Page 49 of I Don't Want You Back

“You always do, but I don’t know about this laundromat thing,” Landon said.

“Have I ever steered you wrong?” Clarence asked.

“Never,” Landon acknowledged.

“Exactly and I’m not about to start. I don’t go into anything blindly. I’ve been looking at this for months,” Clarence noted.

“What am I looking at in terms of cost?” Landon asked.

“Flip to the last page,” Clarence requested, watching as Landon did as he was told.

“Damn. That’s not bad,” he replied.

“Not at all and all three of them are in high traffic areas. You might make even more than I said,” Clarence said.

“How long before I have to make a decision?” Landon wanted to know.

“Today,” Clarence replied sternly.

“Damn. I can’t even think about it for a while?” Landon wondered.

“I’ve already done all the thinking for you. Stop always procrastinating. You did the same thing with your office buildings and almost missed out on a golden opportunity.”

“Yeah, I know,” Landon agreed.

“I try to make this as easy as possible. You don’t have to do research or nothing else. What do I always tell you?” Clarence asked.

“You can give me fish, but you’d rather teach me how to fish,” Landon replied, repeating Clarence’s favorite quote.

“Exactly. I have no problem giving you money, but I’d rather teach you how to make your own. Now, I have everything in place and all you have to do is write the check. What’s it gonna be?” Clarence questioned.

“Do you even have to ask? You know I’m in,” Landon replied, making him smile.

“That’s my boy,” Clarence said proudly.

Clarence had never led him astray and he trusted him with his life. Landon had more money in the bank than he’d ever seen in his life and even more was rolling in. It was all thanks to Clarence, and he loved and appreciated him for that. Clarence had done more for him and Makena than their mother ever had, and they were grateful.

“Now, let me meet this mystery woman and see if she can pass my test,” Landon joked.

Clarence got up and walked away. He returned a few minutes later with a pretty, younger woman who looked like she could be his daughter, instead of his girlfriend.

“Son, this is Akira. This is Landon, Akira. The one that I’m always talking about,” Clarence said, making the introductions.

“Hey Landon. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Akira smiled.

“Yeah, same here,” Landon said as he stood up and shook her hand.

“I feel like I already know you and your sister. He talks about y’all all the time,” she acknowledged.

“All good I hope,” Landon said while looking at Clarence sideways.

“Yes, all the time.” She smiled.

“Okay, I just wanted to make sure I didn’t have to lay hands on him,” Landon joked.

“Don’t let the gray hair fool you,” Clarence warned.

“I know it’s still early, but I just finished cooking dinner. You’re welcome to have some,” Akira offered.

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