“She was a big fan of the Beefcake.”
“I’ve yet to meet anyone who isn’t,” she said as she rested her head in the crook of my neck.
“Sounds like a plan,” I said, my gaze locking with her father’s again.
“It sure does,” he said with a smirk.
Because now that he’d given me his blessing, I was putting this plan into action.
thirty-six
. . .
Gracie
Johnnyand I were having dinner tonight to celebrate the completion of the Dumont project. The reveal was today, and they absolutely loved it. The project had been a huge stretch for me creatively, because I’d been so out of my normal comfort zone. And I’d fully enjoyed it.
I’d wrapped up two other smaller projects over the last two weeks, and I had one large loft in Brooklyn that was getting close to the finishing stages.
I’d been living in New York City for almost five months. My lease would be up next month with the extension they’d given me, and it was time to make a decision. Cutler and I talked about it daily, and he was on board to do whatever I wanted.
And I’d really thought long and hard on it, and I felt like I should speak to Johnny before I flew to Blue Sky Bay to spend Valentine’s Day with Cutler.
“You leave tomorrow, right? You’ll be home with your handsome Bear.” He chuckled.
“Yes.” I nodded as our server set down our two martinis and a basket of warm bread. We were dining at the restaurant downstairs in my building. I loved this place, which was the firstrestaurant I’d eaten at after moving here. “I’m excited to see him.”
“I’ll bet you are. And he was just here two weeks ago.” He sighed. “The distance must be getting old. And I know your lease is up next month, so tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Well, you know that Cutler’s been getting things aligned to apply for his license here in New York City, and we’ve been looking at apartments to purchase, and considering all of our options.” I’d found a booklet he’d been studying, and he’d admitted that he’d started the licensing process, since he knew it would take some time.
“I love that he’s willing to uproot his life for you, darling. That man really loves you.” He reached for his drink and took a sip, popping his lips when he set the glass back down to show his approval.
“He does. And I love him just as much.” I blew out a breath. “I’ve really put a lot of thought into this. I’m actually talking to you about it first, and I’ll speak to him when I go home this weekend.”
He smiled, folding his hands together and resting them on the edge of the table. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“First and foremost, I could never thank you enough for the opportunity to work for you. Having you as my mentor has been a dream come true. Honestly, I have the most respect and admiration for you, Johnny.”
He reached across the table and took my hands in his. “The feeling is mutual, darling. And I have a feeling our time together is coming to an end.”
Our server approached and set down our salads, and Johnny pulled his hands back as we reached for our utensils.
“So, I haven’t spoken to Cutler yet, because I’ve gone back and forth many times about what I wanted to do. But last night I just had clarity, and everything just seemed to be crystal clear.”
“That’s what I was hoping would happen. I didn’t want you to second-guess your decision,” he said as he popped a cherry tomato in his mouth.
“Same. But what I realized is that I needed this time here, to learn and to grow and to get my confidence back. And New York City did not disappoint.” I shook my head and smiled. “This experience will stay with me for a lifetime. And this has definitely been a step in the direction I want to go in. It just isn’t the final step.”
“I’m truly honored that I got to be part of the journey.”
“You were such a big part of the journey, and I love this company and all the people I’ve worked with so much. But I’m ready to create something of my own, you know? I’m ready to invest in myself. Build a company that’s mine, put a stamp on my name and my design style.” I shrugged. “And though I love the energy here, I miss the mountains and the lake and the peaceful serenity that you find in a small town. It’s where I feel the most content, which in turn feeds my creative juices.”
“I get that. The buzz of the city, the hustle and bustle, the tall buildings and changing seasons get my adrenaline pumping. I’d lost that when I lived in Los Angeles, as it was a different vibe there. So I understand wanting to be in an environment that inspires you. You’re all about nature and country music and homes with history and character. I knew that when I hired you, and I also knew I wouldn’t be able to keep you forever.”
A tear broke free and moved down my cheek, and I quickly swiped it away. “I am so appreciative of everything you’ve done for me. You hired me twice and you didn’t judge me for leaving the first time. And then you invited me back and you let me spread my wings and try something new. Something so far out of my comfort zone.”
“You’ve shined like the brightest star, darling. And here’s the truth. I have a keen gift for recognizing talent when I see it.You have an abundance of it. If you called me in six months or a year or five years from now and you said that you wanted to come back to the firm—I wouldn’t hesitate. But I’m also excited to watch you build something of your own, because you’re ready now. You needed this place to land and get your footing before you really believed in your potential. And if I have any part in fostering that, it’s my greatest honor. I can’t wait to see what you do when you open the doors to your own business. You’re ready.” He tilted his head to the side and smiled as our waiter cleared our salad plate and then set our steaks down in front of us.
