Her words mean the world to me.
Travis: Thank you, princess. I hope you’ll still be in town for the scissor-cutting ceremony. I’d love to have you there.
She doesn’t respond, and I know I’ve pushed too far. If we weren’t three thousand miles apart, I know our relationship—or whatever the hell you want to call it— would be in a completely different place. I try to be cautious when telling her how much I miss her, but sometimes I slip up, which throws a wrecking ball into the conversation. My feelings haven’t changed, regardless of the time that’s passed, and I’m pretty sure I’ve made that clear.
Once the sign is installed, I decide to lock up for the night and head home. It’s been a long-ass day, and the next two weeks are going to be even more hectic with interviews and pre-booking appointments with potential clients.
As soon as I walk into the house, Gryff is at my feet, barking and jumping all over me. He’s so fucking happy to see me every day that it puts a huge smile on my face. I open the front door and allow him to run outside. We have a daily routine now. Every night after I come home, I let him out, and he runs around the yard. Then he chases the neighbor's cat, and I hope he never catches it. Once he’s done, he rushes inside, and I feed him his treats and stock his water and food dishes. He’s a spoiled little shit, and I’m pretty sure I’m the trained one instead of him.
After taking a shower, I relax on the couch, and Gryff lies down next to me. He places his head on my lap as I watch the news and suddenly remember I forgot to text Courtney.
Travis: Hey. It’s Travis King.
How original. I roll my eyes at myself. I don’t know why I’m nervous.
Courtney: THE Travis King? To what do I owe this honor?
She doesn’t even ask how I got her number or she doesn’t care. Either way, I’m ready to make a deal with her.
Travis: I have a business proposition for you.
Courtney: Depends what it is. I might be too busy getting my nails and hair done.
Travis: Way to live up to the cliché.
Courtney: Way to be an asshole.
Travis: Well, it is my specialty.
Courtney: All right, King. Get to the point.
Travis: I heard you’re good at tech shit, and I need help with setting up the new computers at my office with our network and installing the firewall and all of that stuff. I pay well.
It takes her a long time to respond, and I start wondering if asking her was a bad idea.
Courtney: That depends. Can you get me a date with your stud best friend?
Travis: I’d try, but I have a feeling he’s against prostitution.
Courtney: You don’t know until you ask!
I’m not even sure what to say back. Whoring out Drew would be the cheapest way to get this done, but maybe not the most ethical. I laugh because she doesn’t seem to have any filters about this. Before I can respond, she sends another text.
Courtney: Geez. I’m just kidding! You’re no fun to mess with if you don’t take the bait. So what time and where?
Travis: Tomorrow around 11? I’ll text you the address.
Courtney: You got it, boss!
I groan.
Travis: Don’t make me regret this.
Courtney: I already do.
I laugh and shake my head. I really hope she knows what she’s doing. If I didn’t witness her graduating with honors, I’m not sure I would’ve ever believed she was a little genius because she doesn’t put off that nerdy, smart girl vibe. Her accent, blond hair, and blue eyes give her a Southern belle vibe but mixed with sorority girl gone wild. She’s completely opposite from Viola in almost every way, but maybe that’s why they get along so well.
At least now, I’m able to relax a little, knowing that part of the business will be taken care of—hopefully.
