Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“She’s not a business deal,” Ethan cut me off. “Not anymore. Clearly. Hell, from the way you were acting around her, I doubt she was a deal one week after you struck it. It was clear to all of us that you were crazy about her, and now what? You’re just leaving it in limbo?”
“Apparently,” I said. “Living in the unknown is easier than venturing into uncharted territory. I’m terrified,” I admitted. “What if I tell her and she says she just wants more money in order to be with me?”
Ethan sighed and took a minute before he responded.
“I get it,” he finally said. “Neither one of us thought we were cut out for this kind of life. And despite your jokes and your past, I know there’s a lot in you that questions whether someone could want to be with you for the long haul. But I can tell you from experience that when it's the right person, there’s no question. There’s no hesitation. Alex changed my life, and yeah it was hard as hell getting to where we are, but with her, everything feels easy. And from the way you were behaving around Aspen, it seems like that's the case for you too. Am I wrong?”
“No,” I admitted.
“When was your contract up?”
“Yesterday.”
“And she's going to the dedication with you tonight?”
“Yes,” I answered.
Ethan chuckled softly. “Well then, what are you worried about? If she's going with you, that's a sign that she's in. The fact that she lasted this long and hasn’t strangled you is another. How many more signs do you need before you can work up the courage to tell her how you feel?”
“I don't know,” I said. “How long did you need before you and Alex got your shit together?”
“Fair enough,” he said. “But no amount of tossing my own shit at me will help you with yours.”
“Fair enough,” I conceded.
“I get that feeling of being completely tossed out to sea and not understanding which direction you need to go. But if it was me, I'd ask. There's literally nothing else you can do.”
“I know you're right,” I said. “I plan to after the dedication tonight. Just the thought of her asking for a check and never wanting to see me again makes me feel like shit.”
“Aspen doesn't seem like that kind of person,” he said. “But if she is, I'll get on a plane. You've always been there for me. I won't hesitate to be there for you.”
“Thanks,” I said. “And you're really not pissed about the bet?”
“Nah, man. Like I said, I was never going to take that car from you. But I'm glad you've learned where your line is. What you aren't willing to lose. Does Aspen now fall into that category?”
“I think she does,” I said.
“Make sure you know,” he said. “No thinking about it. Before you put yourself out there like that, you better know she’s what you want. I think all of us are fond of that girl, and if you break her heart, we may just have to kick you out of our little club.”
I laughed, and he joined in, the light jab exactly what I needed to shake myself out of my thoughts.
“Thanks,” I said. “Aspen just pulled in, so I've got to go.”
“Let me know how it goes,” Ethan said before we both hung up seconds before my security cameras showed Aspen and Breckon heading up to my apartment.
The pep talk from my friend gave me the confidence I needed, so I shoved the thoughts of where Aspen and I stood to the back of my mind, and concentrated on what really needed my attention right now. And that was the dedication.
After that?
Well, after that, I’d know.
“Bristol, I said, tugging my sister into a side hug as we made our way inside the hospital. The media was a frenzy, cameras flashing as I reached behind me and grabbed Aspen's hand, Brecken trailing behind her. “You look beautiful.”
“You look pretty good yourself, brother,” Bristol said, her massive husband acting almost like a bodyguard as we made our way inside, him at the helm. It was a lucky thing that he didn't have a hockey game tonight. I knew Bristol wanted him there, and luckily the schedule worked in our favor.
Certain media outlets that had gotten special permission from us followed us inside, documenting everything from the head of the hospital greeting us and guiding us to the newly constructed level one trauma center, to the nurses and doctors who would be taking the first shift there giving their thanks for the new space.
Having Aspen's hand in mind meant everything to me. Especially on a night where my parents’ death felt so close.
How would their lives have gone if there’d been this kind of resource when they'd gotten into their accident? Who would Bristol and I be now if they had survived?