Page 28 of If The Shoe Fits

"Oh, she likes me physically." He grimaced. "It's everything else she isn't fond of. The money. The company. The second and third homes, when the rest of the world has to think about feeding themselves."

Richelle nodded. "I know. Brooke's a bit like that, too. Even now, although her photography is worth thousands and thousands. We can't help that we were born with money, though."

"But we can choose what we do with it." He was man enough to admit that he hadn't chosen as wisely as he could have. His preliminary findings with HR had shown as much.

"True. So, what, she'd have you sell the house and give the proceeds to charity?"

He shrugged. "I don't think so. She was talking about long-term things—treating employees better, improving the lives of those around me as much as I can."

Things he should have thought about himself.

"Well, that doesn't sound that bad, so long as you make sure that your decisions are sustainable. If the company goes under because you're overly generous, it won't help anyone."

"But if the employees’ lives are improved, won't they be likely to work better for me?"

"I suppose you'll find out."

Yes, he would.

"And you'll get the girl."

That remained to be seen.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Moving two of the bags to his right hand, he took it with the left one and stared.

One new personal email had just come in.

From her.

"Given that goofy grin, I take it all is not yet lost"

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever, squirt.”

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