Page 61 of Love in Bloom

“Gram?” Jackson asked, raking his fingers through his hair.

“What Gus is trying to say is that he owns this building, and he—”

Gus cleared his throat.

“Wethink it would be a perfect location and a solution to all your problems,” Mrs. Hart explained.

“Whose problems?” Parker asked.

“Why Croix and Miller, of course, unless you have problems, too?” Gus asked and looked at Parker. Parker stepped back.

“You’re both very good at what you do, but neither one of you are happy where you’re at,” Mrs. Hart pointed out. “We thought it might be time for you to start your own business.”

“Or you could keep it separate businesses and just share the space and expenses,” Rica said, wandering around the room.

“You wouldn’t make partnership,” Jackson reminded Miller.

“No. But they’d be their own bosses,” Mrs. Hart asserted.

“And the rent’s reasonable.” Gus named an amount. Miller raised his eyebrows. He didn’t know much about real estate, but he knew Gus was grossly undercharging them.

“I like it and I think you can pull it off,” London said. “I’ll even donate a logo and website design.” Miller knew London’s skills were in high demand and she commanded top dollar. She wouldn’t offer her services if she thought it would be a waste of her time.

“I’ve never thought about going out on my own,” Croix confessed. He rubbed his chin. “It’s a little overwhelming.”

Miller walked around the room and headed back upstairs. Not much to look at, but he saw potential. Like Croix, he’d never envisioned himself working independently. But just because he’d never considered it, didn’t mean he shouldn’t. He walked back down the dusty stairs wiggling the banister every few steps to check for soundness.

On the main level, everyone was discussing the pros and cons of the offer. Everyone except Croix. Miller walked over to him. “Thoughts?”

“Too many.” Croix chuckled and shook his head. “Everyone thinks we could do this and be successful at it.”

“That’s some comfort, but it doesn’t really help, does it?”

“No,” Croix agreed.

“I’d like to think about it,” Miller admitted. Croix nodded his agreement. “If we go ahead, how do you feel about asking Rica to join us?”

“I think a financial adviser would be a great compliment to an accountant and a lawyer.” Croix looked at Miller.

“You wouldn’t feel threatened?” Miller asked.

“Nah. There’s some overlap, but it isn’t the type of work I enjoy. From what my clients have told me and the year-end financial statements I’ve seen, Rica is great at it. She’d be an asset.”

“Gus, when do you need an answer?” Miller asked, as he and Croix rejoined the group.

The old man scrunched up his head and made a big production of thinking. “No rush. If someone else is interested in the building, I’ll let you know.”

“You’ll both think about this?” Mrs. Hart prodded. Miller knew he wouldn’t be thinking about anything else. Well, this and Wren, of course.

Gus’s offer didn’t make work any easier for Miller. Now minor inconveniences at AAS became major reasons to leave. But early partnership was what he’d dreamed of since entering law school. Could he walk away from that? Partner versus business owner. They meant the same thing, didn’t they? And if they did, then why was the idea of owning his own business that much more frightening?

Wren would have told him to reframe it. Call it challenging, not frightening.God, I miss her, he thought for about the tenth time that day and it wasn’t even noon, yet.

Bob knocked on Miller’s door as he was finishing some notes. “Can you join us in the conference room for a few minutes?”Old man Anderson probably wants to reprimand me for using too many paper clips, Miller thought darkly as he trailed Bob down the hallway.

Miller sat at the far side of the conference table, away from the pack. Everyone smiled, except Diane. William Anderson cleared his throat and stood. “Miller, you’re a good attorney and a hard worker. Clueless on the business end of running a firm, but I’m sure you’ll learn quickly when it’s your pocketbook taking the hit.” William chuckled at his not-so-subtle jab at Miller’s expenses. Miller kept his tongue and his seat. “If you continue to meet the expectations of the firm and can make the commitment, you’d be a fine addition to our family, and we’d make your partnership official at the new year.”

“Thank you. I’m honored,” Miller said, looking around the table. He paused and then surprised even himself when he said, “I’d like some time to think about this.” Diane paled. Harvey sputtered. William sat back as though slapped. The only one who didn’t act surprised was Bob.

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