Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“Oh, it’s not just this morning,” Dani says. “He’s been like this every day since Vanessa left.”
“He is right here,” I grumble.
“Yeah, but I’d rather not speak directly to you and risk you biting my head off,” Dani quips.
“Maybe you should visit her,” Matteo suggests, looking at me with a mixture of concern and pity that rubs my already irritated self the wrong way.
“I agree,” Dani says. “It’s clear you’re missing her …”
“Maybe you both should worry about yourselves,” I snap.
Dani flinches, but Matteo glares.
“Maybe you should watch how you speak to my wife and your sister before I beat your ass.”
Matteo stands, and Dani does as well, pressing her hand against his chest.
“Stop,” she says to Matteo before she glances my way. “You can’t keep going like this. You’re cranky and irritated. Is it worth it to continue this way? To prove that you’re being supportive while she follows her dreams?”
“I am being supportive. And …” I swallow thickly. “I think she’s moved on.”
“What?” Dani gasps at the same time Matteo says, “No fucking way.”
“She hasn’t answered my calls in days, and her texts are short. I’m not saying she’s found someone else, but I think she’s accepted that it’s not realistic to try to make a long-distance relationship work. And I don’t blame her. She’s young, and she has her entire life ahead of her. I’m a single dad whose idea of a fun night is putting my kid to bed early so I can watch TV, uninterrupted.”
“I don’t believe she feels that way,” Dani argues. “I saw you two together, and she wasn’t bored with you. She loves you. When I came by to visit, she’d be sewing something on the couch while you guys watched TV together. She was happy and content.”
“So, what am I supposed to do, Dani? Pick up and move to Seattle? I have a company I need to run. Employees who depend on me.”
“You also have me,” Dani says. “I have a lot to learn, but I’m committed to this company, and a lot of people work remotely. And … Leo is only a year old. He’s not in school, so he can go anywhere you go.”
“I have meetings …”
“You have a private plane,” Matteo scoffs.
I open my mouth to argue, but they’re right. I’ve busted my ass to make this company what it is, and while I’m still needed, I have capable employees who can run things while I’m gone.
“I would need to rent a place in Seattle,” I say out loud as a list of things to do starts accumulating. “I could fly there with Leo, but we would need a bunch of stuff sent over. I’d need to have my car brought over and—”
“Whatever you need, you can get,” Dani says. “The house, the car … your stuff. It can all be handled. Matteo and I are here, and we can help you. Right now, the only thing you need to do is get on a plane and go see your wife.”
My wife.
Fuck.
She’s right.
“Okay.” I stand. “I’m going. You sure you got this?”
Dani smiles. “We’ve got this, brother. You’re going to be across the country, not across the world. Now go.” She pulls me into her arms. “Life is too short to be anything but happy. Go find your happiness.”
I nod in agreement.
Only I don’t need to find my happiness.
Because I already know right where it is—in Seattle.
37
Vanessa
“And then sign right here.”
The attorney points to the last spot for me to sign, and I scribble my signature, then release a sigh of relief.
I can’t believe this is happening. I am partnering with Kora to release a drop featuring a dozen of my designs. Not only will I be making a shit ton of money, but this will put my name on the fashion map.
“Is that it?” I ask, setting my pen down.
“That’s it,” he says. “I’ll get these papers filed and email you a copy.”
“Thank you,” Kora says to the attorney.
She grabs a bottle of champagne and pops the top, then pours us each a glass. “To beautiful designs and partnerships.”
We clink glasses, and I take a small sip, the bubbles tickling my throat as I swallow it down, along with my emotions.
When I imagined something like this happening, all I envisioned was me standing on my own two feet, head raised in pride that I had done it. That I had busted my ass and made my dreams come true.
Only now, it feels like my vision is incomplete.
Because I don’t want to be alone.
I want Lorenzo by my side.
I want Leo in my arms.
What’s the point of any of this if I can’t share it with them?
“Vanessa, you good?” Kora asks.
“Yes, I’m good,” I choke out. “Thank you for taking a chance on me,” I say robotically, trying to keep my panic attack away.