Chapter 17
SEVENTEEN
Kai
It only took a little over a week to iron out the details of the office lease contract and get it fully executed. I can move in today.
When I walk into the conference room, I’m waving the contract in my hand with a smirk on my face. “Logan…It’s all signed.”
He stands up, shakes my hand, and tugs me into a bro hug. “Congratulations! When are you starting the build-out?”
I nod my head. This is a dream come true. “Tonight. Blake has a project he’s working on during the day, so he can only work a couple of nights this week for me. He also said the permits should all be set. He and Roland have done a few more projects together since Kendall's spa build-out.”
“Well, that’s in your favor. So the next question is, when’s your last day?”
“After reviewing the preliminary plans and my brother’s schedule, if you can spare me, I’d want to work on the space starting next week,” I say, watching Logan scroll his calendar.
“If we can finish up this file, then that should work. Oh, but remember it’s baby shower weekend, so I’m not available to work at all until maybe Sunday night. If Theresa lets me out of the house.”
I chuckle and move to slide into one of the chairs. “Yes, I’ll be there. It’s weird, man. I haven’t ever been to a co-ed baby shower.”
Logan shakes his head and sits. “Me either. Theresa wants a party. I don’t argue with the pregnant woman.”
“Good idea…” I say and whistle while shaking my head.
His face is slightly contorted as he rubs the back of his neck. “I’ve been going back and forth about telling you this…”
“Tell me what?”
“Ava will be at the shower. Actually, she came into town over the weekend. I didn’t want you to be caught off guard.”
When I chuckle, he eyes me with curiosity.
“I know. We’ve been talking.” I don’t give him anything else.
If he knew I took a day to go down to see her, he’d steer me away.
I wanted to keep it here in my heart and not let anyone ruin it.
I’ll stay in my denial bubble, hoping she will consider staying in Saxville.
His mouth drops to the floor.
“We finally had a conversation a few weeks ago. I didn’t mention anything because I already knew what you’d say, and I wanted this little slice of heaven with her without any doubt being planted in my thoughts,” I say honestly to him.
“Okay, okay, man. Then I’ll see you this weekend,” he says, not pushing it any further or making any smartass remarks.
“If we’re wrapping this case up, then let’s get back to it.” I scoop the file off the table and thumb through it.
The day flew by. I was in overdrive trying to organize this case. Staying focused on the files was way more difficult, knowing I’ll be working on my new space tonight and that Ava is back in Saxville.
I finish what I’m working on and then poke my head into Logan’s office. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“See you tomorrow. I'd help if I had any labor skills whatsoever, but I don’t.” He chuckles.
I laugh at him, walking out, tossing over my shoulder. “Have a good night.”
The drive to the new office space went quickly this time.
As I approach the on-street parking, I see Blake’s truck.
He must already be inside working. If it weren’t for him, this space wouldn’t be ready in the next week.
I’m more than grateful to him. It also takes time away from his daughter, and he treasures that time more than anything.
Walking through the door, it’s surreal that I’ve built my own firm. My chest puffs out, proud of this moment that I’m making this dream a reality.
Once I step through the doorway, my brother waves me over. “Come over here.”
He’s pointing to the plans. “I revamped the conference space to reflect your initial feedback.”
I glance over the plans, and they are exactly what I imagined. “Better than what I wanted. Thanks, Bro.”
We spent a few hours working side by side to frame out all the walls and start putting up sheetrock.
Throughout the week, we continued to work on the space.
Blake coordinated with the electrician to run all the wires for the additional plugs and internet wiring needed in each of the new spaces.
Once we have the electrical sign-off, then we’ll be back after the weekend to close up the walls, paint, and move in.
“If you want to come back tomorrow, we can work on the back accent wall,” Blake says, gesturing to where we talked about putting it up.
“Tomorrow’s the co-ed baby shower for Logan and Theresa.” And all I can think about is seeing Ava for the first time since I went down.
“Is Ava back yet?” He was the only one I confided in about how I felt about her, our late-night calls, and the last-minute decision to visit her.
I shake my head, and my lips turn upward. “She’ll be there. We’ve texted a few times, but a lot is going on, so it’s been minimal. If you want to start without me, I can get back here as soon as I can.”
“Nah, you take your time. I can see it written all over your face, you can’t wait to see her.” He smirks at me.
“I’ll keep you posted.” My body is on high alert, ready to hold her in my arms and kiss her again.
Blake hesitates for a few seconds and then moves on from the conversation. “We ordered everything for the space, so the deliveries should start tomorrow, right? Did you have them shipped here or to your house?”
“I had the larger items shipped here, so I’ve been keeping an eye on the tracking.
The rest of the items will be delivered to the house and left on the porch.
” I grab my phone from my pocket and pull up the emails with all the delivery confirmations.
“Okay, yes, there’s one big delivery tomorrow between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Are you okay being here for the deliveries?
They’ll put the items wherever you tell them. ”
“No soccer tomorrow, we have a bye week. Olivia has plans to go to a friend's house anyway. I’ll be here.” He moves toward me.
“That worked out well. I think the baby shower ends at three, but I’ll text you when I’m heading over.”
“I know how you are…I hope it goes well with Ava tomorrow.” He slaps my back as he walks past me.
“Me too.”