Page 73 of Lovingly Restored

“It wasyesterday,“ I grit out.

He scratches his head. “Seems like longer.”

“Can you get to the point?”

He shrugs. “Or what? You’ll sucker punch some more of my employees?”

I didn’t even recognize half of those guys. Berg, Chris, and Dean all reported weird levels of turnover not long after I was fired. Things at Forward Construction seem rough. Sighing, I rub my eyes, suddenly tired from the drive, the drama, the half-truths. I cross the room and sink down on the leather couch, letting the cushions do the job of holding me up.

“I don’twantto do this with you anymore, Dad.”

I haven’t called him that in years. What can I say? I’m trying to appeal to the softer side of Matt Lauri. If that side even exists. He won’t meet my eye, so I think it might be a lost cause.

“This type of property lends itself best to demolition. It’s over an acre, Isaac. You do the math.”

My mouth hangs open for several seconds before I find my voice. “This is Mummo’shome. You grew up here. We both did.”

This is a transaction for him. A cash grab.

“Your grandmother’s health has deteriorated. I’m actively searching for a spot in an assisted living facility for her.”

My heartrate ticks up.No.

“She’s not going to want that! We can,Ican care for her.”

“You don’t know that. It might be a good environment for someone her age.” He holds his hands out to me like I should level with him here.

Maybe. Or it could be cold and understaffed and lonely.

Before I can open my mouth to speak, Ashlyn comes through the swinging kitchen door.

She puts her fists on her hips and turns to my father. “This was a ridiculous display of…of I don’t know what. Posturing? Power? You greatly upset your mother today.” Her nostrils are flaring, her voice tight.

I move toward her to comfort her, but she takes a step away. The motion hurts.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just speak to me like that,” he says to her. “I have a meeting. Isaac, I’ll keep you posted.”

“Fucking hell,” I mutter as he walks out the front door, and I hear his BMW zoom away.

I pace the length of the room, tugging at the roots of my hair. Ashlyn stands by the fireplace with her arms crossed.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” she says.

I shrink under her line of questioning, staring at my feet like I’m ten again.

“Me?”

“Yes, you. I can’t…be with someone who’s punching people out when they get mad.”

For the first time in a day, my shoulders loosen. I’m sure I’m focusing on the wrong part of her sentence, but I can’t let it go.

“With me? You’re…with me?” My voice sounds high.

She looks everywhere but my eyes. “Iwantto be Isaac. All weekend I thought about it. Tried to find a way to talk to you about wanting more. But you told me yourself that you’re only going to be getting busier. I didn’t want to bethatgirl who immediately wanted more than you had to offer. Hearing no…that would hurt.”

I’m trying not to let a smile spread across my face because she looks so fucking pretty. But warmth is spreading through my chest at her admission.

“I didn’t know how to tell you. I want to be with you too.”

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