Golden Rule (Kings of Cypress Pointe Golden Empire #1)

Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Blue

I ’m nervous.

Should I be nervous?

Yes, this is a big deal, but it’s just a walkthrough, an opportunity to share my vision for the building.

I check my makeup one last time in the mirror just as Scar pulls up. Even though it wasn’t part of the original plan for her to be here, I’m glad she volunteered during dinner last night. It’s one thing to talk about taking this on, but a completely different thing finally seeing the pieces fall into place.

We climb out of our cars at the same time, and I glance toward the black sedan parked just ahead of me on the curb. When I insisted it was ridiculous to have our driver bring me here this morning, West’s compromise was to have Milo and Oliver from our security team escort me in his absence. While that initially seemed unnecessary, remembering what Jules said at dinner last night about her father’s near robbery, I suppose this isn’t overkill after all.

“Sup, woman,” Scar greets me, bumping my hip as she pops a piece of gum into her mouth.

“Just being a nervous spaz. You know, the usual.”

She laughs at that, maybe because it’s kind of true.

“What time’s this guy supposed to be meeting us?” she asks. “Isn’t he already late?”

My lips part to answer her question, but the sound of a roaring engine, followed by loudly screeching tires, steals our attention.

“ Almost late.” I answer her question while reading the name of the contractor’s business posted on the side of his truck.

Scar and I wait in silence as someone exits on the driver’s side, then rounds the bed with a clipboard in hand. He’s tall and kind of rugged in a plaid shirt rolled to his elbows, jeans faded from wear. A thread-worn baseball cap shades his eyes until he’s close, wearing a smile I’m guessing he thinks will distract us from the fact that he just sped through a residential neighborhood going at least forty miles an hour.

“Morning, ladies,” he greets us.

“Morning. Seth, right?”

He nods, then reaches to shake my hand. “In the flesh. And you must be Blue.”

“I am. And this is my sister Scarlett.”

He passes a look toward Scar, then shakes her hand, too.

“Our dad speaks really highly of your work. Your father’s a retired cop, too?”

“On paper, yes. But that stern, militant side of him is still on payroll,” he says, prompting Scar and I to laugh.

“Can’t relate. Mike left the force and never looked back.”

“Must be nice,” Seth says, then gestures toward my future youth center. “Well, I’m ready for you to show me around whenever you’re ready.”

“Sure. This way.”

I lead us toward the front entrance, feeling my heart race as I find the key on my key ring. It’s so surreal to actually have access to this place now, for it to really be mine. It’s a dream that’s been years in the making.

One side of the heavy, green double doors squeals on its hinges as I pull it open. The instant we step in, we’re greeted by the pungent smell of dust and standing water. Seth rests his clipboard against his thigh as he peers up, giving the front entryway a onceover.

“It needs a ton of work, but it has good bones.”

I smile, hearing someone other than me describe it that way. “My thoughts exactly.”

“All right, talk to me. What’s on your lists of must haves for this space? I’m not talking décor so much, because that’s a conversation for some time much further down the road. But I’m talking foundation.”

I give that some thought, keeping in mind what I’ve written out in my plan, but also getting a feel for the space in real time.

“First, I’d like to swap the metal doors out for glass. It’ll let in more light, and take away some of the prison vibes,” I say with a laugh.

Seth smiles at that. “Glass is brave in this neighborhood. You sure that’s the way you want to go?”

“It is,” I nod. “Yes, this is a high crime area, but a lot of the problem is that the kids here get bored and, pardon my French, but bored kids do dumb shit. So, if we give them something to do, a place where their talents and interests can be nurtured, maybe they’ll be better.”

He cocks his head, one corner of his mouth curving with a smile as he gives my response some thought. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that logic.”

“I do plan to be smart, though. We’re paying for around-the-clock security during the construction phase and also once we’re open and fully functioning.”

“Smart. And expensive,” he adds.

“Maybe, but… that’s not really a problem.”

I’m starting to think he didn’t do his research. Most people who see my last name get incredibly curious as to what my connection is to either the late, infamous Vin Golden, or one of his three sons. But either way, almost anyone from Cypress Pointe knows the last name Golden is synonymous with wealth. Meaning, it’s highly unlikely that Seth would’ve thought to mention added security being too big an expense.

“I know your dad used to work for CPPD, but… you’re not from around here, are you?”

“Damn, is it that obvious?” he laughs. “Did I miss a social cue? A local reference of some sort? Not knowing local lore is usually what gives me away.”

“I… sort of. Yeah.”

He laughs again. “Mom packed up and moved back home to her folks in Wisconsin at eight months pregnant and never thought twice about returning.”

“But you found your way back.”

He nods. “Dad and I started getting closer once I hit my teens, so I moved here about five years ago and planted roots, started a business.”

It’s kind of nice meeting someone who hasn’t drank the Pandora Kool-Aid.

“Well, welcome to Cypress Pointe.”

“Much appreciated,” he says with a shallow bow. “So, aside from replacing the doors, what else do you see?”

I look around again. “Well, the ceiling is shot, which means a new roof is in order, but I digress,” I say with a sigh. “I like the look of exposed ductwork, though, so I’d like to do away with the drop-ceiling tiles.”

“I like it. It’ll open the space up a lot. What else?”

“I see a receptionist station here, that can dub as an added pair of eyes being kept on who’s coming and going. Seating over here so there’s a nice place to wait for parent pickup,” I add, gesturing to our right. “Behind that, I’d like to see a wide-open wall where we can hire some local artists to do a graffiti mural. But I guess that, technically, counts as décor, which isn’t really your problem.”

He shrugs again. “It’s fine. I see where you’re going with it. What else?”

“At first, I was thinking we could do epoxy flooring, but I did a little research and think polished concrete is the way to go. It’s more durable but looks just as nice. Probably something neutral, maybe in like a warm oatmeal tone?”

Seth nods. “I like the idea of going neutral. You can get your color with the mural and your furniture selection.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Okay, let’s walk. Aside from the entryway, what’s the second most important space to you?”

I don’t even have to think about that. We walk toward the old gym, I’m smiling as I look around, and Seth takes notice.

“You a fan of rundown, dank gyms with warped floorboards, or am I missing something?”

I laugh a little. “No, it’s just that… this space holds so many memories for me—going over drills after basketball practice, conning boys out of their allowance when they challenged me to one-on-one games, thinking they could beat me just because I’m a girl.”

Seth’s brow furrows. “You used to come here?”

I nod, and I can envision it like it was yesterday. “Yeah, we grew up a few blocks away.”

There’s a look of surprise on his face, and right after, he looks me over, his gaze stopping on my expensive handbag.

“Never would’ve guessed it.”

“Yep.”

Seth’s eyes linger on me a little while longer, then he focuses on the gym again.

“Since this space is special to you, I’m thinking we don’t alter it too much. I mean, yeah, it’ll have to be gutted, and all new materials put in, but… I’m all for preserving a good space whenever possible.”

That wasn’t my original plan, but I like his idea much better. “Yeah, I think that works.”

He flashes a look my way, then nods. “Cool. Do you two mind if I walk around a bit more and take a few notes? I’ll come find you if I have more questions.”

“No, not at all! We’ll wait here.”

With that, Seth nods, then walks off, his steps echoing in the wide-open area.

I’m so enamored by this space, remembering all it used to be, that I miss how Scar’s focused on me. I catch her stare and do a doubletake.

“What?”

She arches a brow. “I’m not sure if he’s more interested in landing this job or landing you .”

I’m laughing and rolling my eyes before she even finishes. “Shut up.”

“Just saying, bro’s hoping he gets to lay new floors and a little pipe, if you know what I mean.”

I shove her this time. “So vulgar. Who the hell raised you?”

She shoots me a look, because we both know the answer to that question is me.

“Pandora’s gonna have a field day with this one,” Scar predicts. “I can see her post now: Hey, lovelies. #Newgirl was spotted in the company of a rugged hottie.”

Again, I roll my eyes. “If you think he’s so hot, you should make a move.”

“And accept being his second choice? No thanks.”

“Whatever. Just drop it before he hears you,” I whisper, glancing over my shoulder to make sure we don’t already have an audience.

“Yeah, yeah,” Scar sighs, grabbing my arm before resting her head on my shoulder.

She’s glancing around now, maybe recalling a memory from one of the many days we spent here.

“I’m proud of you. You could be doing anything else with your time, your money, but you’ve never let go of this dream to make South Cypress better.”

Her compliment warms my heart, and while I don’t lend much thought to how others might perceive my mission, it means a lot hearing those words coming from her.

“Thanks, kiddo.” She chuckles when I kiss the top of her hair like I used to do when she was younger. A feat that’s far more difficult now that she’s taller than me.

“I think I’m all set,” Seth says, and Scar and I turn on our heels to face him. “I’ve gotten a pretty good feel of the place, and I have the blueprint you had drawn up. I’ll need to get an electrician, a plumber, and a few others out to give me a couple quotes before I can submit a proposal to you. But I’ll email it over as soon as it’s all put together.”

“Cool,” I say, holding back a huge grin as I cross another hurdle. “Text if you or your team need to get back in to look around. I’ll pop over and let you guys in.”

Seth nods, and now that my messy sister has me on high alert, I’m aware of how his eyes sweep over me when he smiles.

“Sounds good. I’ll be in touch within the next week or two.”

“Yep.” The smile I flash is stiff, not wanting my friendliness to be misconstrued.

“You ladies take care.”

“You, too. See you soon.”

His steps echo across the floor again, but this time, they’re followed by the loud slam of the metal entry doors.

“You saw it this time, didn’t you.”

“Shut up,” I say again, and she’s laughing as we exit the building. She stands by while I lock up, and I can feel another slick comment brewing as we head back toward our cars.

“Who knows? Maybe he’ll give you a nice discount since he’s crushing on you,” she teases.

I shove her again, and she grins. “Despite your unnecessary banter, I’m glad you came.”

“I’ve been waiting years for you to come home,” she waves me off. “You’re lucky I’m not glued to your hip.”

I bring her into a hug, then wait on the sidewalk until she’s safely in her car. I climb behind the wheel of my SUV, seeing Oliver’s brake lights pop on when I start my engine, and my overall feeling about today is one of gratitude. Things couldn’t have gone more smoothly.

I put the car in drive, then immediately shift back to park when my phone rings . At first glance, my heart begins to race because of the name that’s popped up on the caller ID.

Dr. Tyler.

Today is off to a great start, and God willing, that isn’t about to change.

My hands shake as I swipe the screen to answer. “Hello?”

“Good morning, Mrs. Golden. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

I settle deeper into my seat, trying to steady my breaths. “No, not at all.”

“Good,” he says, and the next sound I hear are papers shuffling in the background. “So, listen, I won’t beat around the bush. I’m certain you have a full day ahead of you, but I imagine not having a clear answer about your treatment during yesterday’s appointment left you and your husband with a bit of anxiety.”

“Just a little,” I say, letting a nervous laugh slip right after.

“I figured as much, which is why I put in a call to your previous specialist yesterday evening.”

I’m silent as my heart picks up speed.

“So, after a lengthy conversation with him, and considering my first impression after meeting you and West, I feel confident moving forward.”

I can’t even speak, feeling hot tears streaming down my face.

“The next phase is to continue with pretreatment, at which point we’ll reconnect here at the office to keep the progress rolling. Sound good?”

I sniffle, trying to compose myself before answering. “That sounds more than good.”

He laughs a little. “Looking forward to seeing you again, Mrs. Golden. Have an excellent day.”

“You, too, Dr. Tyler. Thank you so much.”

The second the line goes dead, I’m dialing West. I’m pretty sure he’s still in practice, but I take my chances anyway.

“Hey, Babe. What’s up?” he asks, sounding breathless on the other end of the line.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I had to call. I couldn’t hold this in until you got home.”

He excuses himself from whoever he’s around, and when he focuses on me again, I hear the concern in his tone. I’m guessing my sobbing has him worried.

“Slow down. What happened?”

“I’m fine,” I manage to say. “But I just got a call from Dr. Tyler.”

He hesitates for just long enough for me to notice. “What did he say?”

A huge smile breaks free, and I’m crying harder than before now. “We get to try again.”

He lets out a breath on the other end, and I imagine it’s a sigh of relief.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week.” I can hear in his voice that he’s smiling, and it has my own smile stretching from ear to ear now.

“I’ll tell you all about it when you get home. Get back to practice before Coach catches you,” I laugh.

“Just give me a couple more hours, max.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

I’m practically squealing when I end the call. Today is the best day I’ve had in a long time, and while I thought it was amazing to get another step closer to realizing one of my dreams… it seems that may actually be two dreams .

@QweenPandora:

Hey there, beautiful people!

Okay, so does anyone remember when I posted about #KingMidas and #NewGirl being spotted outside an abandoned building on the city’s south side? Well, it seems #NewGirl, and the crew’s honorary baby sis, were photographed outside that same building.

Only, this time, the pair were accompanied by an unidentified hottie. They moved the party indoors, and while this might seem strange, there’s a rather honorable explanation.

Your girl did a bit of research and dug into Cypress Pointe public records. Apparently, this building—a former youth center—was recently acquired by #KingMidas and #NewGirl.

Does this mean they’re re-investing some of their many, many millions back into the city?

That seems to be the case, but you know I’ll report back when I find out more.

Later, peeps :)

—P