Page 83 of Raised On It

“I know, right?”

“If they have you to run things, why do they want to sell?”

“They think it’s too much. They think I’ve been working too hard.”

“I’d have to agree with them there, Miles.”

“I know, but if we go public, we’ll have a board, investors, shareholders. It won’t be all on me. We can expand and have distribution centers all over the world and not just the US. EBC could be a global company. I could never have dreamed it was even a possibility. Even as it is now, things are way too successful for us to stay on top of. Even with the team in the Portland office, it’s just too much. And we’re growing so fast.”

“Won’t you lose a lot of control by going public?”

“Yes and no. I mean, I’ll still be the president of the company, but decisions will have to go through the board.”

“But EBC is your baby. You and your dad built it from the ground up. It’s what you’ve dreamed of since high school.”

“So, you don’t think we should do it?”

“I didn’t say that. I would just imagine it would be hard to give up control of your one true love.”

“Mason, look at me.”

I turn in his lap to look at him.

“I do love EBC. It’s my family's business, and I love my family. But I only have one true love.”

Gently pulling my face to his, he kisses me. Signifying,Iam his one true love.

Sighing into his mouth, I say, “I love you too, Miles.”

“I have some meetings with some possible investors coming up in New York in a couple of weeks, and I’d love it if you came with me. You could show me your town.”

“I guess I do owe you a tour.”

“Yes, you do.”

“You sure I won’t get in the way?”

“Nah, it’s not like the meetings are gonna take all day and night, and there are only two. I’m just doing the right thing by meeting them in person, so they know we’re not only serious but also appreciative of their interest in investing. The rest of my time would be all yours to do with as you please.”

“Well, in that case, how can I say no?”

“Simple. You don’t.”

“Well, it sounds like we’re going home for a few days. I’ll let Katie know, and we can stay at my place.”

“Brutal, you’re gonna kick her out?”

“Seems we aren’t the only two who have found love during our little house swap. Our sweet little Katie met someone, andapparently, they’re official. She spends half her time at his place anyway.”

“Good for Katie. If she’s even half as happy as I’ve been since you walked into our little town, then she won’t care where she’s sleeping as long as it’s with him.”

“Um, so…I have a bit of news.”

He pulls as apart so he can see my face.

“What’s that?”

“I typedthe endon book one yesterday.”

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