AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Love you, too.”
With that, I’m out the door and headed to Becca’s apartment. When I arrive, I’m reminded just how different her single and carefree life is from mine as a long-term nanny.
The large, wide-open studio apartment she rents is beautiful. The walls are exposed brick, and there is a massive window on the far wall that overlooks the city. The fire escape landing is just outside of it, and Becca has set up a small chair out there that sits on a large plank board to keep from poking through the grate.
Plants hang from dozens of macramé nets and sit scattered across the floor. There’s a record table near her low-slung couch, and in the open kitchen, there’s a long metal island that’s covered in more plants.
“I forgot how much you like green things.”
I smile at her, and Becca runs her fingers gently across the large leaf plant that sits in a pot near the door.
“You got kids. I got plants.” She gestures for me to come sit on the sofa. “Do you want me to put something on, or do you just want music or something?”
“As long as there’s no pregnancy or kids, I’m great with TV.”
“Ha, ha. Can do, babe.” We sit on the couch, and Becca pulls up The Great British Bake Off. It’s the perfect kind of distraction, and I welcome the silly commentary she spouts about who should stay or go.
“You doing okay, Liv?”
“I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t want to have to make this decision, but I know I do. And that kind of sucks.”
“It does. You’re definitely not wrong about that. And I know I’m biased, but I’m really pissed for you. You’re awesome, and you don’t deserve to be in this position with his ex. I mean, you finally fall for a guy, and now there’s this evil woman standing in the way of just being happily in love with the guy.”
I tense up for a second. Love? Do I really love Noah?
I know I love Elijah. He’s the best kid around, but I haven’t really let myself think about how strongly I feel for Noah because it’s been doomed from the start.
But after hearing Becca say it, I can’t deny what’s in my heart any longer.
I do love Noah, and I’m going to have to say goodbye.
Chapter 30
Noah
I’m in a bit of disbelief as I leave the Tuesday meeting to head back to the hotel once more and then fly home. It went really well, and I think at this point finishing the project on time is a real possibility.
“If we bring in some extra guys for the tile to get it finished right away, we can pull them off as soon as it’s done, and it’ll be much shorter and less expensive than having more guys come in to deal with the Venetian stuff.”
Dwight lays out the extra cost per day for the reduced time versus the amount of extra labor for the plaster, and we can all see how big of a difference there is.
“I want top shit. Real good-looking tile that won’t stain and has some sheen,” Mark answers.
“I can make that happen. I always liked the stuff Noah picked out at first, so I’ll go with that. Top quality design, great durability, and lasting appeal. It won’t fade out as a trend in a year’s time, and it’ll hold up to your rowdiest guests.”
I’m taking Dwight out for dinner sometime soon to thank him for all this extra work. He’s really helping smooth this along, and I know once I sweeten the pot, even Mark will be pleased.
“And Mark, don’t forget, we can customize a few of the sheet layouts to showcase the hotel logo on the center portions of the water features and pools. That’s branding. Couldn’t do that with the plaster.”
He considers me for a moment, and after what feels like an intentionally drawn-out pause, Mark nods.
“Branding. Well, get that shit going strong right now. I want to see ads and launch party posters and pushes from here to New York. Blast social, the streets, everything.”
Mark often forgets that any and all PR is really my job, but I humor him for now and secretly swear to find a different investor for any and all of my future projects.
“Of course, Mark. I already have my marketing team on it.”
With another nod, he turns and leaves the rented conference room, pulling out his phone to woo someone else with his jovial nature.
