25. AUSTIN
Chapter twenty-five
AUSTIN
As soon as I climb into the helicopter, I pull out my phone and dial a number from my contact list.
The number is for Vida, the owner of the restaurant Hayley had ordered on our last date.
"Vida, it's Austin. I need a favor," I say, raising my voice over the whir of the helicopter blades.
"Anything for you, boy. What can I do? Sebastian told me you ain't in town."
"Yes, I'm away on business," I reply, raising my voice so she can hear clearer.
"Can you prepare a meal for Hayley and have it delivered to her cottage? Something comforting. She likes your chicken pot pie."
"Consider it done, honey. I'll make sure she's taken care of."
I end the call, a sense of relief washing over me. At least I can do this small thing for Hayley, even as I'm rushing away from her again.
As the helicopter takes off, the wind from the open window brushes against my cheek where Hayley's lips had been just moments ago. I lean back in my seat, my lips twitching into a smile. Despite our interrupted conversation, one thing is clear – we both feel the same way. It's nothing short of a miracle, and the thought makes my heart soar even as the helicopter climbs higher into the Texas sky.
So it's official. But – I still need to ask her again, and this time, come with flowers I couldn't get this time.
I can just imagine the field day the whole town would have when they hear the truth.
I mean – this time, I don't mind a single bit.
I feel like going on national TV and telling the whole world that Hayley and I are now a thing.
"Is everything okay Sir?" The pilot asks, glancing over.
"Yeah, everything is fine," I reply, clearing my throat. I must have been grinning like an idiot.
The journey back to China is much faster than when I went back to Texas. It's a blur of airports, planes, and taxis. My mind races faster than my body can travel, filled with thoughts of the merger, of Hayley, meeting up with deadlines, when I'll get back to Texas.
I burst into the conference room in Shanghai, breathless and disheveled. "Wei, are they here?" I ask, my eyes scanning the empty room.
Before Wei can answer, the doors swing open, revealing the Japanese team. I straighten my tie and prepare.
I had changed my clothes on the plane, and so I'm completely ready – well, I look the part anyway.
"Mr. Takagi," I greet, shaking his hand.
"Mr. Austin," the man nods.
"Please," I say, motioning toward the seat.
As soon as everyone is settled, the projector screen begins to display. Fortunately, Wei had been one step ahead, creating a slideshow of the progress we had made over the last couple of days. "Imagine," I say, gesturing to the mockups on the screen, "The test simulation we did shows how the final project will look after completion. It will become a place that not only provides luxury accommodation, but also serves as a bridge between our nations, boosting tourism and cultural exchange."
As the team listens intently, their faces change each time I bring up a point. As I speak, I can feel the energy in the room shift, especially the Japanese team. Once in a while, one of them whispers to the other, or they give an approving nod.
"And we come to the conclusion of the project," I finish, stepping aside. The whole room begins to clap, followed by Mr. Takagi shaking my hand once again.
"Well done Mr. Austin. Very good."
"I'm glad to hear that. So, is that an approval to proceed with the current plan?"
"Absolutely.
***
Day 1:
"We need to finalize the room layouts by Friday. Can you confirm the furniture delivery schedule?"
"Yes, it's scheduled for 2weeks, Wednesday. I'll double-check with the supplier."
Day 2:
"What's the status of the electrical installation?"
"We're on track, but I need clarification on the smart lock system specifications."
Day 4:
"Have we secured partnerships with local attractions for our concierge services?"
"Yes, I've confirmed partnerships with Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku Gyoen."
Day 5:
"The lobby design needs adjustment. The CEO wants more natural light."
"I'll revise the blueprint and resend it to the contractors."
The days pass in a blur, everyone working hard. It's not until a week later that we finally put pen to paper, sealing the deal that we had been working on for a year.
We're in the same boardroom as the last meeting, but this time I'm surrounded by smiling faces. I feel a sense of accomplishment.
"Congratulations, Mr. Austin," the head of the Japanese team says as we shake hands. "Your work is very impressive."
"Thank you," I reply, mustering a smile despite my fatigue. "I look forward to seeing the project completed."
"Yes. We shall see."
Slowly, everyone begins to leave the boardroom, until finally, I'm the only one left. Sighing, I run a hand over my face. My mind drifts back to that hurried trip home a week ago. It feels like a fever dream now – Hayley's surprised face, the brief kiss on my cheek, the words left unspoken between us.
I have also not been able to quickly answer Hayley's messages over the past week. The time difference hasn't helped, and I couldn't bring myself to call when I knew she'd be asleep. I know she's working hard, and the last thing I want is to disturb her rest. Still, it feels like an eternity since I last saw her.
Suddenly there's a knock on the door, Wei's head popping through the cracked door. "Boss," he calls out.
"Come in," I say, motioning for him to come in. "Is something wrong?" I ask.
"No, no. The team and I are going out to have some fun. We were wondering if you would like to come with us boss," Wei says.
I shake my head, unable to hide my amused smile. "Not this time. You guys deserve the break. And trust me, no employee wants their boss hovering close to them after working non-stop for days," I shrug.
"Boss –"
"Hold on," I cut in. "Here," I add, handing over a credit card. "It's on me."
"Wow, Boss, thanks!"
"Tell them not to go too wild," I tease.
As Wei leaves the room, I can't help but chuckle. As he walks out, there's a bounce to his step.
I run a hand through my hair, sighing. Two more days. That's all I need to tie up the loose ends here, and then I won't have to come back to China until the final launch of the hotel.
From then on, two days slowly pass. But man, it feels more like an eternity.
Compared to how fast-paced the Headquarters had been, these two days are the opposite. I force myself to focus on the tasks at hand, since the sooner I finish here, the sooner I can get back home. Back to Hayley.
Finally, finally, it's time to go home.
The flight back to Texas is already booked, and by the time I land, it's the dead of night in Redstone.
I let myself into the main residence, the familiar scents of the old house welcoming me home. Before I can take another step, I hear the scrabbling of paws on hardwood. My dogs, picking up my scent, come bounding towards me, tails wagging furiously.
Arf! Arf!
"Come on buddies, come on," I click my tongue, kneeling down so we are on the same height. Guilt washes over me as I scratch their heads to greet them. The last time I sneaked back to Redstone, I hadn't even had time to see them. I shower them with affection now, trying to make up for lost time.
Suddenly, a movement at the top of the staircase catches my eye. A woman in a white dress, with her face in a white face mask is standing at the top of the stairs. "You nearly gave me a heart attack," I say, falling backward.
"Tch, you act like this is the first time you've seen me wear these," she mumbles, pulling off the face mask and waving it toward me.
It is Sarah, looking sleepy but unsurprised to see me. "You're back," she says, stopping her words with a yawn.
I nod, still petting the dogs. "Thanks for staying over."
Sarah grins, a mischievous glint in her eye as she shrugs. "You owe me sixty bucks."
I can't help but chuckle, the joke reminding me of our childhood summers spent at my aunt's house. "Put it on my tab."
Sarah yawns again, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm going back to sleep. We'll catch up in the morning."
As she disappears back upstairs, I turn my attention back to the dogs. I'm extremely exhausted too, and I can feel the sleep starting to close in on me. I need to sleep if I want to make the most of the day ahead – a day that, with any luck, will include seeing Hayley.
I drag myself up to my room, the dogs following close behind. As I collapse onto my bed, fully clothed – I know it would take herculean strength to get up and change. I groan as one of my dogs bounces on my chest. "Ugh, to side," I mumble, transferring the dog next to me.
As the dogs finally settle around me, their familiar warmth and the sound of their breathing feels comforting.
For the first time in weeks, I feel truly at home. I'm not sure when I fall asleep, but when I wake up, it's early morning, and the dogs are nowhere in sight.
Rolling to the side, I can't help but groan. I've lost feeling in one of my arms, and I can only imagine that it was one of the dogs that had slept on me.
Yawning, I'm about to go to the bathroom when my phone rings. It's Russell.
"Hey Russell, it's been a while."
"Good to hear from you Austin. How are the horses?"
"I haven't run into any problems so far. Did something happen?" I ask, stifling a yawn.
"Are you around now?" Russell asks.
"Yes, I came back in the middle of the night," I reply, and at the same time, one of the dogs runs in.
"Will you be able to come to the car show?"
"Car show?" I trail off, a frown settling in my brow. My mind goes back to the time that I had purchased the horses, and truthfully Russell had mentioned it back then. "I thought it has passed?"
"Yeah, but another one will be taking place on Saturday. The boys and I will be there."
I'm about to turn the offer down when I remember that Hayley might like to see it.
"Alright, I'll get back to you tomorrow."
"Okay, rest up," Russell says, and then the line goes off.
Finally standing up, I go to the window. As I pull the blinds back, my gaze turns to the direction of the cottage – It's a beautiful day, isn't it?