Chapter 64
CHAPTER 64
SIMON
I got up early. The sun was barely breaking over the horizon as I made my way to the kitchen to get some coffee. Today was hopefully the last day I needed to work on the cleanup crew. I had spent a few hours yesterday helping out, but I knew today was the big push. I wanted to get done and get back to Dallas. Today marked a week since Rylee and I had parted ways. I wanted her to look me in the eyes and tell me what she wanted. If this thing was over, I would accept it, but she was going to look me in the eyes when she shattered my heart.
After downing a cup of coffee, I went up to shower and get dressed. I knew I looked like an asshat in my designer jeans, expensive boots, and dress shirt when I showed up for the cleanup yesterday. I had quickly ordered some normal clothes for today, just so I didn’t look like a billionaire playing normal. The new Levi’s that were designed to look worn were about as close as I could get. I pulled on a black T-shirt, knowing I would be working up a sweat today. The boots I wore yesterday were officially dirty and would blend right in. I grabbed the bright green vest and headed downstairs.
I got a text from my assistant confirming the taco trucks I ordered to be on site serving the volunteers would be there at ten. I had also ordered a Snow Cone food truck that specialized in Hawaiian Ice. It was just me doing a little more to sweeten the deal and earn some goodwill.
When I got to the site, the cleanup supervisors were already there. I walked over to report for duty.
“Sir today is going to be a hard day,” one of them said.
“I’m ready for it,” I replied, his warning only making my determination stronger.
The supervisor gave me a nod and turned to give orders to the people gathering around. I spotted a few in the group that I recognized from the previous day. They smiled and waved at me, and I returned the gesture. It was strange yet comforting to be a part of this community effort even if I was originally an outsider. I had done my best to be approachable. I needed them to not hate me. Not want to destroy my life and anyone in my life—meaning Rylee.
I spent hours moving debris, working until my muscles were screaming for relief. I noticed the steady line at the taco trucks, happy to see the volunteers taking advantage of the free lunch. After the line dwindled, I made my way over to get myself some tacos.
After filling my plate, I took a seat at one of the tables that had been set up near the trucks, surveying the clean-up progress. The sight of progress, of things coming together little by little, made it worthwhile.
I watched as people took their lunch breaks, sitting in groups, chatting and laughing while they ate. I wasn’t surprised no one wanted to sit with me. I was still the odd man out. I was the guy responsible for the oil spill. I took another bite and was surprised when a tray appeared on the table. I looked up and saw Amber.
“Can I join you?” she asked.
“Please.” I nodded, reaching for a napkin to wipe my mouth.
“Thank you so much for the tacos,” she said. “They are a huge hit.”
“It’s my pleasure,” I replied.
“You know, I honestly didn’t think you would show up,” she said.
“I can see why you’d think that,” I admitted. “I have a lot to prove here.”
Amber chewed on her taco before replying. “Well, it’s a start. At least you’re trying.” She looked thoughtful for a moment before continuing, “People here are wary, especially after what happened. But they’re also fair. They’ll give you the benefit of the doubt if you prove yourself worthy.”
“I hope to do just that,” I said solemnly. “I’m here. From what my legal team tells me, we’ve got the information from thirty-four residents thus far to go through the mortgage pay-offs.”
She laughed. “I am still in awe you actually agreed to do that.”
“It’s the least I could do,” I said, scraping at the last remnants of salsa on my plate.
“That and the cleanup.” She nodded toward the ongoing work.
I let out a quiet sigh as I studied the army of people working tirelessly to restore their home. “I understand why people are angry with me, with my company. We messed up big time. I want to make things right as much as possible.”
Amber’s smile was gentle, understanding. “That’s good to hear, Simon. Look, I can’t speak for everyone, but from what I see, your efforts here are appreciated.”
“Good.” I nodded. “Thank you. I better get back to it.”
“Thanks again for the tacos,” she said as I got up from the table.
I put my gloves on, feeling the stiffness in my back and shoulders. I took a deep breath, but the scent of oil remained heavily layered over the now familiar scent of tacos. The boots that had seemed so pristine yesterday were now caked in a mixture of mud and petroleum, and my new old jeans carried the same grime. But none of it seemed to matter as I looked over the progress we’d made. The once slick sheen of oil had been replaced by the natural browns and greens of the landscape, steadily breathing life back into itself.
“Hey, Simon!” called out a voice from behind me. I turned to find a young man from the day before. His name was Jeremy if I remembered correctly. He had a tire in his hands, blackened from the oil. He was grinning broadly, despite the sweat pouring down his face.
“Need help carting this away?” Jeremy asked, gesturing to a pile of similar tires behind him. His light-hearted tone contradicted the hard work he’d been doing. I found myself admiring his spirit.
“Sure,” I said, pulling on my gloves tighter. We spent the next half hour moving the tires to the disposal area.
By the end of the day, we had made good progress. The final stages would be handled by professionals. I took off my reflective vest and leaned against the hood of my car, drinking a bottle of water and feeling every ache and pain in my body. It had been a hell of a day cleaning up the site. My joints ached, my muscles hurt, and I was pretty sure I’d lost weight from all the sweating. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over everything. Several residents waved goodbye as they left, thanking me once again. There were no more angry glares or threats. Everyone had been civil, and I thought I might have even made a friend or two.
Imagine that.
No one threw a single egg, tomato, or brick at me. That was real progress. I was about to get in my car when I heard someone clear their throat. I turned to find Rylee standing there in jeans, work boots, and a reflective vest of her own. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.
“Am I too late to help?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.
She had no idea just how much of a sight for sore eyes she was. I took a step toward her, wanting to kiss her, but hesitated, remembering in a rush that we were on a break. “What are you doing here?” I asked with confusion.
“I thought I would see what all the fuss is about.” She shrugged. “And I missed you,” she said in a quiet voice.
“You have no idea how much I wanted to call you this week,” I admitted. “It took every ounce of my willpower not to. You were on my mind twenty-four-seven.”
She smiled softly. “You were on mine, too.”
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” I asked, looking at her reflective vest. “The vest looks good on you, but I’d like to talk without distractions. And honestly, my feet are killing me. I need to sit down.”
She gave me a sympathetic look. “You look beat. And sunburned.”
“I am both.” I nodded. “I don’t want to presume, but do you want to go back to my house? If not, that’s cool. We can just sit in my car.”
She didn’t answer right away, and I knew I had pushed too far.
“Sure.” She nodded. “I’m parked over there. I’ll follow you.”
Again, I had to stop myself from touching her. “Perfect.”
I got in the car, hating that I was so dirty for my first time seeing her after a week, but there was nothing to be done for it. Driving back to my house, I kept glancing in my rearview mirror, making sure Rylee’s car was still following closely behind. It was surreal. Just a week ago, the tension between us was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
Once we arrived, I ushered her into the house and offered her a drink. She opted for water and took a seat on one of the barstools. I quickly took off my boots and left them by the back door.
“I’m still surprised you’re here,” I said.
“I had to see you. I wanted to talk to you in person.”
I swallowed a gulp of water, not liking the sound of that. I nodded, trying to school my features to give away nothing. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She looked nervous, which made me nervous. I watched as she took a deep breath. “This week showed me everything I needed to know,” she said, her voice steady but emotional. “It answered all the questions I had.”
I held my breath, waiting for her to continue.
“I wasn’t just scared of the drama,” she admitted. “I was scared that something like this might…” She trailed off, struggling to find the words. I could see how much she didn’t want to hurt me.
“Just say it,” I encouraged gently. I was more about ripping the band-aid off. I didn’t want it slow and painful.
“I was scared it would change you into the person I thought you were. The business tycoon. The guy who thought lazy one-liners and backhanded comments would get him what he wanted. But that isn’t what happened.” Her eyes softened, and she reached for my hand. “I’m really proud of you, Simon. How you handled this whole thing really impressed me. It was so classy, and honest, and kind.” She squeezed my hand. “I saw the man I’m proud to call mine rise to the occasion and never falter. I want this. I want us. If you can forgive me for being unsure and thinking the worst. I’m sorry.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but in the best possible way. I felt a rush of emotions—relief, gratitude, love. Without another word, I pulled her in for a kiss. It was like all the pent-up feelings of the past week poured out in that moment, setting us both on fire. I didn’t care that I stunk like sweat and oil and was dirty.
All my senses were filled with her. The scent of her perfume, the taste of her lips, the sound of her soft sigh as I pulled her closer. It was as if everything else fell away and it was just us in our own world.
“I’ve missed you,” I murmured against her lips, my hands finding a comfortable hold on her waist. She pulled back slightly, her eyes looking into mine. There was no trace of doubt or fear now, only warmth and love that mirrored my own.
“I missed you too,” she admitted softly, running a hand through my hair. “I’ve been such a fool, Simon.”