Walking to the historic district to catch the play that starts in thirty minutes, Eliza’s pensive. She was surprised I wanted to take her on such a public outing and that I’d planned the entire date. I don’t know what hurts more. That she thought I wanted to see her in secret or that she was surprised I’d do anything for her.
“Dare I ask what you were doing with the mayor?”
“You can ask me anything.” I thread my fingers through hers, loving the way she grounds me. “I bought the old post office.”
She turns to me, eyebrow raised. “Why do you need an abandoned building? It’s been out of use for years.”
“You of all people should know the power of giving new life to things.” I grin, enjoying her aggravated groan.
“Stop using my own words against me. It still doesn’t explain whyyoubought it.”
“Ouch. Believe it or not, I want to try something new.”
“But your company—”
“I’m still on the board and own almost half of it. I let Jackie handle the hard part. Our father overlooked her, but I didn’t do her any favors either by being overprotective.”
“Look at you being reasonable.” Laughter bubbles out of her and it’s the loveliest sound I’ve ever heard.
“You inspired me.”
The way she blushes makes the work I’ve done in therapy worth it.
“You followed your dream even if it scared you.” I understood her search for independence. It’s a desire that faintly echoed in the back of my head, always silenced by the pressure of my family’s legacy. It’s time I created a legacy of my own.
“Are you making calendars, Carter? I know you’re fond of those.”
“Not exactly.” I laugh. “It’s a hub. For local business owners. Maybe some business consultancy is better than tarot reading. The pilot stage will take place here. If it works, I’ll extend the program nation-wide.”
I’ve forgiven myself for choosing a different challenge and letting go of my father’s obsession with the company. It’s safe between Jackie and Joseph.
All the time spent in Silver Lake Falls has opened my eyes to a different type of challenge when it comes to business strategy. Getting to know some of the mom-and-pop places and their stories planted a seed of curiosity and creativity I didn’t know I could grow.
“So that’s your spark,” she says thoughtfully.
“Pardon me?”
“Your spark. I see it now.” She looks up at me with soft eyes, swirling shades of brown and gold, twinkling in the streetlamp’s light.
“You mean my manly roaring fire?”
She ignores my awkward attempt at being funny. “What about your life in New York? Your responsibilities and work.”
“I’m right where I’m supposed to be,” I tell her while I open the heavy carved door that leads into the marbled foyer.
I’m glad she doesn’t ask me anything about the play during the drive back. While Eliza’s attention was focused on the stage, mine was firmly set on her, holding back the impulse to reach out and touch her.
“You never called,” she says after a long stretch of silence. “All these months.”
“I wanted to. Even eavesdropped on one of Jackie’s calls, so I came to the showroom opening in Boston, a month before I found you in Jackie’s office. I was outside when I saw you talking with some people.”
She was beaming, chatting animatedly. Pride swelled in my chest seeing her explore her passion. Growing and feeling at ease. My wonderful Eliza.
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“I decided not to ruin your evening, even though I burned with the need to be near you and apologize on my knees.”
She doesn’t say anything, and the rest of the ride is silent.
