Chapter 44
JACKSON'S POV
"Hi!" I beamed at Hannah as I opened the door.
"You look good, Jackson!" she chuckled, pulling me into a warm hug.
"You don't look bad either," I smiled, leading her inside to sit while I called Vera. She was going to be thrilled, her best friend showing up unannounced was the kind of surprise she needed.
And I was right.
When I met her in Tim’s room and told her Hannah was here, her eyes lit up with joy.
"I’ll be heading to the office now," I said gently as we walked down the stairs together. "There’s a board meeting that was rescheduled for today, and I can’t afford to cancel it again. Just remembered."
She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she welcomed Hannah warmly, exchanging hugs and smiles. Only then did she glance my way.
"Is there something wrong at the company?" she asked in a concerned tone. She must have caught the heaviness in my voice.
I went to the kitchen, poured a glass of juice for Hannah, then grabbed my car keys. I couldn’t hide it anymore, she already knew something was off.
"Yeah, we’re losing sales, badly. This month’s been worse because I haven’t been able to focus. I’m frustrated, Vera. I’ve got over three hundred workers on my payroll, and they’ve done nothing but disappoint. It feels like I’m surrounded by empty heads. I’m overwhelmed and honestly… I’m out of ideas."
"That’s rough," Hannah said softly. "But you need to take it easy on yourself. These things happen."
Vera stepped closer, her soft hands cupping my face. Her touch calmed me more than anything.
"It happens, but this time… it’s different. Investors are already voicing concerns. I’m scared they might pull out soon," I admitted, my eyes locked on hers.
"Honey," she said gently, her voice full of belief, "you built this company from nothing. If there’s anyone who can bring it back to life, it’s you. You’re not the kind of man who gives up. Not now."
"Thank you for believing in me," I whispered, kissing her forehead.
"I love you," she smiled.
"I love you more," I replied, flashing Hannah a grin before heading out.
"How did this miracle happen?" I heard Hannah ask Vera just as I shut the door behind me.
As I drove to the office, my thoughts were consumed by the company. I was glad Vera had decided to stay and keep the baby. I was even more relieved that she trusted me again. But my joy was short-lived because the company’s condition haunted me.
The board meeting was disappointing. I’d hoped someone… anyone, would offer a new idea for our next fashion line. Something fresh. But no one did.
Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I didn’t have anything myself. I sat there, listening to uninspired suggestions until I couldn’t take it anymore. I called off the meeting.
That evening, I attended a dinner party with a potential client. I had to show up, or I risked losing her too.
When I got home, the house was lit up, but quiet. I figured Vera was upstairs reading Tim a bedtime story. I could hear whispers from his room. Monica was probably out, as usual.
I dropped my keys on the side table, grabbed a bottle of brandy, and headed outside to the pool. I needed solitude. Quiet. A chance to think without interruption.
I paced. I drank. I sat down and stared at the dark water. Half the bottle was gone and still, no ideas. Nothing. I was drowning in frustration.
Finally, I peeled off my clothes and slipped into the water.
"I didn’t hear you come back. I was worried about you," Vera’s voice startled me.
I looked up at her and tried to smile.
"Sorry. I needed some time alone. I didn’t want to disturb you."
She walked closer and sat on the pool's edge. "It’s about the company, right?"
I gently pulled her legs into the water and laid my head on her lap. Her fingers threaded through my hair, calming me.
"I’m at a loss, Vera. Before, I was distracted, scared you’d leave. Now that you’ve decided to stay, I still can’t think clearly."
"I’ve been thinking too," she said, drawing a deep breath. "I have an idea. Just a suggestion, you might not like it."
"Go ahead. I’m listening."
"J.T. Comforts shouldn’t be limited to clothing. People wear clothes for years, in or out of style. But comfort? That’s different. Why not expand into essentials? Diapers, pads, underwear, socks, shoes. People need those daily. Retailers wouldn’t have to go elsewhere. We’d become a one-stop solution."
I hesitated. "That would require hiring new people. More funding. Time. And time is the one thing we don’t have. We’re barely hitting 50% in profits anymore."
"Then what about redesigning the clothes you already have?"
I lifted my head and looked at her. "Redesign? How would that even work?"
"Trends recycle. Styles from the past always come back. Sometimes all it takes is a little twist, a fresh detail. You take an old design, tweak it, and suddenly it’s new again."
"But how do we redesign finished products?"
"I’ll show you. Give me a second." She ran inside and returned with her phone.
She flipped through her gallery and handed it to me.
The photo showed T-shirts and pants with custom badges and patches attached.
"I’ve seen these around."
"Exactly! It’s booming. Add a badge, a chain, a fresh cut, and voila… it’s a brand-new item. It’s affordable and fast."
I sighed. "I hope it works. If we don’t get things moving before Christmas, we’re done."
"Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Now, can you smile for me? You’ve been so grumpy, it’s scaring me."
I frowned deeper. "I don’t feel like smiling."
"Well, you have to," she giggled.
"You’re not even funny," I muttered, closing my eyes.
She suddenly dove into the water and slipped her fingers into my armpits, tickling me. I stood there, arms wide open, letting her try her best.
"Seriously?" she laughed, splashing water in my direction.
She thought she could win? I wasn’t backing down.
Then she hugged me from behind, her wet body against mine, and slowly slid her hand into my underpants, stroking me.
"Jesus, Vera! Don’t play with me," I groaned.
"It’s my favorite toy," she whispered, trailing her tongue along my neck.
I closed my eyes, finally allowing myself to forget the world, even if it was just for a moment.