I went into my office and sat down, scrolling through a list of interior designers that my father used there in New York City. Most of them specialized in modern decor, and I assumed Addison would want something a bit more whimsical.
After deciding on one with nothing but five-stars and tailored for children, I set up an appointment and then decided to check on Addison. By the time I got back to her room, she had already unpacked her suitcases and was in her pajamas. I smiled and let her play with her toys some more, then sat down to watch television and have some whiskey.
I turned it on, and it automatically went to an exercise channel, which I’d been working out to earlier. On the screen was a woman who looked just like Annie, teaching yoga, and talking about the importance of holistic health. Once again, I pulled out my phone and stared at the picture of us at the lake.
“Daddy?” I turned the television off and put my phone away. “Are we going back to River Valley?”
“Not anytime soon,” I said. “New York City is a nice change of pace, so we’re going to be here for a while.”
She nodded and smiled.
“I hope it’s not too long. I can’t wait to see Annie!”
23
Annie
Two Weeks Later
Isat in the investor’s office, watching him run through some numbers on his computer. We had spent the past hour going over all of my products, launch dates, and marketing ideas. I'd even brought a few new items that I created. Marcus just had to determine how much he wanted to invest and what percentage he would receive back. It was hard suppressing my excitement, but I kept it professional. I’d save all of that energy for a mini-party with Crystal once everything went live.
“I have to say,” Marcus said while printing off some papers, “I’m pleased with your business ideas. I’m more than happy to fund this venture. Here’s my proposed investment and other numbers for you to approve.”
I read the paperwork that he put in front of me. All of it seemed terrific, and I wanted to give him the go-ahead instead of reading every word, but I remembered what Richard had taught me about business. No matter how excited you are about closing a deal, never approve it until you’ve read everything over twice. Look for the fine print, too. So that’s what I did.
If Richard had been in that office, reading the paperwork with me, I knew he'd give his approval.
“Perfect,” I replied after reading it over twice.
Joshua hadn’t rushed me through it either, which made me feel better about doing business with him. He was giving me a significant amount of money and expecting a reasonable percentage back, so my business plan looked as though it'd work out.
“I’d like you to stay around in New York City for a few days while I get some contracts written up,” he said.
I nodded while getting my purse. There was so much to do in the city, and I liked the idea of having a mini-vacation. All I had been doing was teaching yoga and working on my lifestyle line.
While they had both kept my mind off of Richard, I was exhausted.
"I’ll be in touch with you in a few days. On a side note, I know that you’re a health-conscious individual, but make sure you try at least one slice of New York pizza.”
I laughed as we shook hands. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
When I walked outside, I immediately thought about calling Richard. Not just because I missed him, but because he had encouraged me to pursue my business. Even though we had broken up, I knew he’d be excited for me. I wanted to tell him that he helped get me there and that I took his advice.
The more I thought about it, the better it sounded in my head.
Richard and I were friends long before we dated, and friends told each other about good things in their life. I decided that one phone call wouldn’t be so bad, and I'd refrain from flirting with him. I’d simply tell him that my lifestyle line was approved and that I’d be signing contracts in just a few days.
As soon as I opened my phone, however, I decided not to call him.
Richard was busy working on contracts for his company, and I didn't know the latest on the Heather drama. He made it clear that he didn’t have time for a relationship, which was the main reason for breaking up with me.
At least that’s what he said.
I put my phone away and found a set of steps to sit on, right in front of a building. I watched people walking up and down, listened to cars honking at each other, and wondered if Richard was nearby. Maybe he’d drive past, see me, and we’d talk like old times.
New York City was too crowded for that to happen, though.
My phone started ringing, and I quickly snatched it out of my purse. I was a bit disappointed to see that it was Julianna, even though I knew better than to expect a call from Richard.
