A Simple Wish About love - Karice Bolton Page 0,49
your back. You’ll hear what’s going on and you’ll be partially involved, but you won’t have a single say about any of the inner workings.” His dad cleared his throat. “At least, that’s the way I read the offers.”
Slade nodded. “That’s how I read them too.”
“I just say if you want to move on, move on. Sell it, wish them luck, and never look back.” His mom came over and sat next to him on the couch. “I think that’s a good life lesson in general. One I’m still trying to work on.”
Slade smiled and nodded slowly. “Me too.”
“So, if we’re just going to look at the offers that let you leave free and clear, who’s offering the most?” His dad’s eyes twinkled. “Because honestly, isn’t that all that matters at this point?”
Slade laughed and nodded. “This company is offering the most upfront with a lump sum payment in nine months once the last of the clients we took on under me shake out. And then this one is about a million less, but it’s all upfront, and I don’t have to wait for current clients to pay.”
“So the first offer is trying to give you credit for the work you’ve done and is in the process now, but there’s always a risk you won’t get that last payment,” his mom analyzed.
“Right.” Slade nodded.
“Which would then lower the actual sum of money by a couple of million.” Her brows furrowed.
“I’d lean toward the offer that is all money right away.” She smiled, and Slade’s dad nodded in agreement.
“I’ve been around long enough to see many companies go underwater when people least expected it.” Slade’s dad nodded. “I honestly say take the money and run.”
Slade laughed and glanced at the offer.
Truthfully, if he managed his money right, he’d never have to work another day in his life.
But that wasn’t how he saw himself.
“So, what do you plan to do after you get the big bucks?” His dad laughed.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I think I might like to be a guide.”
His parents looked shocked. “Here in Idaho? You know these woods better than most.”
Slade glanced toward the wall of family photos and smiled, realizing this was the first time he’d been able to look at them without having a crushing weight of sorrow accompany the innocent gesture.
“There’s a lot of history here for me.” Slade drew a breath. “And I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
His mom smiled and nodded.
“So, I’m thinking about a small resort town in Washington.”
His parents traded a knowing look. “Does this have anything to do with your friend Erika?”
Slade laughed and nodded. “I think I can finally feel confident in saying that she’s more than a friend.”
“You don’t say,” his dad teased, and Slade rolled his eyes.
“It was a process.” Slade grinned.
“Life is a process.” His dad stood and glanced out the window. “Looks like the first guest is arriving.”
“Who?” Slade asked, craning his neck.
“I think it’s your cousin,” his dad answered.
Slade’s mom stood up and clapped her hands. “This was a productive family meeting.”
“I love you both, but I’m going to run upstairs and sign the documents really fast. I want to get them over to my attorney as soon as possible.”
“Do you need a fax machine?” Slade’s dad asked.
“I don’t think so. I can just scan with my phone.”
Slade’s mom rolled her eyes. “Of course you can.”
She laughed as she wandered into the kitchen, and his dad walked over to the front door.
“Just in time. You can help me start the grill.”
Slade managed to slip by the cousin unnoticed. He knew the moment he started to visit, he’d never get upstairs and get this done.
And he really wanted it done. He was ready to get on with the rest of his life.
He was in the same bedroom he’d grown up in, except his mom had redecorated it several times since then. Right now, it was her hobby room. A few years ago, it was a guest room.
Slade signed the agreement, snapped photos, and wrote an email to his attorney while hearing the voices downstairs grow. He glanced outside and saw a mass of cars up and down the street. He had no idea how many people his parents invited, but by the looks of it, it might be the entire town.
He drew a deep breath, reread the email, and hit the Send button.
Slade let out a deep breath he didn’t even know he’d been holding in. He couldn’t wait to share the news