Yours, For Good (Cozy Latine Billionaires #4)

10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Date : October 24 To : Mr. Smith From : Eleanora Subject : Very little time

Dear Mr. B.,

I've attached the latest draft + plan. As you can see from these documents, I'm extremely busy with project prep. We're building to one of the first big presentations and it's a lot of work! Please understand if I don't write as often for a little bit.

All I'm going to argue in my favor is that it's only been three weeks since my last letter, and you originally wanted only one summary email a month! If you're upset that I haven't written much then it might be time we acknowledged that I've been spoiling you, sir.

Sure, it's also that I've been busier of late, as I've been body-doubling with Sally to get this presentation done, and I come home too tired to write emails. In that regard, I hope you're happy for me that I continue to get closer to Sally. You know that I had no one in my personal circle and that's a big part why I started writing to you like this in the first place. I think I need to continue working on making friends, and learn what it's like to have people get close to me.

Anyway, I can't believe it's the end of October! I'm going to Sally and Julia's for a Halloween party at the end of the week— something small— just for respite. I hope their idea of "small" is the same as mine. I don't like large gatherings; it's easier to lasso myself to someone in a small group than a large one. Having no one to talk to is a feeling I hate. You know how I crave closeness, but going around the crowd with big, imploring eyes, feeling like I'm begging for someone to slow down enough to notice me and make fast friends with me— it's like walking around undressed.

It sucks, because things seemed easier in college and grad school. There's just something about this program that is making me confront who I was and who I want to be. I like to think no one knows I feel this way inside, as the happy, excited part of me takes over. Still, sometimes I wonder if that happiness has become a wall that keeps me alone, when people think I am okay and I don't look like I need anything.

Because how are people supposed to know I need closeness, if I pretend I don't? I have so many rules about the kind of relationships I want and what I'm willing to do or risk that I'm… lost.

What a troubling thought!

I have to say, there's something about writing to you that makes me confess more than I planned to. Why is that, Mr. B.? My best guess is that, even though what I truly want is to talk about this with someone who will look me in the eye and give me a thoughtful reply, you're the closest I have at this time.

I'll write to you in a couple of weeks. Wish me luck!

Nora

Javier

It was a warm evening for late October in New York. I sat on the patio at the back of my townhouse, with a thick sweater keeping me toasty and a hot mug of tea with milk next to my laptop. After reviewing a few documents Max had sent me, and responding to a few emails from different boards I participated in, I closed my laptop and opened my journal.

I had noticed that Nora hadn't been writing much, either to Mr. B. or me as Javier. We had occasionally texted, but it never went anywhere. Her emails had paused, too, and I was glad to have an explanation. I was happy that she was getting close to Sally; my belief that Nora had been lonely had been the motivator for this whole friendly acquaintance thing, after all.

Reading her email hinted at it, again. It suggested that despite Sally, Nora still wanted to meet more people and create her own circle.

Admiration for her bloomed in my chest. The way she continued to push herself; how putting herself out there took so much out of her and she did it anyway. I could relate to the vulnerable feeling of going to a party where you knew no one, and I marveled at the way she went for it.

If only I could be that person she talked to. Someone who would be there to understand, and who could reply back.

Except I could…

Maybe it was time I gave us another chance to spend time together.

I simply needed to be careful not to abuse my position or hurt her in the process. This was a messy situation, and it needed all the attention I could give it to do it right. So I would give it all the attention.

I left my pen on the spine of my journal and grabbed my phone. A few texts later, I had an invitation for a Halloween party from Julia. I was traveling to Laguna Island again the next day, to spend time with Max and Eva, and help my friend out with the transition to take ownership of all of his father's businesses. I could make a detour to San Francisco on the way back.

The only downside was that I would have to wear a costume at the party, which brought all my cynicism to the front— it pulled the corner of my lips down. I adjusted my glasses and, with distaste in my mouth, I asked for help.

Tres Amigos + Jake Chat Group

Javier : Help. I need a costume. Don't ask any questions.

Max : You need a costume???

Gabe : What's the story?

Jake : Have you ever considered becoming an astronaut?

Javier : So I say don't ask any questions, and that's the first thing you all do?

Jake : of course, and you knew it would happen.

Javier : *sigh* yeah I did. I'm going to a Halloween party, that's all.

Max : Is one of us throwing a Halloween party and forgot to tell me?

Gabe : I don't think so. I think Javier is talking about a party outside of the group

Jake : Gasp

Max : unless it's related to one of your charities or…?

Gabe : now that makes sense.

Javier : sort of. It's my niece's party.

Max : I have an idea. [image 1][image 2][image 3]

Jake : YES.

Gabe : Please do it.

Max : Send pictures.

Jake : they won't even know you're making fun of them.

Javier : I'll be making fun of myself.

Max : and isn't that just perfect, Mr. Old Family Money?