Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
FERN
S tranger Danger.
I grew up on a vineyard where people visited every weekend.
Mom drilled into us not to speak to any of the strangers, even when we helped out.
Going home with a stranger is a no-no, but here I am, going to the office with a guy I met only twenty minutes ago.
Just for security, I send a text to the family chat.
Fern: Going to the office.
Lysander: I’m opening a box?
Gatsby: Good for you! I’ll have my assistant send you some gold stars.
Lysander: Am I getting some too?
Heath: Is this important? Context people. I’m working in the ER today.
Cory: If you must know, I’m trying a new drink.
Hux: And she just scrunched her nose because, as I predicted, it’s disgusting.
Cory: I like it, it’s an acquired taste.
Cas: Should I text you after I’m done jacking off? Is this some kind of celebrate your happy moments thread?
Fern: ((eye roll emoji)) Never mind. You people are insufferable. I’m sure I’m adopted or you were raised by savages.
Cory: I was raised by three savages. Lysander, Aslan, and Gatsby.
Aslan: What the fuck is happening here? I’m in the middle of a meeting, and you’re blasting me with gibberish.
Fern: I was doing it for security since I’m walking to the office. I don’t know what’s wrong with the rest of them.
Lysander: ((grinning emoji)) I thought it was sharing time.
I sigh and put my phone away. Being one of eight children can be fun and annoying too.
“Everything okay?” Elliot asks as we head toward my office.
“Yeah, it’s just my siblings. They can be irritating.”
When I glance at him, I see the hint of a smile trying to make its way to that handsome face of his. If I could, I’d tell Cory all about this guy, but what if he can read my texts. He’s almost a head taller than me. I don’t want him to know that I find him delectable.
He’s so hot.
Gray eyes, dark hair, and he’s all man. The guy reminds me of Joshua Jackson but with darker hair and broader shoulders. Earlier, when he showed me his hands, I wanted him to run them all along my body. Not that I would ask him to do it. This is a strictly professional?—
Is he even a professional?
Sure, his dad taught him how to use a hammer. My gaze lands on his crotch, wondering if he really knows how to use that one. I could lend him my toolbox to?—
Okay, time out, Fern. You need to find a boyfriend or a better vibrator. Do not proposition the hot good Samaritan.
Maybe Elliot should be the one emailing his family or friends that he’s going to an unknown place with a stranger.
“Umm, so where is your office?”
I point north. “It’s close, almost at the corner of California Street. As I said, it’s not that far from Market Street.”
He whistles, looking over his shoulder then glancing at me. He probably thinks I don’t have any sense of direction or distance. I do. Okay, so it’s about seven long blocks from where we started, but walking is good for the heart.
“As long as you’re not luring me to some secret dungeon…” He gives me an amusing glance.
“We have those in Paradise Bay,” I joke, and he gifts me a smile with a cute dimple on the side.
Maybe I should ask him to quote me for a secret basement where I can hide him and have hot, delicious sex with him.
“What’s the name of the foundation you work for?” he asks as we reach the yellow brownstone.
I debate on telling him about JS Charities or… I use the big guns because maybe that’ll convince him to work for us. “It’s the Spearman Foundation.”
He nods but doesn’t make any comment. I’m guessing he’s from out of town and has never heard about the Spearman family. Which I’m glad. Maybe he won’t change his mind about donating his time or helping me with this project.
I’m pretty sure that’s why the asshole from North Bay Construction told me to take a hike. He just assumed that I have money to sponsor it myself.
My brothers donate to the foundation. We use the funds my father left us, but we need money from other sources too. The projects we create help communities and individuals. We want this foundation to be a legacy, not to close tomorrow because we don’t have enough money to continue.
“Do you have a budget?”
“No, you or whoever does the blueprints and quote will tell me how much it costs. Then, I can go to the board with the budget and start planning.”
“You weren’t kidding about preparing the proposal for your board based on the quote, huh?”
“I’m dead serious.”
He nods. “I want you to be aware that what you plan takes a few years to build, not just a week. It’s not about the money but the quality of the work.”
“It’s fine. You should add that to the proposal too, stages and timelines and… add a percentage that’ll cover the inflation,” I say as I open the main door.
“This is cozy,” he says, scanning the reception area.
It’s a living room with white couches, colorful cushions, and bookcases with all kinds of books.
“We try to make it a friendly place. The offices of the foundation are on the top floor. The rest are offices for therapists, social workers, and… we do more than just build new dreams.”
He nods as he holds the door open so I can step inside. I go toward the staircase.When I reach the top, I notice Aslan’s assistant is here. She comes to my office once a week to help me with the admin work. It’s a way to save money on the operation and dedicate it to what matters, helping others.
“Good afternoon, Lulu.”
“Hi, Fern.” She looks at Elliot. “You brought a souvenir from your meeting?”
“You could say that. He might be able to help since North Bay wasn’t open to it.”
She gives me a stern look. “They didn’t? When I spoke to them, they sounded eager.”
I shake my head. “Nope. They pushed me out the door and used some foul language that would’ve granted my siblings a week scrubbing the kitchen and bathrooms.”
Lulu grins. “You always kept those boys in line.” After clearing her throat, she says, “I’m sorry to hear that North Bay won’t work out. They were very interested in working with you.”
“I bet they thought it was Spearman LP and not the foundation.” Looking at Elliot, I say, “Please follow me. We can talk in my office.”