“Yes, but if you would jus
t—”
“I’ve made my decision, Rob. It’s done.”
And just like that, the meeting was over. Not only had Logan Chase built Skylight Resorts from the ground up, but he had long ago earned the respect of each of the movers and shakers on his board. If he’d made up his mind—that was the end of the discussion.
Hands were shook. Farewells were said. And ten minutes later, Logan was back in his car—racing off toward home.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been there in the afternoon. Truth be told, the entire place looked quite different to him in the harsh light of the sun. It wasn’t just big, it was immense. Way too much space for just one person. Even more space now that Brigitte was gone.
“Mr. Chase!” Millard came rushing out of the kitchen the second he stepped inside, brow creased with automatic concern. “What are you doing home so early? Is everything alright?”
Before he could answer, the man came at him again.
“Miss Pelnat has already left, if that who you were looking for.”
A look of scarcely contained triumph flickered across the old man’s face, and he almost added, good riddance. By his estimation, there wasn’t a woman in the world who was good enough for the young man whose estate he worked day and night to maintain. The sooner this little hussy vacated the premises, the better.
“But you look flushed,” he continued, frowning in concern. ‘Is everything—”
“Everything’s fine,” Logan answered, handing off his coat and tie. “I think I’m just going to take dinner upstairs this evening—there’s some work I need to get finished. Thank you,” he added distractedly, as he climbed the stairs, “for seeing Brigitte off.”
“I’m sorry you’re so sad. But I’m sure the right woman will come along.”
“I’m not sad about her. I’m sad that I’m wasting my life away working.”
“She said that’s why she left.”
“Yeah, well, she deserved better than me.”
“You need to slow down and enjoy the empire you’ve built.”
“I’m still young. There’s always time later.”
“But I can see your troubled about it. If you would like to talk, I’m here.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine. I just need to be alone right now.”
The old man nodded at double-speed, backing away with that same look of concern.
“Most certainly, sir. Anything in particular strike your fancy for dinner?”
Logan shook his head with a tired smile.
“Whatever you were planning will be fine.”
Before he could be interrogated any more, or choose from an extensive wine list, he jogged up the stairs. Becoming more depressingly aware of his big empty house with every step.
I don’t even have a pet. Maybe I should get a goldfish...start small.
The second he thought the words, he snorted out loud.
My brother is dripping in glow sticks, booze, and girls, and here I am venturing out on a limb to maybe, possibly, one day get a goldfish. Dream big.
He shut the door to his bedroom just as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out eagerly to see a text from his PI. No words, just a number. Cleveland area code.
TO CALL OR NOT TO CALL. That is the real question.