Page 46 of Dreams That Bind Us
Her brows arched as she met his gaze, patiently waiting for him to continue.
"I've decided that you will get one percent of the net proceeds from the sale of the northeast portfolio, which will make you a wealthy woman in your own right. Theoretically, you wouldn’t have to work any longer.”
Gwen's jaw dropped and she blinked into the camera. It was a rare event when he could surprise her, let alone render the woman speechless.
"But,” he continued, “I'd like for you to stay on as my assistant. It would require you to fly down here at least once a month." When she opened her mouth, he rushed on. "It also comes with a significant raise, first class tickets with each flight, a room at a local haunted inn, and additional time off."
There was another stunned pause as Gwen stared off in space.
"Wow,” she muttered. “I mean, I assumed you'd sell some of your businesses. The writing was on the wall. But I never expected all this. It's very generous of you, James."
"I wouldn't be as successful as I am without your help over the years. It's only fair you get a piece of the pie. You’ve more than earned it."
Gwen straightened, a proud smile on her face, and her eyes twinkling behind the thick lenses. "Well, boss, you've given me something to think about. Let me sleep on it and get back with you."
James chuckled. "You do that. Keep me posted on the broker. My schedule is a little tighter down here with the hotel about to open and the Sunset Key deal progressing, but I'll try to keep my calendar updated."
Gwen grinned. "It's the hotel that's filling up your schedule, huh? Oh yeah. Sure it is." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "If that's the case, I can't wait to meet 'the hotel.'"
James barked out a deep belly laugh. "I look forward to introducing you to her."
"I knew it," she snapped with a knowing smirk. "Send me a picture the next time you see her."
"Will do. I'll talk to you later." James disconnected the video call and stared out the window. There was no going back once he engaged the broker, but there were no pangs of seller’s remorse.
He was ready to move on, with Anna, and a life focused in a new direction.
Chapter 12
Key West, One week later
Paradise West was a beehive of activity as Anna parked her truck along the curb. She blew out a slow breath as she watched several people hustle through the inn's main gate.
Aunt Louise had arrived two hours ago and immediately requested the pleasure of Anna's presence. However, work demanded her attention, delaying the reunion several hours. The type of stain she’d been applying to a hope chest was temperamental at best and required her complete concentration for the proper application. Her aunt's summons had to wait.
The sound of energetic jazz from the inn’s courtyard surrounded Anna as she hopped out of the truck. It was four o'clock, which was happy hour at Paradise West and that meant music, drinks, h'ordeurves, and coffee, among other things.
As the manager of Paradise West, Annette had excelled at creating a relaxing ambiance for the inn's guests. Even locals began to attend if they were in the neighborhood and it just so happened that many, many locals found themselves conveniently in the neighborhood for this happy hour. The factthat one of the drinks on offer was The Royal Conch Society’s famous Sangria probably didn’t hurt.
Anna strolled past the front porch toward the back, following the sound of voices and smiled when she found a small group crowded around the small bar in the courtyard’s far corner. Not surprising. Several people lounged near the pool with fancy, fruited cocktails in hand.
"Ah, my dear, look at these cards!"
Anna's head swiveled to her left at her aunt's clear voice, speaking with intuitive authority.
As expected, Aunt Louise was perched on the edge of a stone bench, a small table set in front of her as she laid out three tarot cards for her current patron who watched on with rapt attention. Anna looked on attentively as her aunt continued the reading.
"Oh my. This is very good. Let's start with this one." Aunt Louise tapped one finger on the first card. "The Ace of Cups signifies new love coming your way. But this one." She moved to the next card. "The Lovers, normally means a deep, emotional connection with your lover. But placed next to the Ace of Cups it means you'll have a big decision to make in the near future."
"Anna! It's good to see you." Annette stepped next to her and gave her a side hug. She motioned with her chin. "Your aunt set up that table the moment she arrived and has been going nonstop. This might be her fiftieth reading, and she doesn't even look tired."
Anna chuckled. "Aunt Louise can go all day. She loves this. Readings energize her, rather than wear her out. When she gets tired or upset, she usually scouts out someone for a reading. It’s a dopamine hit."
"Well, that's good to hear. The Royal Conch ladies haven't arrived yet and they'll want her to do her tarot thing during the party."
Anna glanced at Annette. "Party?"
"Oh, I forgot to text you. Sorry. Pregnancy brain. I swear I can't remember a thing these days." Annette sighed, rubbing her forehead. "They've planned a welcome party for your aunt this evening and invited half of the island. Miriam even hired caterers so I wouldn't have to worry about preparing food, which was very thoughtful."
