Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
AUSTIN
Getting to see Ava was the highlight of my day, and I wanted to see her as much as I could.
Friday was usually less chaotic, but I had three meetings today because of several new projects.
I had my secretary, Louise, shift my schedule around so all the meetings were stacked together.
I needed to free up the late afternoon to be at No Name.
If someone had told me two years ago that I’d rearrange my work schedule so I could work at a bakery, I’d have called them a liar.
But right now, that was the glaring truth.
Being in Ava’s presence revitalized my soul in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
Her smile, her voice, the way her long hair draped around her face, the scent of her floral perfume—everything about her boosted my heart.
I’d dwelled in the dark after our breakup, and seeing her again was the light I desperately needed.
What could be better than seeing her live her dream at the bakery? She’d shared it with me, and I’d cherish that moment till the day I die.
I wasn’t a baker, but I’d learned to appreciate the art of baking because of her.
During our time together, I’d eaten many of her breads and pastries.
I was the lucky man to have tasted her first creations.
The excitement and pride on her face the first time she made the bunny-shaped breads still etched in my mind.
She’d called the cute bread her bunny buns.
Yesterday, I got the chance to make the adorable bunny bread. The experience swelled my heart like yeast. Or rather, it confirmed something that flared through my body—I wanted her back. This was my chance to make things right—my opportunity to tell her I love her.
Would she give me that opportunity? Or was this wishful thinking?
Renewed with hope, I shoved all doubts aside and focused on today’s schedule.
I had one more meeting before I could leave the office.
Tanner Properties just bought five new properties around Worcester County.
Worcester was a beautiful city that was becoming a mini Boston, but not as crowded or as expensive yet. The cost of living would climb though.
A retail plaza was in the early stages of development, and an apartment building was slated just one block down, making it convenient for the future residents.
My dad retired after I took over the company. He’d become more mellow and enjoyed traveling with my mom. He and Mom had just come back from their Milan trip. But things weren’t this joyful over a year ago. My stomach twisted thinking about the past.
A knock sounded on my door, and I glanced up to see my dad in his brown felt coat.
Rising, I walked around my desk and over to greet him.
His Parkinson’s required him to walk with a cane, which he viewed as a flaw.
But time and a new perspective in life had allowed him to accept the progress of life.
“Where’s Mom?” I asked, making sure he got to the chair safely. Once settled, I sat across from him on the couch.
“She’s chatting with Louise.”
Louise and my mom had been friends for a long time. She started out as my dad’s secretary when he first opened Tanner Properties.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I asked.
“No, thank you. Your mom and I are meeting up with friends later. Retirement has been a dream.” His blue eyes flashed with pride. “Thanks to you.”
“You worked hard to start this company. I won’t let it fail. It’s our family’s legacy.”
As their only son, the pressure to succeed weighed heavily on me, but I never complained because I enjoyed the work.
“It is.” He sighed. “I made many mistakes along the way. I thought I’d made smart decisions but ended up tossing the company into extreme financial peril.
” Regret strained his face. “I’m sorry for placing you in that difficult position.
” He leaned back into the couch, looking at me.
“Your mom never stops scolding me, you know. I made you lose the love of your life.”
What could I say? I didn’t want my dad to hold guilt in his heart. The man had recovered from heart surgery and was doing well.
Though resentment lingered in me, I blamed myself for not handling the situation better back then.
“It’s not your fault. I didn’t tell Ava the truth, and I was reckless in how I ended it.”
How could I marry someone I didn’t love? The Montages weren’t known for their kindness or understanding. I wanted Ava as far away from me—from them—as possible.
In my fantasy world, I thought I could get Ava back after things settled.
What a fool I was. Why would she want me back after I’d dumped her over text?
She didn’t want to talk to me and left all my belongings in the box outside of her apartment.
Rhea had called me to pick it up. Ava didn’t even want any of her belongings that she kept at my place.
“Can you reconcile with Ava?”
“Maybe.” I hope so.
The reply surprised me. If he had asked me this a month ago, the answer would’ve been a hard no. But now, I felt hope floating around me.
When my dad asked for this meeting, I wasn’t sure what it was about. But now I knew he was seeking forgiveness.
“You made some bad investments, and you were sick and weren’t seeing things properly,” I said. “But now you’re better.”
He nodded. “I’m sorry for the pressure I placed on you. The company was failing, and we lost a lot of money. I thought the engagement to the Montage family would help.” He placed a hand on his chest. “I want you to be happy, Austin. Don’t sacrifice your happiness for the family anymore.”
Ava’s face appeared in my vision.
“If I hadn’t been so stubborn, things would’ve been easier on you.” He glanced up at the ceiling. “Our ancestors are always watching over us. They guided you to a supportive friend to help in times of need.” He was referring to Remington Starke, who had invested in me during that difficult time.
I’d met him years ago, and we’d become friends.
His financial support helped Tanner Properties from sinking into the black hole.
Before I met him, I’d bought an abandoned building close to the thriving business section of Natick.
Lack of finances had slowed down my condominium project until Remington.
Remi’s architect friend, Grayson Wu, helped escalate the exterior and interior design efficiently.
It didn’t take me long to pay Remi back.
“Your condo project saved our family.” My dad grinned. “Why didn’t you tell me and your mom about it?”
“It wasn’t complete yet, and I didn’t want to jinx it, you know?”
“I do.” He smiled. “Unlike me, you’re thorough and patient.”
He rose and walked over to my chair, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Can you forgive me, son?” His eyes gleamed with tears.
I didn’t know I needed his apology until it landed in my chest, melting the iceberg that sat at the pit of my stomach.
“Yes.” I got up and offered him a hug.
A heavy weight lifted off me, making me feel hopeful. After a quick chat with my mom, my parents headed out to the art museum.
I grabbed my coat and walked out to my car.
“Austin!” Sierra’s voice sliced through the air.
I turned to see her rushing up to me with her high-heeled boots. “Where are you going? I have tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Hanover tomorrow night. I want you to come with me.”
It wasn’t a question, but a demand.
“I’m busy.”
“Doing what?” she retorted.
“I’m seeing someone, remember?” I said, reminding her that if any harm were done to me, my family, or my girlfriends after the broken engagement I would release video evidence of her hiring someone to eliminate the daughter of Senator Lawson from New York.
Remi introduced me to some of his friends who could access private information quickly and discreetly. I had to protect myself from the Montages, and now I had plenty of protection.
“So?” She smirked and ran a hand down my arm. “You can still accompany me as a friend.”
“She won’t like that.”
“Why are you hooked on her? Why can’t you give us a chance?”
“She respects herself.” I stepped back so her hand fell from my arm. “You should too. When someone tells you they’re not interested, respect their decision, Sierra. Move on.”
She flared her nostrils and glared at me. I imagined darts flying out of her eyes, trying to kill me.
“You’re a smart businessman, but you’re making an unwise choice, Austin.”
“You’re a smart woman. Don’t make an unwise decision that will take down your precious family. Do I need to show you that video again? I have more recordings that implicate your father. Do you want me to give him a call?”
“You’re an ass!” She pouted and stalked back to her Mercedes.
Shaking that irritation off, I drove to No Name, hoping to bake more bunny buns today. But when I got there, Cindy told me Ava wasn’t working today.
Though sadness stabbed me, I stayed at the bakery helping to display all of her animal breads. I saved some cute cats and cows to bring home later.