Page 62 of Calculated Chaos

“Does anyone know how until they learn?” Sara asks.

“Exactly,” I say, nodding at Sara in agreement. “And you have money now.”

“And help,” Sara says brightly. “I can do something.”

“And you know I’ll be there.”

Hollister looks slightly panicked. “You’re both encouraging me to do something as risky as opening a café?”

“Yep,” Sara and I answer at the same time.

“Why not?” I continue. “If it fails, well, at least you tried. Someday, this life ride will be over. The worst thing I can think of is reaching the end and having regrets.”

Hollister nods, his gaze shifting to his drink. After a moment, he lifts his head and smiles. “You make good points, guys. The new me can’t just go get another accounting job, right?”

I squeeze his forearm. “If that was what your heart wanted you could, but it doesn’t.”

“Right. I want change and excitement. I want to wake up in the morning and look forward to my day. I want to call the shots and decide what my future looks like.” A fresh smile graces his face as he gazes into my eyes. “Whether I fail or succeed, at least it’ll be based on my own effort and not someone else’s mood.”

“Yep.”

“And I have a feeling you won’t fail,” Sara says softly. “You’re wicked smart, Hollister, and you’re determined. I know a lot of people in our department stayed at Burke and Associates because of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if more people leave now.”

“I feel a little bad about leaving the team without saying goodbye,” he says. “But I couldn’t stay a minute longer. We all know giving notice wouldn’t work with my dad either.”

“They’ll understand. I’m sure of it.” Sara looks down at her purse and pulls out her buzzing cell phone. “Oh look at this. The word is out. It’s Leonard.”

“What does it say?” Hollister asks.

“‘Dude, is it true Hollister walked out? Where are you?’” She giggles. “I’m gonna ask what he heard.” She types out a reply, watching her screen.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he told them I died,” Hollister mutters. “I’m probably out of his will. If I was ever in it.”

“You don’t need his money anyway.” I kiss his temple.

“No.”

“Okay,” Sara says, reading her phone screen. “Your dad stomped off, slamming doors in his path, and was gone for about twenty minutes. He came back down and yelled at everyone to get in the conference room.” Her nose scrunches and she makes a scared face.

“What does it say?” Hollister asks.

“He told the team he fired you.” Sara frowns. “He said your lack of dedication pushed him to it and he was making Tanner the interim manager.”

“Shocker,” Hollister mumbles. “I don’t want people thinking he fired me though.”

“Oh wait. Leonard’s typing.” Sara’s smile grows as she focuses on her phone. “Oh okay. So Robin was making copies and heard the whole thing. After your dad left, she spilled the tea to the team. She told them you stood up to him and finally had enough.” She grins at her screen like she’s watching a movie. “And that I pulled a Jerry McGuire and went with you.”

Hollister chuckles. “Tell Leonard to thank Robin for me.”

“On it.” She taps on her screen then cackles. “He wants to know if you and I are an item.”

Hollister turns to me, his eyes warm and filled with love. “Tell them the truth. I’m with Axel.”

Sara beams. “You got it, boss.”

“Just Hollister now, Sara.”

“We’ll see about that.”

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