“I can’t seem to stay away.” He plops down in front of my desk, making himself comfortable. “I just came to check in on you, have a chat.”
I glance at my phone one last time, pushing it to the side and giving Sam my full attention. “How are you feeling about everything? You ready for your new slow and boring life?”
He runs his fingers through his graying hair, chuckling. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. I never thought about what life would be like after, you know? I spent my whole life working toward a goal. Owning my own company. And then, building that company into something that would last.”
“You’ve got it made now.” I smile.
“Yeah.” He sighs, lifting his arms to the side. “What do you do when your dreams have come true?”
“Fuck if I know. Make a new dream, I guess. You ready for your party?”
He lifts a shoulder as he brushes his hands down the front of his shirt. “I guess. It’s more for Anna’s benefit than mine.”
“I think we all know that.” I relax into my chair.
“The party’s actually the reason I came to talk to you. Everyone from our company will be there. I’m going to make the announcement officially that you’re taking over as CEO.”
My heart beats faster. CEO. I knew it was coming, but it’s still a shock to the system. Back when I was a teen, I dreamed of this happening. When I became a man, I thought that dream was washed away in the stream of my mistakes.
I grit my teeth and nod, overwhelmed with gratitude for my second chance. Sam’s eyes soften and I know he gets it. This is a big moment. I glance at my phone again, wondering if there’s a text from the woman I want to share all my moments with.
My phone finally chimes three hours later.
Goldi: Sorry! I just saw this. Regina’s in today and is being EXTRA special. I hope your day’s good. Do you want to go to Sam’s party together? Or should I plan to show up with Jax?
I want her to show up with me, not Jax. Not Becca. But I need to be there early, and I won’t subject her to more one-on-one time with Anna.
Me: I’ll be stuck at the rec hall, you’ll be bored hanging around all day. I’ll just meet you there. You having a good day?
Goldi: Would be better if you were here.
The knot in my stomach unravels and contentment rolls through me. There won’t be a good opportunity before the party to talk about what happened. Still, I need her to know it isn’t something we should ignore. I’m not an expert on relationships, by any means. Fucking obviously. But I do know there needs to be good communication at all times, from both sides. That was one of my biggest failures last time around.
Me: Will you come back to my place after the party? I want to fall asleep with you in my arms. I also want to explain what happened last night. It was stupid and isn’t anything you need to worry about. I’ll show you whatever you want if you feel like you need to see it.
Typing bubbles pop up, delete, then pop up again.
Goldi: Okay.
I’ve been carrying in trays of food for what feels like forever. Anna had a local eatery cater the party, but instead of having them deliver, she offered my services to lug it all in—which is fine, I really don’t mind. But damn, it’s hot as hell today, and she ordered what feels like the entire fucking store.
There are tables set up along the edge of the room, slowly filling up with all the food I’m bringing in. I drop off the latest load and look around for Anna. I find her talking to some guy across the room. She throws her head back and laughs at something he says. She looks so happy, and it’s enough to make my irritation at being an errand boy melt away. I walk over to them.
“Now’s your time to think up the next stage of torture, Anna. A couple more trips and all the food’ll be brought in,” I tease as I approach her.
She laughs. “Oh, I have plenty of things to keep you busy. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.”
“I don’t mind helpin’ if you need an extra set of hands,” the guy standing next to her chimes in.
I squint my eyes as I look at him. He looks familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve seen him. I’m not surprised. In a small town like Sugarlake, you’re bound to have seen everybody at some point. We probably went to school together—he looks about my age.
“Oh!” Anna exclaims. “Great! We can use all the hands we can get.” She turns toward me. “Do you two know each other already?”
He lifts his chin at me. “Chase, right? We went to school together.” My forehead scrunches as I try to remember him. My memory’s a little hazy from trying to block out a lot of those years.
He offers his hand. “I’m Logan. I’m not surprised you don’t remember, we didn’t really run in the same circles.”
The light bulb goes off as I shake his hand. Logan. He was a football player, I think. Hung out with that douchebag Reed—who I definitely do remember.
“Right. Yeah, man. My bad. You can come help bring in the last of the food trays since you’re offering.”
“Lead the way.” He grins.
After we’re done, I grab us both some water. We sit on the floor against the wall, taking a break before Anna tasks us with the next thing.
“You’re Sam and Anna’s son, right?” Logan asks.
“Something like that.” I look over at him. “How do you know Anna?”
“I’m a personal trainer here. She wanted some help promotin’ her
