Page 95 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Me:It’s just a car.

Harvey:You know it’s not. But I’ll get Chad in both cars to see which he prefers.

Me:You can’t put car seats in them.

Harvey:Well, looks like I’ll be researching what car seats are best in a Lambo (Winking face emoji)

Me:You’re crazy. I’m going.

Harvey:Speak to you soon, buttercup.

I’ve worked from home for a few days while Chad fully recovered. He could’ve gone back earlier, but I think he wanted some time with me, and I couldn’t say no enjoying a few quiet days. Now that he’s back at school, I’ve had plenty of time to watch the office renovations. As I approach the door, the sight of the big changes makes my heart swell. When I open it, my jaw hits the floor. The whole office has had a refresh, new paint, chic accessories, vibrant artwork, stylish ornaments, and scented candles filling the air with warm vanilla scent.

I wander through, taking it all in, starting with Molly’s desk, which now feels open and inviting. Before, it was taller and more enclosed, creating a barrier that cut off the view of everything behind it. I move to the new offices, which are vacant, but hopefully soon will be filled with new employees. Then I check out the kids’ zone, which is bright and eye catching. I can picture Chad happily building blocks or watching TV.

Next, I move to the break room, which has a new table and chairs ready to accommodate our growing business. Too excited to wait any longer, I head to my office and see the two new floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, new filing cabinets, a desk, and a chair. There’s even a gigantic floor-to-ceiling mirror and a plant that brightens the room. My once dull and minimal office has transformed into a warm and inviting space.

Harvey is spending the morning at his company, and he’ll come in later today. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I can’t deny that it was nice having him spoil us. Even the text messages he sent were a highlight, a small reminder of how much he cares.But I haven’t seen him in a few days, and I miss hearing his voice.

When I begin work, I notice Post-it notes around the office, with Harvey’s handwriting telling me not to freak out because he filed things differently but thinks it will be better. Honestly, I trust him. He’s better at business than I am. But even his notes couldn’t prepare me for the amount of work he’s already done. There’s barely anything left for me to do.

How did he do it all so fast? It was taking me forever to go through each invoice.

He’s a pro, and I can’t be down on myself since I’m still learning. Yet, I can’t help the niggle in my head that tells me I’m not cut out for this. But I’m determined not to let it get me down.

As I begin working, Molly pokes her head in. “Your three o’clock appointment has arrived. He’s kinda hot. If you find out he’s single, maybe slip him my number.”

I giggle. “Molly, no. I can’t do that. He’ll think I’m hitting on him.”

“You can tell him you’re already dating someone else.”

“I’m not dating anyone,” I whisper under my breath.

“Yes, you are. Harvey.”

“We’re not dating,” I say, crossing my arms.

“You like him.”

“We’re not dating,” I say more firmly, even though I don’t sound convincing. I’ve only kissed him twice, and it could be a fluke that we share such great chemistry. We’d need more than two kisses to see if this is worth exploring. The fear of abandonment is something I don’t want to go through again. I feel like I’m not good enough and need to learn how to do life alone.

“You should.”

“You’ll be the first to know if my status changes. Now let Finn in.”

She points at me. “Give him my number.”

“No promises.”

“Please. It’s a tough world out there, being a single mom and all.”

“Molly, please, any guy would be lucky to have you. You’re the one who doesn’t let them hang around long enough.”

“I never asked for a boyfriend, just a good time.”

I smile as she wanders off. We are so different. Hookups were never my thing, even in high school. I don’t waste my time unless the guy is worth it and I can see a future. Now, my situation has only made it harder. I’m more protective of myself and Chad.

I close the app as a shadow appears in the doorway. The guy is tall and fills the doorframe. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I say, “Hi Finn, please take a seat.”

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