Chapter 35
ALEX
“Where are the kids?” one of my designers asks as I arrive at the office.
That’s what they call Draco and Bruno in the shop since I started bringing them to work with me. I built a glass room for them where they can play while I’m busy.
“Did you finally get laid and spend the night at someone else’s home?”
I laugh and shake my head. There’s no one.
There hasn’t been anyone since Hannah. Fuck, she’s back and in bed.
The bed I sleep in most nights. Where I wish I was right at this moment.
If only…but I can’t think about sex, and yet, when I saw her, all I wanted was to bury myself inside her. Make sure she’s real and truly back.
“Hannah is back,” I announce. “They stayed with her.”
“You could’ve called in sick. The boss is cool.”
We both laugh. I couldn’t skip work. The new line of surfboards is about to go into production. We’re already designing the new winter products.
“What’s happening with the move?” he asks.
I shrug. “It’s still up in the air. As you know, we adjusted most of the salaries, but that’s a Band-Aid.”
The economy sucks. Most of my people began to complain about the cost of living last fall. Some were searching for new jobs in other states. San Francisco is so fucking expensive. They can’t afford to live in a place like this with just one income.
Losing them isn’t an option. The problem is bigger than a few employees. If I want to continue growing this company, I have to move and keep the people who started with me.
“So, Hannah is back, and you’re losing custody of the kids?”
I laugh because I have no fucking idea what’s going to happen next.
Are we going our separate ways?
Can we be together?
How can we when she’s planning on dating soon?
That fucking article is messing with my head. It was the worst thing to wake up to. I’m thankful to Ethan who emailed it to me and the header read FYI. Her guys are cool. They keep me in the loop, since she’s been avoiding me.
I liked seeing her, and fuck, it was hard to stop myself from taking her into my arms.
So fucking hard!
She’s on a journey…one I can’t stop her from fulfilling. Even if it means I lose her to whoever she meets.
What’s going to happen to our friendship? I worked my ass off to get where we’re at, and I’m hoping it’ll be something we’ll keep forever.
“Bruno is yours, isn’t he?”
I nod. “Yeah, but can you imagine him around the shop without his buddy?”
Draco and Bruno are inseparable. After his litter, the only family Bruno has known is Draco and me. That’s going to be a hell of a conversation with Hannah. According to June, Hannah loves animals. I’m hoping that it translates into getting some together time with Draco.
Without giving it a second thought, I work for a few hours. Around noon, I head to the house. Draco has his litter box, but Bruno needs to go out for a walk. On my way there, I call June.
“We were just talking about you,” she says when she picks up the call.
“What did I do?”
“I think we found a good place for your shop,” she says. “It’s close to downtown, but far enough that it’s not expensive. Also, there’s a lot of public transportation in case your employees don’t want to use their cars.”
“Thank you for looking into it,” I say graciously.
She’s not being nice, more like trying to force me to move closer to the family. June’s trying to manage my life. Even with three babies, she still has the need to look after me. As much as I love her, I’m going to have to fire her—again.
“You have to lock it down,” she continues. “They might take it. Maybe I’ll buy it.”
“June, stop,” I say. “This is more than just a purchase. It’s uprooting my people. Their lives are here; it’s not a done deal. As I said, we’re looking into every detail. Colorado is a possibility, but we have to—”
“Alex, we want you here,” she says, using her little sister voice. “We can invest in your business and make it happen sooner. I’ve been working on—”
“Sweetheart, I love you and your enthusiasm, but moving isn’t just about money,” I clarify, because knowing my sister, she’s already asking her husband for a loan to become my partner.
The last thing I need is a partner. I have the money to make this happen, but it has to be done slowly. The lives of too many people are at stake.
“Some of my employees have children,” I expand, using what I think she’ll understand. “They need time to search for schools, homes, and more importantly, make this change as smooth as possible.”
“Fine, I’ll be patient,” she finally concedes. “How’s Hannah?”
“Good, I guess,” I inform her. “She was tired when she arrived.”
“Did you read her last editorial?”
“Yeah, she’s ready to date,” I say and laugh. “Instead of sneaking off like you, she’s going public.”
“Her only boyfriend was an ass,” she continues. “I wish I was there to be her wing-person.”
“No,” I tell her. “Do not get me involved in your crazy plans. You have three children who should keep you busy.”
“Oh, come on, I haven’t even asked you anything yet.”
“No,” I repeat. “Are you listening, Juniper?”
“Just be her wingman,” she suggests with an angelic voice.
I grunt. “This is the part of our lives where I have to tell you that I love you with all my heart. You’re my favorite, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“God, it’s a tiny favor. And fuck, you sound like you’re dying.” She changes strategies, using an annoyed voice.
“No, June. I’m not going to watch over my friend while she finds the perfect guy to fulfill her dreams,” I say somberly.
“I trust you,” she says, ending the call. I’ve no fucking idea what that even means.
When I arrive at Hannah’s place, I knock on the door. It feels strange to do so. A year coming and going from this apartment like I owned it is over.
“Hey,” she greets me, swinging the door open.
The weird bar she keeps in her office is between the living room and the dining room. I always wondered what she used that for.
“Are you torturing someone?”
She laughs. “Maybe you.”
I look at her closely. She’s wearing just a leotard, and fuck, if she’s not hot, and this is exactly why I’m staying away from her. Our friendship lasted the time she was away. Seeing her makes me want to kiss her. Is it possible to miss someone’s body this much?
Because I miss it, as much as I missed her.
“Gymnastics?” I ask, glancing toward her again.
“Nope, ballet,” she answers. “I stopped at thirteen, but I continue doing warmups because it’s what calms me. For some, it’s yoga, others, it’s running. I do a little of everything, but these are my roots.”
I look toward the bedroom. The bed is already made. “Did you rest?”
She nods. I look at my watch and sigh. If I could take the day off and stay with her, I would. It’s been a long time since we last spoke. More like since she sent me a letter. I’ve been reading her articles. It’s the only way I’ve known she’s doing fine and making progress.
“Your sister woke me up,” she says and chuckles. “Did you seriously fire her?”
“I think I fire her at least twice a week,” I respond, searching for the double leash. “Do you want to come with us for our afternoon walk?”
“Let me change,” she says, looking at Bruno and Draco who are already sitting in front of me. “How’s this going to work?”
I frown, sitting on the floor to adjust their harnesses. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, they seem to be close,” she explains and leaves. “June mentioned you’re moving to Colorado. I don’t want to be the one separating them, but…”
My sister needs to keep this shit to herself. “The move will happen, but I’m not sure where or when. June’s just being…June.”
“Okay,” Hannah says, and I feel like she wants me to say more.
Once I’m done setting up the leashes, my phone buzzes.
Jason: We’re in town, do you want to do something?
Alex: We?
Jason: Jack and me.
Alex: Sounds like an intervention.
Jack: I’m closing a contract. Jason tagged along. Are you free at one?
Alex: Can we meet for dinner?
I look at Hannah, and as I’m about to change the time, Jackson sends me a message.
Jack: This isn’t an overnight trip. We have to leave by five, change your schedule and meet us at one.
Alex: Two is the best I can do, send me the address of where you want to meet.
Jack: Make sure you’re there. We need to talk.