“You’ll find work when you’re ready,” Kyle said. “But I don’t need to go home. I’ve told you how bad it was there. My current employment involves traveling constantly, not optimum for being mated. I know I’d hate being away from you two all the time, so I’m going to have to make a change there. I’m up for anywhere all of you are.”
“That’s how I feel,” I agreed.
“Well, my flight’s business interests are widespread, and my training will serve me well in any of the offices. I was very unhappy and considering striking out on my own, doing something different, but now I realize I like what I do. My work, my people…none of that was a problem. My dragon sensed that it was almost time to meet our mate. He was pretty clear about wanting to, and now that he has, he’s a happy dragon. So, where do you all want to try?”
“That’s quite an opportunity, isn’t it?” Kyle’s smile grew even broader. “We probably should take our time deciding.”
“I know wherever we land, I should just get a job, but after what happened with my previous company, I might have trust issues.”
They both stared at me, and I waved a hand in the air. “Not with you two, of course. Nothing could be less true. But with placing my fate in the hands of someone who has their own interests first. It’s a risk, but what do you think about my being self-employed? I spent so many years learning the industry I worked in, that I think I might like to strike out on my own. As a consultant to that industry.”
“What industry was that, by the way?” Kyle asked. “You’ve never said.”
“Tech. Helping other companies to employ the latest technology to improve their profits and efficiency.” I rolled my eyes. “Interesting that they couldn’t do that for themselves, wasn’t it?”
“Generally when something like that happens, there’s some sort of malfeasance,” Falkan intoned. “I am glad you’re away from there, and I think you’ll really enjoy being independent.”
We carried our tea out into the backyard to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and continue to discuss our plans. I’d miss this little house and its good memories, especially those when Iwas young visiting my grandparents, but home was where these three males were, and my skills would translate anywhere there was some level of business to advise.
We decided to travel a bit before deciding.
Chapter Fifteen
Falkan
As Hugo finished giving me the tour of his business, I had misgivings about working there if my mates and I decided to locate in San Diego. I loved Hugo, but it just didn’t feel right for me.
I was polite.
“This place is huge and nice. Really nice. Thanks for showing me around.”
“No problem.”
“Can I get back to you?”
“No pressure from me, Falkan. I love you, but you need to go where you and your mates are happiest.”
“I know. I need to talk things over with them again. We’re not going to be impulsive. We’re looking at all our options.”
“Good.” He clapped me on the back. “Let’s do lunch. I’ll buy.”
“I’ll buy. I owe you for showing me around.”
In usual dragon style, we argued over who would pay. Finally, he won. I relented when he implored that he’d been looking forward to treating me, and that I’d been too scarce. He missed me.
We’d grown up together in the same flight before it split and he went with his family to New York. I had spent time in New York, as well. We were more like brothers than cousins.
We caught up on old times and lunch lasted two hours.
He hugged me hard as I stood beside my Lexus. I’d finally gotten it back from the shop and it was running fine now.
I hugged him back, and he said, “I’m so happy for you that you found your mates. Don’t be a stranger.”
“I’ll keep you updated on what we decide,” I said.
When I got back to my room, Griffith and Kyle were nowhere to be found. They’d been hanging out here a lot and I remembered they’d said something about the pool.
I texted Griffith.Where are you?
