“Ahh, flattery will get you everywhere, boy.” Gus beamed. “It sounds like you’ve made your decision. You can’t run it alone, though. That’s a full-time job, you’ve already got other commitments with the startup, yeah?”
“You’re one hundred percent right there. So, for the day-to-day running, I’ll hire a manager, and I’ll be there on a casual basis. And I’ve already got my eye on a building that’s for sale not far away. It’ll be perfect.”
“Great—” Gus veered suddenly, avoiding a car drifting into our lane. “Sorry about that. All the crazy drivers are out today.”
“All good. And I’m glad you approve, because I already put in an offer on the building.” My lips pulled into a full smile. “I’m just waiting to hear back from the agent.”
“What? Good on you, mate, that’s great news.”
“This feels good, Gus. I can create a legacy that actually does some good.”
“You know, son, you’ve grown into a man of substance and purpose. Stay on this track, and everything will come together for you. I’m proud of you, Karson,” he said, eyes glistening.
“Thanks, Gus.” I reached forward and rested my hand on his shoulder. “That means a lot.”
“Do you think the kids will like opera?” Puccini’sMadama Butterflyboomed from the speakers. “Maybe I can play some for them,” Gus said excitedly.
“Ahh, yeah… maybe.” I cringed inwardly, remembering all the holidays Gus had spent playing opera in the car for me. Then one of the few nights I’d accompanied my parents to the theater drifted back to me.
I’d been nine or ten. The whole evening had felt strained, missing the warmth a family outing should’ve had. My mother had spent the whole night staring straight ahead when they’d taken me to seeMadama Butterfly.
I still recalled the heartbreak of watching the opera play out. Cio-Cio-San—Butterfly—fell in love, only to beabandoned by the man she trusted most. Years later, when he returned with another wife and claimed their son so the boy could be raised in America, she was left with nothing.
Even then, the sadness of it had lodged itself somewhere deep inside me. A dull ache stirred in my chest. I’d never really had parents who loved me the way they should have. But hearing Gus talk about my future reminded me that, despite everything, I was still heading in the right direction.
Gus sang along, I smiled to myself as a tear rolled down his cheek. He cleared his throat and brushed it away with the back of his hand, checking the rearview mirror self-consciously.
I pretended to be fascinated by the view out of the window until my phone pinged with a message.
It was the seller’s agent.
“Gus?” I said lightly, cutting through his singing.
“Uh-huh?” he said, still humming along.
“They accepted my offer.” I clapped my hands together. “The building’s mine.It’s happening.”
“Woo-hoo!” Gus cried. “You’re changing the world already.”
Because I’d been confident they’d accept, I’d already drafted an email for the employment agency. I pulled it up and hit Send before turning my focus to the upcoming gala.
It was time to pack and head to the airport for my flight to Brisbane.
I had a plan. And if it worked, I’d be seeing Ivy at the gala.
The thought alone had me grinning like I'd just taken out first prize.
28
FAIRY TALE
KARSON
I hadn’t wasted a second when I’d returned from Dubai. Gus had driven me to a luxury shopping area in the city and waited nearby while I shopped.
The minute I entered the high-end boutique, my eyes locked on the stunning Oscar de la Renta gown.
One of the sales assistants had been similar to Ivy in size, so we’d used her measurements as a guide for the fitting.
