A Lasting Love (A Richards Family Romance) by K. Victoria Chase

Author:K. Victoria Chase
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, interracial romance, baby, love triangle, contemporary romance, multicultural romance, african american romance, ex
Publisher: K. Victoria Chase

Chapter Eight

“Ms. Birch? Do you have the newspaper?” Jake looked underneath a few stacks of papers on his desk, his eyes not spotting what he’d worked so hard for: recognition.

“Yes, sir, I have it.”

Jake zeroed in on the newspaper in Ms. Birch’s bony hand as she walked into the room, arm extended with what he’d requested. Jake stood and practically snatched the paper from her long, claw-like fingers, ignoring her miffed expression and the placing of her hands on her slim hips. “I’m expecting the exposé about Rivers Landscaping in the business section today.”

“Didn’t they just interview you yesterday? I didn’t think they’d report it so soon.”

Flipping page after page, Jake’s impatience grew. “Yes, well, the reporter assured me the article would make the evening deadline. It should be online in a few hours as well.”

“Well, if that doesn’t beat all.” Ms. Birch eased into one of the chairs positioned in front of Jake’s desk. “I don’t know much about how these things work. I’m just glad my grandson taught me how to send an email.”

He was only half listening now that he’d found what he was looking for. Rivers Landscaping was the spotlight feature on the first page of the business section. Jake marveled at the color picture of himself standing in front of his business. He was thankful he chose to wear the double-breasted suit that day instead of his usual polo shirt and khakis. Although any visitor to the storefront would never find him so formally dressed, he wanted to make a great first impression on any future clients. He’d spent too much time, dipped too far into his personal savings, to land a coveted front page spot in the business section only to look like a schlub next to a business most people would also believe was half-baked. Rivers Landscaping was bona fide; he was bona fide.

“Maya!”

“Good grief, young man. Use the intercom system,” Ms. Birch chastised, sticking two fingers in her ears. “You’ll bust my drums and blow out your own throat.” She hastily scurried out of the room.

“What? What is it?” Maya rushed in, her eyes wide with alarm.

He sent her a wide grin while holding up the paper for her to see. “Rivers Landscaping is on the front page of the business section.”

Her hunched shoulders relaxed a bit and she blew out a heavy breath. “Jake, I thought something terrible had happened. Why are you scaring me so early in the morning?” She stomped to the front of his desk and took the paper out of his hand. The longer her eyes scanned the page, the larger her own smile became. “This is terrific, Jake, really terrific.” She met his eyes over the top edge of the paper. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks. I wish you could’ve been in the picture.”

“So do I, but you said…yes, you said I was the best addition to Rivers in the last year and the business’s success is in large part due to me,” she said, quoting the article.

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