“Because I can. I’ve built this business on my own, and I want to keep doing that. I can buy the building, and have enough money left to lease a shop in Miami and get it going.”
“Hold on.” Beau leans forward now and rubs his hands together. “Charly, are you under the impression that using your trust fund, or any of the moneys available to you through the family company, makes you weak in some way?”
“I want to do it on my own,” I repeat.
“You are doing it on your own, with money that belongs to you, just as much as the money that Eli, Van, me, hell, all of use is ours. Dad left it to all of us and he was specific that we split it evenly.”
“But I don’t work for it—”
“Bullshit,” he replies. “You work your ass off, more hours than any of us. Your office may not be in the same building, but you’re working, Charly. If you want the building to be in your name, we’ll have the title changed, but for all intents and purposes, it’s yours, 100%.”
I shake my head, but he interrupts before I can speak.
“There are billions of dollars at your disposal and you don’t use it. Do you know how frustrating that is? I know that this family isn’t frivolous or flashy—we weren’t raised that way—but it’s there for you. And if you want to expand your business, use it and do it. Open a dozen stores if you want to. Dad was a businessman, Char. Do you know how fucking proud of you he’d be?”
Tears prick my eyes as I realize that he’s right. Dad would want this. I’ve been too stubborn trying to do everything on my own to realize it.
“Will you go with me to speak to Eli and Van about it tomorrow?” I ask.
“You don’t need our permission.”
“That’s not it. I want all of your advice. I want to talk it out with other businesspeople that I respect and trust.”
“In that case, yes. I think it’s an amazing idea. You’re going to kick shoe ass.”
I grin. “I am. I can’t wait.”
Just then there’s a loud crash that sounds like it’s coming from downstairs.
“That damn woman,” Beau mutters. “I don’t care about the noise during the day, but doesn’t she ever sleep?”
“It’s not Mallory,” I reply, chills running down my spine. “It’s a ghost.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” He says and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Now you sound like her.”
“Like who?”
“The woman downstairs.”
“Her name is Mallory,” I reply. “And she seems to know about this stuff.”
“She sounds like a whackjob,” he says with a sigh. “And I don’t believe in ghosts.”
“You live in New Orleans,” I point out. “How do you not believe in ghosts?”
“It’s for books and movies,” he replies. “I wish my house was finished being built.”
Beau used to live on the plantation property before Gabby and Rhys got married. Now that Rhys is there to look after things, Beau has moved into town, and has a beautiful home being built in an exclusive neighborhood.
We may not be a frivolous family, but Beau appreciates the finer things in life.
“When will it be finished?” I ask.
“It’s another year away. We’re waiting for supplies from Italy.”
I cock a brow, but I don’t say anything.
“What? Some of us aren’t afraid to use our trust funds, darlin’. You can’t take it with you when you go, we can all attest to that.”
He has a valid point.
“I honestly haven’t needed it, Beau. Some of it is pride, but I’ve managed just fine on my own. My business is thriving. But you’re right, it makes sense to use what’s available to me for the expansion.”
“Say it again,” he says with a smile.
“Which part?”
“The you’re right part.”
I stick my tongue out at him, then jump when the lights flicker.
“She’s here,” I whisper.
“Who?”
“Miss Louisa.”
“Who the hell is that?”
“The ghost,” I whisper loudly. Beau just shakes his head and laughs.
“It’s an old building, Charly. The electrical probably needs to be replaced.”
“You should talk to Mallory. She’d convince you.”
“As long as she stays out of my way and pays her rent on time, I don’t need to see Mallory.”
I shrug. “Suit yourself.”
“I always do.”
***
I’ve been talking to Van, Eli, and Beau for an hour about the expansion. Eli hasn’t said one word, and I can’t read his face.
Frankly, it’s starting to piss me off.
“Eli, it’s a great opportunity. If I can do so great with this store in my small shop in the Quarter, just think what I can do in an even busier storefront. Eventually, I might expand to New York, LA, Seattle, and then I’d have a store in every corner of the country.” He nods, but doesn’t say much. “Are you having issues with me using the family money?”
His head jerks up and he stares at me like I just asked him if I could get naked.
“No. Why would you think that?”
“Because you’re not saying anything.”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” Savannah says with an excited smile. “You’ve clearly thought this through and done your homework, Charly.”
“Beau and I were up late last night talking about it,” I reply.