Page 134 of Caught in the Axe
My injury and Finn’s paternity leave had slowed things down, but the Gagnons had stepped up to help clear the decks, make sure our remaining customers weresatisfied, and wrap up the financials. Lila had been invaluable, taking care of me while I was laid up while also double-checking every detail and motivating everyone.
The closing had been set in Boston, so Lila, Gus, Jude, and I had driven down together. We’d had a blast joking, listening to true crime podcasts, and consuming our weight in gluten-free snacks.
In many ways, Lila knew my brothers better than I did, so she fit in perfectly. I was still catching up, but despite my history of prickish behavior, Gus, Jude, and Finn had welcomed me back into the fold.
Things were still chilly with Cole. Gus had invited him to come to Boston with us, but after stepping up and helping out over the past few weeks, he’d gone dark again. My mom had mentioned that he was continuing with therapy. With any luck, he’d find some peace soon.
I’d miss them when I returned to Boston for good next week. Hell, I’d probably miss Lovewell too, and that was saying something.
But Lila had opened my eyes and forced me to move past so much of the anger I’d been carrying around over the years. I was already looking forward to visiting. I had a new nephew to see, after all, and I looked forward to checking in with my mom and brothers.
Today would be a day of celebration. Once we made it through all the boring legal shit, we had big plans. Gus, Jude, Lila, and I were headed out to my favorite restaurant to celebrate together. We’d Facetime Finn and baby Theodore when we toasted the sale.
I’d pulled some strings to get tickets to the Revs game tomorrow, where we’d meet up with Enzo, Delia, andAmara. My Boston family was desperate to meet my Maine family.
We took the elevator up to the forty-ninth floor and followed the receptionist to a massive conference room that looked out at the Charles River. No wonder these bastards’ hourly rates were insane. This was prime real estate.
Lila squeezed my hand as we walked in, sending a rush of gratitude through me. Not only had she made this happen with her hard work and brilliance, but she had successfully helped me get my head out of my own ass about the company, the town, and my family. With her by my side, I was truly at peace with the situation. And I was excited to start the next chapter with her. Not as boss and employee, but as partners in all things.
The conference table was large enough to seat thirty, and there were microphones and docking stations running along the middle.
We were directed to our assigned seats near several thick binders filled with the closing documents and piles of neatly tabbed papers.
The firm had supplied a notary, a small woman with gray hair and glasses, who sat at one end, doing a crossword puzzle while she waited for us to assemble.
The buyers were on their way, but apparently their flight from Toronto had been delayed.
While we waited, Gus groaned, fiddling with his tie. He looked like he was ready to jump out a window, rappel down the side of the building, and hike back to Maine, and the meeting hadn’t even started yet.
On the other hand, Jude was taking everything in with bright eyes, excited to be here and loving the city. He’d madeus stop for pizza last night,afterwe’d already eaten dinner, at some hole-in-the-wall place he’d found on Yelp. It was worth the indigestion, because the food was incredible. Despite the dullness of the sale process, he seemed content to eat his way through the city and come along for the ride.
Gus, the poor guy, was only here because he had to be. I felt for him. He was about to get a small windfall that could set him up for his next chapter. But instead of heading west for his fresh start, he’d be stuck in Lovewell for at least another year, working for the new owners.
I’d insisted that I’d negotiate to remove that requirement from the contract. Hell, I would have turned the whole offer down if he wanted. But he never even considered saying no. Gus was wired to take care of his people, and if staying meant we got a much better deal, then he’d stay. Even if it meant he would become just another employee of the company he’d always dreamed of running one day.
It had to sting. But he would never complain. He’d put in his year running operations, then get the hell out.
Sara clapped her hands. “While we’re waiting, let’s get started. The preliminary documents don’t require a buyer’s signature anyway. And Mr. Wilder,” she gestured with an open palm to the other side of the table, where the buyer’s legal team sat, “has the power of attorney if need be.”
After what felt like the longest hour of my life, we broke for coffee and wandered the floor, enjoying the views.
“We almost done?” Gus asked, staring out over the skyline.
I shrugged. “No idea. But I hope so.”
“Can we get hot pot after?” Jude asked, looking up from his phone. “There’s a great place a few blocks from here.”
“We have dinner reservations,” I said.
He shot me a look. “It’s early, dude.”
Lila nudged him so she could see the screen. “Looks awesome. I’m starving.”
“Fine,” I said, scratching at my beard. “Let’s finish up, and then you can get hot pot.”
“I may want dim sum later too,” he added.
I nodded. Whatever. I’d need a stiff drink after this, but if we could get it over with quickly, I’d be more than happy to stuff my face with dumplings too.
