Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 93

CHAPTER 57-2

do.” I said.

I rested one hand against the worn reception counter Uncle Will had built himself decades earlier.

“You see old buildings. I see memories. You see land. I see Lawson Customs. You see profit but I see purpose.” I said and Charles let out a frustrated breath.

“You’ve become impossible.” He said.

“I’ve become independent.” I said.

“That’s not the same thing.” He said.

“It feels pretty similar from where I’m standing.” I said so he stepped closer.

“I can give you security.” He said and I laughed softly.

“I already have security.” I said.

“You have a workshop.” He said.

“I have a successful business.” I said.

“You have motorcycles.” He snapped.

“I have loyal customers.” I said.

“You have a tiny apartment.” He said.

“I have a home.” I said and his voice rose.

“You are throwing your future away.” He snapped and the words echoed through the office. Ben stopped talking outside and even the workshop seemed quieter so I looked at my father steadily.

“No. I already found my future.” I said as my voice remained calm and confusion crossed his face.

“What does that mean?” He asked.

“It means I wake up every morning excited to come to work. It means people walk through that door because they trust me. It means I built something worth protecting.” I said as I glanced toward the workshop where laughter started again.

“It means I don’t measure success by the number in my bank account.” I added as Charles shook his head slowly.

“I don’t recognize you anymore.” He said and a small smile touched my lips.

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* CHAPTER 57-2

“I know. For the first time in my life, I recognize myself.” I said.

Cla

For several seconds he simply stood there. Then he picked up the leather folder he had brought with him.

“I’ve prepared contracts.” He said.

“You’ve wasted expensive paper.” I said and his eyes narrowed.

“One day you’ll regret this.” He said.

“I don’t think I will.” I said.

Without another word, he turned sharply and walked toward the exit. The office bell rang as the door swung shut behind him.

A few moments later the sedan pulled out of the parking lot and disappeared down the street.

The workshop slowly returned to normal and Hunter wandered through carrying a coffee.

“Everything alright?” He asked and I nodded.

“It is now.” I said and he looked toward the empty doorway.

“Your father?” He asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“He seemed cheerful.” Hunter said and I rolled my eyes.

“As cheerful as ever.” I said.

Hunter decided that was explanation enough and returned outside.

A few seconds later Mia stepped carefully out of the storeroom.

“I’m sorry.” She said.

“You heard all that?” I asked.

“I wasn’t trying to.” She said.

“I know.” I said and she smiled gently.

“For what it’s worth…I think you gave exactly the right answer.” She said as I looked at her and a

surprising warmth settled in my chest.

“Thanks.” I said.

The rest of the day passed quickly. Customers came and went and Ben successfully completed

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CHAPTER 57-2

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