Hooked on You: An Annapolis Harbor Series Prequel, Lea Coll [love letters to the dead .txt] 📗

If Taylor thought I was better and Isaac did too, why was I holding myself back? “I’m getting it now, man. I’m learning.”

“Good. And yes, you’re my new manager which comes with a higher salary. I’ll show you everything you need to know and then I’m scheduling my first trip.” A rare smile came over his face.

It felt good to be relied on—to be trusted.

“You’re going to be alright. Keep that girl around too. I like her. She has spunk.”

I laughed. I thought of how I’d treated her when I met her. She hadn’t backed down. She called me on my shit. She lifted me up. She supported me. She understood what I was doing with Zach and didn’t think I was wasting my time. She was amazing. What was I going to do about it? I couldn’t drift along like I had for so long and assume she’d stick around. I needed to be the man she deserved.

Isaac was almost in the storage room when I yelled, “Hey, man, wait up.”

He turned. “I thought we were done talking. That was enough heart-to-heart than I need for the next ten years.”

“Me too but I wanted to tell you that I’d like to take over the bar.”

“I offered you the manager position.” His expression was carefully blank.

I swallowed. I’d never asked for something this big. What if he said no? “I want to own a bar one day. Co-own this one or if you don’t want a partner, I’ll open my own. Taylor said she’d get my criminal record expunged and I have a lot of money saved. Between the money I’ve saved and a business loan, I can open my own.”

“You got a deal.”

“What?” I asked, but Isaac had already picked up a couple boxes. “I said you have a deal. I’ll get an attorney and we’ll draw up papers.”

“Really?”

“Christ, kid. When a man says yes, believe him, would you?”

“Sorry, I’m just—no one’s ever—” Taken a chance on me. Believed in me. And I didn’t know how to react. How to feel.

“I get it. Just get used to it, okay? You’ve got me, Zach, and now Taylor. We all want the best for you.”

I stared at his back as he carried the boxes back up to the front. I couldn’t believe it. I’d wanted more responsibility but I’d never seriously considered partnering with Isaac. I’d assumed he’d never go for it. But all I had to do was ask. I assumed the worst in people and maybe it was time to stop doing that.

I leaned against the wall, pulled out my phone, and quickly scrolled to Taylor’s name to send a message but I wanted to tell her in person. Putting the phone back in my pocket, I walked back to the bar area. “I’m going to see Taylor. Maybe take her to lunch. I’ll be back this afternoon.”

“Sounds good.”

I took the streetcar to the business district imagining her sitting at her desk at her work, her hair tucked behind her ear, while she studiously reviewed a file. I knew she’d be sexy and cute. I wanted to see her.

I stepped off the streetcar wondering if I should have called ahead in case she was busy, but I wanted to surprise her. I stepped off the elevator and the first thing I saw was the large U.S. Attorney’s Office sign mounted over the large glass doors. Everything about the office was intimidating. I’d forgotten that she was a U.S. Attorney, or it wasn’t important when we were alone together. But here, seeing her office, the attorneys walking around in suits carrying files, she was in a different world than me.

I glanced down at my black T-shirt, worn jeans, and boots, which were so out of place. Would she care that I’d been promoted to bar manager? I hesitated in front of the receptionist’s desk waiting for her to get off the phone. Maybe I should leave and see her later.

Hanging up the phone, the receptionist smiled. “Can I help you?”

“Gabe Adler. I’m here to see Taylor Leeds.”

“Do you have an appointment?” She waited patiently for my answer.

Maybe surprising her at work was a bad idea. “No, I’m a friend. I wanted to surprise her.”

She smiled. “Of course. Let me see if she’s available.”

“Taylor, there’s a man here to see you—Gabe Adler.”

“Of course,” she said into the receiver before she hung up. Then to me, “Let me take you to her office.” The woman stood and I followed her to the back of the office to an office with a small gold nameplate which read: Taylor Leeds, Asst. U.S. Attorney.

I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants.

“Taylor, Mr. Adler.” The woman gestured for me to enter the office and then left.

“Gabe, what are you doing here?” Taylor rose from her chair smiling.

I stood in the doorway as Taylor stood, her face surprised but happy to see me. “Hey.”

“Come in.” She walked around her desk to stand in front of me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I came to tell you—” Why was this so hard? Why did I always assume I wasn’t good enough? I cleared my throat and tried again. “I talked to Isaac and asked for a promotion.”

“You did? That’s awesome. Tell me everything.” She stood in front of me, her face flushed with excitement and she reached for my hands.

I told her how Isaac offered me a partnership and it sounded like he’d been waiting for me to step up for awhile. I could have had everything I’d ever wanted if I’d just asked. If I expected better from people. If I believed in myself. It sounded so simple now but I’d struggled with my view of myself and everyone else’s expectations for years.

“That’s amazing, Gabe. I’m so proud of you.” Warmth filled her voice and it washed over me like a balm to my soul as she pulled me in for a hug.

I loved it. I loved her. I’d never wanted to tell her more but I couldn’t