Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Sure. No problem,” Carter replied. “Drop the mister. That’s a term your father requires, not me.”
“Yes, sir,” Dash said.
“Lose the sir,” Carter said with a chuckle. “I’m not near old enough to be called a sir. I need to end this call. Dr. Harris believes in you, and I trust him. I also don’t like your father. He’ll not appreciate my interfering in his appalling decision, so it works out for both of us.” I could’ve sworn I heard a touch of glee in Carter’s voice with that last statement.
Dash gave a single nod and tilted his chin in my direction. “I need to discuss this with my partner. He has a job here in Dallas that he loves.”
Carter chuckled this time. “I fully understand the importance of having your partner on board. If it helps, I’m certain I can work out a position for him in his chosen field. Dr. Harris has my contact information. Take your time but call me in the morning with your decision. We can get you to Chicago to begin the process.”
“Yes, sir,” Dash said, his gaze locked on mine.
“Aaa…” Carter’s admonishment made me laugh. Dash was trained so well that he only murmured a quiet contrite apology.
“I’m sorry. I’ll touch base first thing in the morning. We appreciate this offer. My situation was turning more dire than I anticipated. Thank you for the lifeline.”
“Truly, it’s a win/win for both of us,” Carter said, and the call ended abruptly.
My beautiful guy broke his composed demeanor, placing his hands over his face. I watched his chest give a slight shudder and reached for a napkin, tucking it inside the bottom of his palms.
“This has been a difficult time for him,” I offered to Dr. Harris, pushing over in the seat to wrap my arm around Dash.
“I assumed so. I’ve been in the circle of Richmond children attending SMU for most of my tenure. I had figured I’d have to pass him due to the financial help his father gives the college.” Dr. Harris tsked his disapproval of that action. With a nod toward the man wrapped securely in my arm, he added, “His siblings have nothing on Dash.”
Dash dropped his hands, but kept his face downturned, dabbing the napkin at his eyes.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to continue law school.” He released a shaky breath and stood. “Excuse me.” He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he headed toward the small bathroom off the foyer. His eyes were red, his composure struggling.
“I’m going to leave,” Dr. Harris said, rising and starting toward the front door. “Tell Dash I’ll email him Carter’s details tonight. Once his father makes his official move, we’ll work together to secure this property. Unfortunately, he’ll have to make these decisions quickly. Classes begin in Chicago a week before Dedman.”
At the front door, I extended my right hand to shake his. Dr. Harris obliged. He seemed like a very down to earth guy. In a lowered voice, he said, “I’m uncertain if he’ll go without you, and he’ll need a good support system in Chicago. It’s a different world there. Make your decisions quickly. If given the opportunity, Dash has a tremendous future, but he needs to be decisive either way.”
I appreciated how direct Dr. Harris gave his advice and nodded my understanding. Of course, I’d go if Dash needed to move. I’d never abandon him. Those decisions were made. Perhaps I could transfer with FedEx. If not, I’d find some place to work. I was employable even if only for a pack mule position.
“I understand, and I’m committed. Thank you for comin’.”
“Good night,” Dr. Harris, he left without looking back when I opened the door. When he made it to his car parked on the street, I shut the door and twisted the lock. Dash emerged from the bathroom within seconds. He had been crying, pretty significantly, based on the flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. My heart twisted. Dash had been so loyal to the ones he loved and was barely given that back in return. I lifted my thumb over my shoulder to the front door.
“He said he’ll send the information to you tonight through email.”
My guy came to me, arms spread. The simple embrace we gave one another all the time had more meaning now. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen Dash tearful before.
“Everything that happened tonight is good, right?” I asked, squeezing him tightly.
“I’m nervous. It seems too good to be true on such a shitty week,” he said, releasing me with one arm, the other guiding us toward the living room. “When I lost you, I was determined to see you again. With my parents, they’ve made choices that I can’t forgive, and they continue to ensure I never will. I didn’t share with you all the rejections and non-answers I was getting from my transfer requests.”