I choose to change my life one step at a time, and today I take that step.
My phone vibrated on the nightstand, and I rolled over, blindly reaching for it with my eyes half open.
It was a text message from Pam.
Pam: Good morning, loverboy.
Fuck. It was just the other day that she was in my bed, calling me that.
Me: Good morning, pretty lady.
I groanedand stared at the empty pillow on her side of the bed. It was our first morning apart and I already hated waking up without her next to me.
How could I just let her go like that?
I was so close to telling her exactly how I felt about her.
Why did I stop myself?
Usually, I was so forward. But I didn’t want to freak her out.
I mean, I’d known I was in love with her for a while now.
Hell, maybe even after our first date.
The conversation we’d had the night before she left changed things for me.
I’d spent so much of my life building companies and making money—but none of that mattered now. I wanted to spend the rest of my time with her.
I didn’t want to waste a single second.
Standing with a groan, I stretched and opened my nightstand. Pulling out the little folded piece of paper with Jonathan’s offer, I ran my fingers over the string of zeros that never seemed to end.
It was a lot of money—but I’d give it all up for her. Every single cent, I was sure of it.
That I’d get to walk away with it was just a perk.
I grabbed my phone—not giving a shit about what time it was—and called Jonathan.
He answered on the third ring.
“Al?” he asked in that ‘just woke up’ voice.
“Hey Jon, sorry to wake you—I wanted to get back to you about the offer. I accept. Have your lawyers draft a contract and send it to my lawyers.”
“Really?” he asked, shocked and slightly more awake.
“Really. And, uh, you don’t happen to know any good realtors, do you?”
“Lauren’s cousin is one. I’ll send you her info. And Al—thank you. For being my business partner and teaching me everything I know. I hope you enjoy your retirement.”
I smiled, thinking of just how much Jonathan reminded me of myself. He’d take great care of the company. “Thank you, I plan to. Talk to you soon.”
Before he could say anything else, I ended the call and let out a long exhale, feeling all the stress leave my body.
This wasn’t the end.
This was the beginning of the rest of my life.
