Austin
I met up with Preston in his hotel room to go over the deal. We’d both slept in today. He showed up at my parents with some beer the night before. Preston was up before I was and in contact with the folks in Singapore.
I sat at his desk, sipping a bottle of water, and looked at his laptop. “So how does it look now?”
“They seem to be coming to their senses. I don’t think you’ll have to go running off anywhere all of a sudden. I wouldn’t want you to miss Christmas with your family.”
“I don’t think Mom wants that either,” I said as I looked at him. “She didn’t even bat an eyelash when you showed up with that six pack, and she doesn’t even like alcohol in the house. You’ve won her over.”
Preston held up his hands. “I had no idea, Austin. I never would’ve shown up with it if you warned me.”
I shrugged. “She got over it quickly once you dropped that accent on her. Did you have to charm my mom? I half expected her to offer to run away with you.”
“She is way too in love with your father. That much was clear. I also noticed how much she’s missed you. She was happy because you were last night.” Preston said.
I nodded and reached for my water. I wanted some coffee since I still felt tired.
“You seem much more chipper here, lighter,” Preston said. “I think being home in North Reed suits you.”
“It’s definitely a slower pace here. I can sit outside and just breathe in the fresh air, you know? There isn’t that sound of traffic and people all goddamn day and night. There’s less complication here and no Mia.”
I explained that she called me, asking to get back together, but I told her no.
“That is a very good thing,” Preston said. “Mia is definitely trouble. And the girls here seem sweet and genuine. Not like the women in the city. You never really know what those women are after. Maybe that’s why you’re so happy here, seeing that you’re spending time with Rebecca.”
I stared at him. “How do you know anything about Rebecca?” I wanted to ask how he knew anything about any of the local women, but Preston merely smiled at me.
“I have been to Jake’s a few times and people talk. I heard all about how you and she used to be together back in school. Once you two went shopping together at the market, that sealed the deal.” My mouth dropped open, and he chuckled. “I saw the two of you driving by as I was leaving this week, as well. I did the math.”
“You went to Jake’s Bar and Grill? That place is straight up country. How the hell did you even survive in there?”
Preston laughed. “The accent works on the waitresses. I just settled in and got to talking. I like the vibe there, Austin. You don’t need to know anyone to get in, there’s no cover, and the drinks are cheap. It’s easy.” Preston smiled. “The lads had a lot of questions about you. They wanted to know all about New York and the women. I guess you were on the news with the deal, and they asked me a ton of questions about that.” I frowned at him. “I didn’t offer too much. I know you like your privacy when you can get it.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely, appreciating that he didn’t tell them everything.
“It was my turn to ask questions when Rebecca came up in the conversation,” Preston added. “She sounds like a sweet girl.”
“She is. She and her sister are coming to Christmas dinner with us.”
He sat down and stretched. “Very nice. I can’t wait to meet them. Is this the sister who works at the local library? I’m proud of you for using your money for good, Austin. That was selfless of you. Small town living suits you.”
“I’m not staying,” I assured Preston.
He raised an eyebrow at me. “Does she know that?” His voice was serious as he looked at me.
“I’m not making her any promises, Preston. I wouldn’t do that to her.” He nodded. “She’s a good woman, and I’m not going to lie to her.”
“Just stay on the same page. You have a history with her, and I sense that it’s a rather intense one. Don’t let the feelings get out of control with Rebecca.” Preston reached for his own water.
“I know. I’ve thought of all of that. She’s just not like Mia or any of the others.”
I didn’t know where I stood with Rebecca. I didn’t know if I wanted to leave her in a few weeks without any chance of seeing her again. I didn’t know what the fuck I wanted to do.
“You seem happy here. Your family seems happy with you being here. If you wanted to, you could still do business remotely from here and travel as needed.”
I shook my head. “Not with this new deal. That’s going to make me have to leave North Reed, as well as America in general.”
“So, maybe you offer Rebecca a new life altogether? Would she go for that?” Preston asked me.