Page 78 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
“Well, you’re doing a job you hate just to make Mom and David happy. You go out with guys you don’t even really like just to makethemhappy. It’s okay to want things for yourself, you know. When I decided I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, I knew Mom and Dad would be disappointed I was quitting work at Mixitall, but I had to do what was right formeand my family. I’m not sure you’re doing that. Hold on—James is halfway up the bookcase, the little shi—pbuilder.”
There was background noise of footsteps and then a very angry toddler who was less than grateful for having his life saved.
Maddie picked up the phone again. “Sorry about that. He’s in time out. So, as I was saying,yourneeds are just as important as everyone else’s. But it’s like you’re the self-appointed guardian of the world, and the thing I realized is… you can’t save the world unless you take care of yourself first. You know that oxygen mask announcement the airlines make at the start of every flight? If you’re not okay, how are you supposed to save anyone else?”
“Iamokay,” I promised her.
“Okay, if you say so. All right… now tell me about this Gray guy…”
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
WHAT MAKES YOU TICK
Scarlett
That evening, I got into Gray’s car with several dozen cookies boxed up in my lap.
He hadn’t told me where we were going, but he assured me they’d be appreciated. On the ride to our mysterious destination, he brought up the cookie business idea again.
“You know… if taking Sweet Scarlett’s nationwide is something you’d really like to do, I could help with the startup costs. I’ve got some money saved, and I could be sort of a silent partner. Or, if you’d rather, it could be a loan—”
“No.”
It was really sweet of him, but how could he make an offer like that? He hadn’t really known me that long. It was far too much of a risk, and what would be in it for him?
“Thank you, but I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t ask,” he said. “I offered.”
“I know, but you shouldn’t have.”
His right brow lifted. “You’re telling me what I can and can’t do with my money?”
“No, of course not, but I don’t think you realize how much it would take to get a company like that off the ground. I researched it once. It’s a lot, and no offense, but how much could you possibly make as a security systems installer?”
He barked a sharp laugh. “You make it sound like I work with the Geek Squad at Best Buy. There’s a little more to it than installation. And you’d probably die of shock if I told you some of the names that have hired me to set up security in their homes—not that Iwouldtell you. Our non-disclosure agreements are ironclad. Let’s just say these clients can afford to pay for top quality work and expertise.”
“I’m not doubting your skills and expertise, and I’m sure Wilder pays you well. I’m just saying I don’t want you to riskanyof your money on me when it might not pan out.”
He glanced away from the road to pin me with an intense look. “Maybe I think you’re worth the risk.”
My pulse quickened as it always did whenever I was the subject of Gray’s acute focus.
“I just hate to see you let your dream die,” he said. “It bothers me to think of you stagnating in a place you don’t feel fulfilled when you could be following your passion.”
“I could say the same to you,” I countered. “I know you like working with Wilder and the other guys from your team, but it’s not your passion. You’re not followingyourpassion either.”
He frowned.
“That’s different.”
“How?” When he didn’t answer, I said, “I’ll make you a deal, when you put your money where your mouth is and start living your dream, I’ll think about leaving my job and making Sweet Scarlett’s into a fulltime business.”
The rest of the drive wasveryquiet.
I was shocked when we reached our destination. It wasn’t an art exhibit or a fun show or some charming restaurant with a great water view.
Gray pulled up and parked outside the Ocean State Training School.
