Page 11 of Love Me Forever

“True. So you’re coming back next Friday?”

“That’s the plan. Why?”

“I’m thinking about doing a get-together at my place. Or maybe Lena’s,” she said, referring to my mom. My family was big on get-togethers. Sometimes we had a reason for it, but mostly not.

“Count me in.”

“By the way, Gran loves what you’re doing with the place. I gave her a tour today.”

I stilled. “Gran was on the construction site?” It wasn’t safe.

“Yes, overbearing cousin. We both went and survived.”

I cleared my throat. “I was planning to take everyone on a tour once it looks like a hotel.”

“You can still see enough to get a good idea. It’s going to be amazing. We especially liked that you’re converting the attic too.”

“The construction manager doesn’t let anyone go up there.” Trying to keep my exasperation from coloring my tone too much, I walked toward Bonnie’s bungalow with determined strides.

“I’m even better at bribing than you are.”

“That’s true.”

“I’m gonna be blunt.”

“It’s about time.” She was playing coy, and I had no idea why.

“Gran is a bit melancholic about the building changing. She’s forlorn lately. Typically, she’s like this only when the anniversary of Grandad’s death approaches.”

That caught me off guard. I would've never thought about that—not in a million years. I reached the bungalow and paced a few steps away from it.

“And you think if she sees the process, it’ll help?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, then I’ll make sure to take her as often as she wants to go.”

“Good. I might drop by again with her while you’re gone.”

“Give the construction manager a heads-up so he can secure the place or something.”

“Travis, what can he do, babyproof it? We’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“Right.”

“Well, I just wanted to fill you in. Try to have some fun while you’re there.”

“I definitely will.”

After hanging up, I mulled over Reese’s words. I had to find a way to convince her to be my CFO.

I was excited to work with my family, create something special for them. Once, as a kid, I'd overheard a conversation between my parents. They were dreaming about what would happen when we grew up, how we might take over Maxwell Bookstores and divide the tasks among us. That never happened, of course, because they sold the business.

But for some reason, the idea stuck in my impressionable mind. I would've enjoyed working with family. I trusted them. Hell, I liked them. Case in point, three of us had offices together: Tate, Luke, and me. Before I sold my software company, I had rented an entire floor for the team. It wasn't going to be the same this time around because my team would be working at the hotel, but I was still planning to keep my office near my brothers as well.

When I pocketed my phone, I noticed Bonnie in the doorway. She was looking at me curiously. Had she been eavesdropping?

"I didn't hear you come out," I said.

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