This Billionaire's Second Chance: This Billionaire, #6

By Rachel Foster

Gavin is divorced from his high school sweetheart Amy after Gavin proved he couldn't handle a work and family balance. Their daughter Eloise is five years old. Amy ended up pregnant with her while going to college. She chose to leave her schooling behind so that she could raise Eloise while Gavin chased his dreams of being a tech giant. Now they're figuring out life without each other. Gavin is realizing how much Amy did for him while Amy feels like her life isn't very much different since Gavin was never around anyway. Now a fire has displaced Amy and Eloise from their home, forcing them to move back in with Gavin. Will this prove to be a time where they can reconcile? Or will their bitterness towards each other drive them farther a part? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215761731

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This Billionaire's Second Chance

Rachel Foster

Copyright © 2018 by Rachel Foster

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

1. Gavin POV Thursday

2. Amy POV Friday

3. Gavin POV Friday Evening

4. Amy POV Saturday

5. Gavin POV Sunday

6. Amy POV Monday

7. Gavin POV Tuesday

8. Amy POV Thursday

9. Gavin POV Thursday Evening

10. Amy POV Friday

11. Gavin POV Friday Evening

12. Amy POV Saturday

13. Gavin POV Saturday Evening

14. Amy POV Sunday

15. Gavin POV Monday Morning

16. Amy POV Monday Afternoon

17. Gavin POV Monday Evening

18. Amy POV Wednesday

19. Gavin POV Friday

20. Amy POV Saturday

21. Gavin POV Sunday

22. Amy POV Sunday Evening

23. Gavin POV Tuesday

24. Amy POV Wednesday

25. Gavin POV Thursday

26. Amy POV Saturday

27. Gavin POV Saturday Evening

28. Amy POV Monday

29. Gavin POV Tuesday

30. Amy POV Wednesday

31. Gavin POV Friday

32. Amy POV Saturday

33. Gavin POV Monday

34. Gavin POV Wednesday

35. Amy POV Thursday

36. Gavin POV Friday

37. Amy POV Sunday

38. Gavin POV Monday

1

Gavin POV Thursday

I

could still recall my high school math teacher, Mr. Billows, telling me that one day, I’d be happy that I had mucked through the trials and tribulations connected with algebra. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring out at the pink sunrise and chuckled. As it turned out, he was right, after all. I was five years into running my own business, Sunflower State Applications, and was in the midst of developing a new client base that would be the impetus for launching a new online product. As I looked out the window, I thought about Mr. Billows, drawing his equations all over the board and then rubbing his chin as he waited to figure out the answer. Although I didn’t necessarily use algebra on a daily basis, I definitely used the associated logistical thinking skills necessary for running a cutting-edge business such as mine.

Morning, Isis. I gave my Newfoundland a pet on the head and climbed out from under the bed, then wandered quietly into the bathroom. You want to go out for a walk before I head into the office? I asked. She cocked her head to the side and barked. I laughed, then reached for a towel and set it on the windowsill. I’ll be out in just a sec. I got changed out of my boxers and hopped into the warm water. What would the day bring? I wondered as I washed myself with a tea tree scented soap. I had so much on my plate right now it was a wonder that I hadn’t walked away from my business, altogether. I loved the work, but I was beginning to feel like I was in over my head.

The morning is looking bright and sunny for all of you Kansas City residents. I walked through the kitchen and listened to the radio while I brewed some Colombian coffee in a new French press. I liked getting up early so that I could watch the sun rise and take Isis for a walk but today I was feeling particularly stressed about the projects and expectations that awaited me in the office. I had just hired a new IT crew and wanted to make sure they were up to speed with all of the new hire paperwork. I also had to present a website launch information session and I wanted to have it completed before noon because had a luncheon to attend at one where I’d be honoring two of my two of my employees with second quarter awards.

Come on, girl. I reached for Isis’s leash and clipped it to her collar, then walked out the front door and stood in the front yard. I loved living in Kansas City, but I always wondered if I’d make a change and move to the West coast sometime in the future. My roots were in the Midwest and I was comfortable being in middle America, but I also knew that a lot of the progressive technology companies were based in the Silicon Valley. It was often a delicate balance for me to consider. As a single guy, I didn’t feel any obligation to Kansas. Yet my daughter, Eloise, lived in Olathe and I didn’t want to ever think about being far away from her for any length of time.

I looked at the manicured lawns that surrounded my stone farmhouse and ambled down to my SUV. I’d just bought a brand-new Infinity and I loved driving int into work on the long stretch of highway that led to Sunflower State. Isis poked her head out form the curtains in the dining room and watched as I climbed behind the wheel, fastened my seat belt, and drove down to the Stop sign at the end of Tumbleweed Drive. I cranked up the radio which was now proudly airing an hour-long episode of Santana Unplugged, then made a right and headed toward the interstate. Within minutes, I was in front of my building, parking in my VIP spot that faced the large, dome shaped doors.

Hey, Gavin! called Polly. She was holding a stack of folders in her hand and walking toward the granite steps.

Hey, Polly. How are you? I asked.

I’m doing well, she said, shifting the folders as she reached for the handle. I’m all set for the web launch session. You must be really excited to have a new site! she exclaimed with a smile. I opened the door and nodded my head.

Yeah. I’m pretty stoked, I said as we both walked inside. What Polly didn’t know was how much work went into this on the back end. I’d stayed up till two AM editing the presentation file, adding columns for comments, and designing rows for additional consults. It was a grueling and laborious process that I hoped with all my heart would pay off.

Well, I will see you upstairs in a few hours. Polly smiled and then went on her way, folders in hand. I nodded my head and eased myself through the entryway, then waked to the front desk.

Hi, Martinique. I looked quickly to see who was in at HR, then made my way to the corridor that led past the long stretch of glass windows. I had just paid for an art installation and the crew was at work, rearranging a few sculptures and hanging a large watercolor on the wall.

Morning, Gavin. My IT manager, Nick, walked past me with a coffee in one hand and a laptop in the other. I’ve got that room all set up for you on the fifth floor, he said. And I asked Micah to get another table in there by ten.

Thanks, man, I said with a nod of my head.

You got it, said Nick as he walked to the other end of the corridor. I checked my phone and saw I had five new texts. Just as I was about to read them, I saw Braxton from design.

Hey, Gavin, she said with a smile. I’m heading up to the conference room now. Anything I can help you with before I go? she asked. I shook my head.

I think we are good to go. Nick just gave me an update and it sounds like we’re good.

Okay. Just let me know if you need anything, she said as she took a sip of her coffee.

Thanks. I smiled and then walked toward the elevator which was situated just to the right of the large oil panting panel.

Good morning. Angela from marketing walked by and stopped abruptly when she saw the watercolor. Very nice! she exclaimed. And a new sculpture, too?

One of these days I’ll have admission passes for art tours, I said with a wink. Angela giggled.

You could definitely pull it off, she said.

I’m getting a fish tank over on Wing A, too. I stifled a laugh and Angela covered her mouth.

Oh, Gavin, she said. You might need to make a career switch, she said. I’m serious. Have you ever considered being an art curator?

Nope. I’m making too much moolah here, I said with a laugh. Angela shook her head and sighed.

Okay. Well, if you ever decide that you want to make a change, she said with another laugh. That’s the one. Angela walked away and I moved to the elevator. It was almost nine by the time I pressed the button. Once more, I glanced down to check my texts.

Hey, Gavin. I looked up and saw my secretary, Brittany, walking toward the elevator. Going up? she asked.

Sure am. The door opened and I gestured for her to step on.

I think it must be time for the presentation, she said as I pressed the button and glanced once more at my phone.

It is, I said. And we’re all set. Hope you’re ready to be wowed, I added with a laugh.

Oh, I was born ready, she said with a chuckle. Hey, listen. Noel, Cherry and Francine want to get a happy hour together this weekend. Are you in? she asked.

Ah. I shook my head and frowned. I wish.

You have Eloise? she asked. I nodded.

Yeah. We’re going to the zoo, I said, raising my brows.

Aw. That’s nice, she said, scrolling through her phone and looking up when the elevator dinged. Well, if your plans change, let one of us know. Francine wants to check out that new tapas place over on Covehill Drive.

I hear it’s great, I said, stepping off behind her onto the fifth floor.

Yeah. Vinnie went for lunch the other day. Brittany adjusted her laptop bag and we both walked toward the conference room. Said the food was stellar.

Yeah. I heard they have their A game on over there, I said as we walked into the room. Count me in for the next time you guys go, for sure. We both walked to the oblong table which was now packed with employees. Good morning, all, I said as I walked to the front of the room. Hope everyone’s having a good morning so far, I said as I powered on the laptop and prepared to pull up the presentation slides. I’m thinking that we’ll be here as a group for about forty-five minutes. After the presentation, we’ll stop for feedback and then I’ll ask Colin to set up a more in-depth Q and A for those who still have questions about how the new website will impact the company as a whole.

Will we receive a copy of the notes via email? asked Amber as I steadied my coffee on the edge of the table.

Yes. Everyone will have access to the transcript as early as Friday of this week, I said, picking up the remote and getting ready for the first slide. The room grew quiet and I pulled up my notes, then went full speed into the presentation. It wasn’t until I got to the seventh slide that the questions came rolling in. Hands went up in the back and I tried my best to answer as many as possible without getting too off-track. When we finally got the last slide, there were several more questions that I fielded before we all cut for lunch.

That was really great, said Lonnie as I packed up my folders and prepared to leave the room.

Thanks. I smiled and walked toward the door.

I was wondering if you’re thinking about launching more apps launched before the end of the second quarter, she added as we entered the hall.

Hopefully, Lonnie. I’m working as hard as I can right now to make sure that Sunflower State is the top tech company in all of Kansas City. I’m glad that you’re on the team, by the way. You keep me on my toes.

Well, I’m glad to be here, said Lonnie. I interviewed at many companies before deciding that this was where I wanted to be, she said with self-assuredness. I smiled. Lonnie was one of my most gifted developers and I felt lucky that she had found us a year ago while on her search for the perfect company.

Hey, before I forget. Brittany mentioned a group getting together for happy hour this weekend. I’m out because I have my daughter on Friday but I’m sure she’d love to hear from you and your team if you’re interested in going out.

Thanks for the tip, said Lonnie. I might have to look into that.

Well, I’m off for the next leg of the day, I said as I turned the corner and headed for my office.

See you soon, said Lonnie. I unlocked my door, turned on the lights and walked to my desk. Whew. I sat down and took out my phone, convinced I’d finally have a chance to read my messages but was soon distracted by a knock at my doorway.

Hey, man, said Ron. I hope you aren’t too busy. I gotta talk to you, he said.

Yeah, dude, I said, setting down my phone. What’s up? I looked at Ron and could tell immediately that something was wrong. Ron was my GM in marketing and essentially my go-to for all things Sunshine State. He’d been with the company since its inception and was considered by everyone an integral part of our success.

I’m ready to jump, bro. He covered his face with his hands, and I got up from my desk and walked to the door.

Man take it easy, I said. No crazy talk. I walked him inside my office to the long, green couch that sat by my large bay window. Tell me what’s up. He sat down and I took a seat on the other end.

I just feel like I can’t take it anymore, he said with a somber expression. I’ve known for a long time that it was all heading downhill with Katie, but I didn’t think it would actually come to this, if that makes sense. He ran his hands nervously through his hair.

Yeah. I’ve been right there with you, I said with a nod. It was true. Ron and Katie had been having martial issues for the last two years. Every time Ron thought they might have a handle on it, something else blew up in his face and he landed right back where he started. I wasn’t married anymore, yet I could relate completely, and I certainly understood what it felt like to have a broken heart. I looked at him as he rocked back and forth on the couch and wished there were something I could do to help.

It’s like... We go to counseling, we talk all this shit out and then two days later, I do something, and she freaks out. Ron shook his head and wrung his hands.

Maybe you need to change counselors, I said. I don’t know.

Nah. It’s all about this thing just fizzling out to the end. Ron looked at me, then looked outside. I really love her, though. I thought he might burst into tears at any moment. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come in here and make you my therapist, he laughed. I just wanted you to know what was going on.

I’m glad you told me. It’s important for me to know what’s up, especially since we work so closely on all the app development. You know?

Well, I hope I can get this sorted out sooner than later. Ron looked out the window again and I got up off the couch.

If you need to take a day or something, just let me know, I said as I walked to my desk. Ron got up and took out his phone.

I will, he said. Thanks, bro.

You’re welcome.

Hey, by the way. How are you holding up over here? he asked. I sighed.

Well, the presentation went well, as you know. And aside from all of the new app brochures that I need to get down the pipeline, I think I’m hanging in there, I said. The truth was that I felt like I was liable to go under at any given moment, but I kept plugging along, unable to tell anyone that I really needed about five extra employees to get all the work done.

I guess that’s all any of us can do. Huh? he asked. I nodded my head and chuckled.

It sure is, I said. Ron walked to the door and then paused.

If there’s anything I can do, let me know, he said.

I will. I nodded my head and watched as Ron walked away. Then I took out my phone and stared at my messages. They were all from Amy. I shook my head and sighed. Then I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and dove into my emails.

2

Amy POV Friday

W

hen I got up on Friday morning, Eloise had already wandered out of her bedroom and plopped herself in front of the TV. I walked down the hall and joined her in the living room. Whatcha doin’ there, little lady? I asked with a smile. Eloise reached for my hand and patted the pillow next to her. Well, I guess I can sit down with you for a few minutes, I said. What are we watching? I looked up and saw that a group of unicorns jumping over a glittery log. Looks pretty, I added, raising my brows, and snuggling her close.

Mommy, are you going into work today? she asked, ignoring my question about the Tv show, her big green eyes peering into mine.

I sure am. I had just taken a job with a local design company and was totally in love with the work. I had never finished college because I had gotten pregnant with Eloise in my sophomore year, but I always told myself that I’d return to the classroom one day. Right now, finding work in this field was like a dream come true because I’d always wanted to be involved with the artistic end of company labels and this was a chance for me to get in on the ground level. The team I was currently employed with reminded me of the Caspian Crew, a design firm that was located right in the heart of Kanas City and my complete dream company. I told myself that as long as I worked hard and tried my best, I’d eventually find a way to get hired with them further on down the road.

Mommy, I don’t want you to go to work, said Eloise as she stood up from the couch and tugged at my robe. Can we go to the park? she asked. I chuckled Maybe we can go to the park after I get home from work and after you get home from school.

Please? she asked. I took her by the hand, and we walked out of the living room, the TV unicorns still hopping over sparkly logs. Pretty please? she tried. I chuckled and then sat her down on the bench in the foyer.

Listen. You’re a big girl now and you are doing so wonderful in your new kindergarten classroom. We can go to the park after you go into school. Okay? I asked. Eloise looked up with a pout, then turned away, clearly disappointed.

Okay, she finally acquiesced.

That’s a girl. I smiled and then walked her to the bottom of the steps. Why don’t you put on your clothes that Mommy picked out for you last night? They’re right beside your pillow in the bedroom, I added. Eloise walked to the steps, then turned around once more to look at the unicorns. I smiled and watched as she made her way up the steps, her honey-colored hair flowing down her back.

Mommy? Eloise called down from the top of the steps once she was dressed.

Yes? I asked, scurrying into the he kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. What do you need, honey? I strode out of the kitchen and looked up as she held her hands up in the air.

I don’t know what shoes to wear, she said, spinning around and twirling her hair.

Okay. Give me one second and I’ll be up to help you. I turned back to the kitchen, grabbed a banana from the bunch and stuffed it into a backpack, then set the timer on the coffee pot. Then I headed up the steps and met Eloise in the hall. She had gotten herself dressed which was impressive, yet her shoes and socks were splayed all over the floor.

See? she asked, with a shrug.

Okay, I said looking at sneakers, boots, and slippers. How about we go with these blue sneaks? I asked, picking them up and undoing the Velcro.

Yes. She smiled and I laughed.

Well, that was easy. I walked out of her room and was just about to head back down the steps when she ran out to the hall.

Do I need a sweater? she asked. I nodded.

Yep. It’s pretty chilly out there, I said. Brrr. Eloise laughed.

Oaky, Mommy, she put on her sneakers, took out a brown sweater from her closet and followed me down the steps. I set her on the bench once more, ran back into the kitchen to pour myself some coffee, then checked the time on my phone.

Shit. I was running fifteen minutes behind which was no surprise but an unhealthy habit, nonetheless. By the time we had gotten out to the porch it was almost ten and I was supposed to be in work by ten thirty. I hurriedly got the Honda unlocked, tossed my backpack on the front seat, then lifted Eloise into her car seat and got her buckled in. Here we go, baby girl. I climbed behind the wheel, started the ignition, and backed out of my driveway, eager to get Eloise off to Kinder Love and myself off to Breezy Tree Graphics.

Mom, I want to see Daddy. Eloise piped up as soon as I got on the road. Can we visit him this weekend? she asked. I stopped at Yellowbird Avenue, made a left and continued straight, then rolled down the window.

Well, you’re going to your Dad’s house this weekend. Remember? I asked.

Yes. But I want to see him today, too. Eloise looked at me with a matter-of-fact expression and I chuckled. If only she understood the complexities of scheduling drop offs and navigating a divorce. I knew that she was much too young to have any idea what the real story was, yet I respected the fact that children had a keen sense when something was off kilter. All Eloise knew right, I thought, was that she missed her Daddy and she wanted to see him now.

Are you excited to see him? I asked. Eloise looked out the window and then shrugged.

Kind of, she said. I bit my lower lip, confused. She had just told me that she wanted to see him today, yet she didn’t know if she was excited about it? I looked in my rearview mirror and saw her gaze out the window. io

What’s the matter? I asked turning down the radio to better hear her.

Nothing. Eloise looked out the window as we passed by the church, the grocery store, and the library. All of the local merchants had their fall decorations out and the leaves were golden on all of the trees. I wondered what she thought as she soaked it all in with her mind.

You sound kind of sad, honey. I made a right at the Stop sign and took it all the way down to Kaleidoscope Lane. Are you oaky I asked as we pulled into her school parking lot.

Yeah. I’m just a little sad. I think Daddy works too much. Eloise folded her hands on her lap and looked