Page 17 of A Perfect Pairing
“No, they aren’t, but I don’t want you to do like I did for so many years—putting in hours way above and beyond what’s called for and neglecting the things that are important. Learn balance early, son. I know in the cutthroat world of finance and being at that big investment firm meant long, hard hours, but your health will be better for it.”
More hours than he could count, if he were truly honest with himself. Sure, it put him on the fast track to becoming a senior investment manager, but he’d always been exhausted, and it limited the time he spent doing things he loved, like using his skills for Habitat for Humanity and mentoring high schoolers interested in business and finance. That had been part of his reasoning for the move. “I won’t. Believe me, I’ve had enough of sixty- and seventy-hour work weeks.” Not including the many business functions he’d attended.
“Glad to hear it.”
His godfather dispensed more words of wisdom from his many years in the construction business, and Antonio considered himself blessed to be able to have someone sharing his mistakes, so he wouldn’t have to make the same ones. Even though he’d spent the last several years in finance, he’d kept up with his construction licensing, so it was one less thing he had to worry about. He’d also attended a few conferences, made some connections, and met two guys he now considered good friends.
Lana returned with their food. “Do you need anything else?” She divided her gaze between the two men. When they both said no, she smiled and departed.
Two bites in, Antonio knew he’d need to do an extra workout. Along with the thick Belgian waffle that covered the entire plate, he had two pieces of golden fried chicken and scrambled eggs.
“Mmm, they serve the best fried chicken,” his godfather said around a mouthful.
“I’m telling Aunt Marcie.”
He lifted a brow. “And if you do, you’ll never be invited for another dinner again.”
Antonio laughed so hard he almost choked. “That’s just wrong.”
“So is you trying to get me put out of the bedroom and onto the sofa.”
Still chuckling, Antonio said, “Wouldn’t want you to have to spend your first days of retirement on the sofa, and I love her cooking, so we’ll just keep this between us.”
“Smart boy.”
Over the meal, they laughed and talked about everything from the business to sports and politics. When they finished, Antonio asked for the bill.
“Ms. Bernice said it’s on the house,” Lana said.
“Tell her I appreciate that.” He shouldn’t have been surprised because the woman had a big heart. She’d even sent him care packages while he was in college. “I’d like to order the peach cobbler to go.”
“Sure thing. Be right back.”
“I’m gonna start hanging out with you more,” Uncle Charles said with a grin. “Free food, lots of attention…”
He just shook his head. It didn’t take long to get the dessert. On the way out, Antonio thanked Ms. Bernice again. “That hit the spot.”
“Sure did. Think I’ll go home and take a little nap. It feels good to leave someone else in charge.” Uncle Charles started whistling as they walked back to the office.
He opened his mouth to ask a question but paused when he saw Natasha leaving from the craft store three buildings down and heading in their direction.
“Hey, Mr. D and Antonio,” Natasha said when she reached them.
They returned the greeting, and Antonio’s gaze drifted down her body. She wore another pair of slacks and a pullover sweater that hugged her curves, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Lunch at Ms. Ida’s?”
“Yep,” his godfather answered. “You done for the day?”
“I wish. I needed more boxes and ribbons before getting back to work.”
“What are you planning to do with them?” Antonio asked.
Natasha smiled. “They’re for the treats I give my clients when they close on a home.”
“That’s pretty cool. I’m sure they appreciate it.” Although he’d told himself he and Natasha only needed to maintain a business relationship or maybe something along the lines of being friendly, parts of him wanted to know more about what she’d been doing over the years. And he was still staring at her. Out of his periphery, he could see his godfather’s wide grin and shook himself.
She glanced down at her watch. “I have to get going. See you guys later. Antonio, are we still meeting at the house tomorrow?”
