He walks around behind his desk and takes a seat as I take one of the visitor’s chairs in front of him.
“So, what are we looking to do today?” he asks, turning his attention to a notepad.
“Two things, really. I want to adjust the structure of my landscaping company and potentially add someone as a co-owner. I’d also like to have a contingency like naming a CFO instead of a co-owner. And I need to see what I need to do legally in order to run my business in multiplestates. If I’m running things remotely, using local contractors, how much needs to be done so all my bases are covered?”
“Interesting. Well, let’s start with the easier of the two. Restructuring isn’t all that complicated. I’ll have to look at what you already have in place, but it would be a matter of an addendum and very easy to file. I can have a couple of options drawn up, and all you’ll need to tell me is which one to run with.”
“Okay, good. I can get you all the paperwork for that within the week.”
“Good. As far as the other, I’ll need to do some digging because I’m not sure if we would need to get you licensed in each state or if there is a loophole to all of this. So, give me some time, and I’ll look into that one for you.”
“Thank you.”
“I have all your contact details, so when I get more information, you’ll be the first to know.” His tone is practiced, and I know that’s all I’ll get today. It’s not a lot for the two-hour round-trip drive, but this is just the start. This is what I need to do to make sure Ainsley feels valued in her job, and turn it into something she really feels fulfilled with.
That’s hoping she even likes this plan. You’re really jumping all-in without consulting her.
The devil on my shoulder has a point, and I did mentally tell myself I would start thinking of ideas if that was the case.
My gut reaction is to give the whole damn thing up. If an opportunity came along and was perfect for Ainsley and it involved moving, I would give up my entire business and follow her.
I know it’s drastic, and realistically, if I turn the business more remote, it won’t come to that, but I’d do it in a heartbeat.
She needs to be fulfilled in her career, and I need her. It’s as simple as that.
Since I drove all the way out here, I pull up to a restaurant to have lunch. My phone dings, and my heart skips a beat thinking it’s Ainsley.
Rina:
Bad news, big bro. Your secret is out.
Fuck.Ainsley wanted it to be on our terms.
Me:
Who? When? Fuck, where did you hear it from?
Rina:
I’m sitting in Sal’s, and Alice was talking about you and Ainsley in the booth behind me. Said they saw you two on Ainsley’s front porch together and then go into the house. Mabel chimed in, saying they say you two driving out of town not too long ago, and now the whole damn place is talking.
God fucking damnit! Things were going so well, and there is too much unknown right now for this shit to be popping up.
Me:
How many people are there exactly?
I know it doesn’t really matter. Whoever isn’t at Sal’s right now will know within minutes of everyone leaving.
Rina:
Everyone except old man Walter.
Me:
Ainsley’s parents?
Rina:
