Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Leaving my life in Chicago was far easier than moving from the home that Beau and I envisioned for our future together. “We’ll arrive in Sea Springs before the movers do, don’t worry,” I called, slowly making it back into the living room. I gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking over the backyard when my cell phone rang. I had long since given up the hope that Beau might be calling. I pulled my phone from my pocket to see Joy’s name on the screen. Luckily, she drew my attention before I crashed emotionally under the weight of these memories.
“Hey,” I said when I answered, then changed course toward the front door. My life was no longer tied to the past, but in the future. I had a long way to go to finish this transformation to bring Beau back to me.
“Hey, guy. What’s going on?” Joy asked. I stopped long enough to lock the door then stepped back to take in the view of the porch and yard. If I ever had the opportunity to recreate this vision, I certainly would.
“I’m saying goodbye to my Dallas home. The new owners take possession in a few hours. Perhaps sooner. Either way, Amelia and I are leaving,” I said, glancing toward the woman I considered my backbone as she stood waiting by the car. No joke, she was tapping her foot in double time rhythm, picking up my slack in just about everything.
“Ah. I didn’t realize the move was today.” Her tone changed, becoming compassionate, which was strange from her. Sarcasm was her usual way. She whispered in conspiracy. “I got news to share.”
“I’m ready,” I said, starting for my sports car in the driveway. My finger twirled at Amelia, urging her to get inside the car and leave the evil eye here at the house.
“Chandler’s taking over Granddad’s legal department. He’s secretly been transitioning into the position for months. I just found out.”
I let out a loud, spontaneous laugh. The perfect comic relief to lift my spirits.
I dropped down into the driver’s seat and waited for Amelia to take her seat. “Chandler’s the new head of my father’s law department.” Since Beau and I were knee-deep in this break, my current relationships were with Beau’s voicemail and with Amelia who was joining me in Sea Springs. She’d be my new receptionist at a law office I hadn’t opened. What I hadn’t said aloud was that while she’d managed my life for years, I wasn’t overly confident in her actual office skills. I’d likely need to hire a paralegal soon.
“No,” she exclaimed, her sudden cackle had my grin spreading wider.
“Have you heard anything regarding the property bids he has out?” I asked.
“Yes, that’s how I learned about Chandler. He’s not being blamed. Instead, they’re putting it on you. Something about a bid on some property or something like that. But it’s your fault that Grandad’s lost some business. Chandler’s become a legend in Granddad’s company.” With her use of the term legend, I bowled over in laughter. My father deserved what was coming at him by placing Chandler as the head of anything.
“I’ll call you back once we get on the road,” I said, juggling the phone to shut my door and start the engine.
“Let me text you later. Jordan’s getting married, and we’re starting a weekend full of activities,” she explained.
“Who’d marry Jordan,” I asked, honestly shocked. The call transferred to the car. Amelia’s face scrunched up at the mention of Joy’s brother.
“It’s not a good situation, I assure you,” Joy said. “I have to go. I’ll call you soon. Ciao.”
I appreciated Amelia more than I could say. She and I were aligned where my awful family was concerned. I clasped her hand. “Thank you for coming with me.”
“Your nice words aren’t going to distract me. You’re to drive the speed limit with me in the car. Otherwise, I’ll have a heart attack before we leave Dallas.” Of course. She’d moved on to other important things to fret about.
“If I follow your wishes, I’ll drive like a turtle and we won’t arrive until sometime next year,” I teased, gripping the gearshift then shifting into reverse. I cautiously backed out of the driveway.
“I sure liked living here,” I murmured as my gaze locked onto the house momentarily.
“I know you did,” she said, reaching for my hand. “But you lost your way, Dasham. We have to keep that from happening again. You deserve a good life. You’re a good man.”
That had become the primary objective for my life. In an effort of self-preservation, I’d finally stopped beating myself up for what I’d become and promised to only look forward. I pushed into first gear and drove away without looking back.
Two weeks later
Sea Springs, Texas
“The outside sign has arrived,” Amelia called from the reception area of my newly leased office space.