Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“I was never going to use the trust fund for myself, but just so you know, I’m not wiping it out with this investment. Not even close.” I didn’t mention the fact that I was leaving the remainder to him, because I was pretty sure he’d try to talk me out of it.
“Okay, that’s good. But why do you want to do this?”
“Three reasons. First, it’ll take a lot of the pressure off your dad, not just financially. He can’t keep working fourteen-hour days, seven days a week, and now he’ll be able to hire some help. Second, I get to play a part in restoring a really cool building with a long history, someplace that’s important to its community. And third, I’m hoping this will make you happy.”
A tear tumbled down Kit’s cheek. He took my face between his hands and kissed me before saying, “You’re such a good man, Devon. Thank you for wanting to help, but you really might end up needing that money.”
“I won’t.”
“Just listen for a minute. When your stepdad gave you that trust fund, he probably intended it to last a lifetime. What if you’re wrong about the curse, and you live to be a hundred? You’ve been living off your savings these past three years, but they’re going to run out at some point. What happens then?”
“Then I’d have to get a job, like everyone else. I was never meant to live the life of a trust fund kid anyway.” He looked like he wanted to offer a rebuttal, so I tried a different angle. “If you’re right that the curse is BS and I’m going to live a long life, then this is the perfect thing to do with my money. I’m investing and becoming a partner in a small business that I truly believe in.”
He caressed my cheek and said softly, “But you don’t actually believe you’re going into business with my dad, because you don’t think you have much longer to live. What you’re doing is giving away a boatload of cash under the guise of making an investment. It’s the kindest thing I’ve ever seen anyone do, but I’m worried you’ll regret it.”
“I won’t, not even if I live to be a hundred.” Which wasn’t going to happen anyway.
“Did you tell my dad you believe you’re cursed? I never brought it up.”
“I hadn’t brought it up, either. Since it makes me sound like a nut, it’s probably best not to mention it.”
That wasn’t my real concern. I didn’t want Armando to realize this was a gift, not an investment. He was a proud man. While he might say yes to taking on a business partner, he’d probably turn down my offer if he thought it sounded like charity.
Kit leaned forward, so his face was buried in my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around him, and after a few moments he asked, “Are you absolutely sure about this?”
“I’m positive. I want to invest in your family business. I want your dad to succeed, I want both of you to be happy, and I want to bring that wonderful, historic diner back to its former glory. Not that there’s anything wrong with it now. I think it’s an absolute gem. But even the most fabulous grande dame deserves a new frock now and then.”
He grinned at that and leaned back so he could look at me. “What would you have done with your trust fund if you’d never met me?”
“Besides the money earmarked for the scholarship program, I was going to let it revert back to my stepdad, since it was his in the first place. But he wanted me to use it, so I think he’ll be much happier about this.”
“I’ve always wondered, how did he get rich from something like vinyl siding?”
“By being the biggest manufacturer and distributor in the US, and by having contracts with several huge residential builders and commercial clients. On top of that, he also made some incredibly smart investments over the years, like buying certain tech stocks before they skyrocketed.”
Kit muttered, “That would do it.”
I gently rubbed his back and asked, “So, are you willing to sign off on the diner’s next chapter?”
“If you’re absolutely positive that this is what you want to do with your money…”
“I am.”
He smiled at me. “Okay, then. Let’s go tell my dad he can start shopping for a new deep fryer. He’ll be so happy.”
That night, as we curled up together in his narrow bed, I asked Kit, “Are you sure you’re ready to get back on the road tomorrow? We could stay longer if you wanted to.”
“We should go. My dad’s really busy, but I’ll come back soon.” After a moment, he added softly, “I wish I hadn’t stayed away as long as I did.”
“I know it was tough to afford the trip down here, but what else do you think kept you away? Was it bad memories of your ex and that relationship?”