The Build Up (90)

“I’m not your fucking son. I quit.”

“Porter, you don’t mean...”

“I said I quit!”

Before I could leave the podium, Greer stepped in front of me.

“No hard feelings, Porter? I had to let the partners know about Ari’s shit in Chicago. It’s just business. Okay?” He extended his hand.

Before I knew it, I’d pulled back and punched him square in the jaw. Greer stumbled backward on impact, nearly landing on Jacobi.

“I’m suing you!” Greer yelled, clearly rocked by the punch, rubbing his jaw. “Better yet, you’re fired! As named partner, I’m firing you!”

“You can’t fire me, asshole!” I yelled. “I don’t work here anymore!”

I ran down the steps, pushing through the throngs of reporters to find my family. Their faces were in shock. And rightfully so. I’d just punched a guy on national TV. I was sure I’d be on TMZ before long with the headline Crazy Architect Breaks Ground and Jaw on Live TV.

“Oh, honey!” My mom stretched her arms out for a hug but I stepped back. Naturally, she was confused. I looked toward Todd, desperate for my little brother’s help. Todd’s sobriety had been unwavering these past months. But I had to be sure.

“Todd? You good?” I asked.

Reluctant to answer, Todd looked at mom, then responded. “Uhm. Yeah. Why?”

“Because I need you, brother. You’re taking me to the international terminal. I’m going to get Ari.”

“But... I...” began Todd, his faced etched with worry. “I don’t know, PJ. I really shouldn’t... I’m on a provisional license. I can’t fuck things up. You understand. I would if I could—”

In that moment, I felt a hand on my back. “I got you, buddy,” said Sean, his face bright with a smile. “I’ll drive. Besides, your hand is in no condition after landing that Tyson-level punch!”

My mother grabbed my face, kissing my cheeks until they burned. Desmond patted my back hard and said, “Me proud of ya, son!”

I looked at my parents. “Mom. Desmond. I don’t want you to worry but, if you couldn’t tell back there, I don’t have a job anymore. I’ll be fine. And...”

“Boy, hush! Go get that girl,” interrupted my mother, still kissing my reddening cheeks.

I tossed my keys to Sean. “My car is faster.”

“Dude, I got a new BMW!” scoffed Sean. “My knees will be to my chest in that matchbox of a car!”

“Sean!” my mother yelled. “Now is not the time to have a pissing contest about the goddamn car. Get my son to that terminal!”



Chapter Thirty-Three


Ari


Every television in the airport terminal was tuned to the news, whose top story was the groundbreaking of the state-of-the-art Marina Center in Atlanta. One reporter called it an “ambitious feat of design that was going to wow soccer fans for years to come.” I beamed with pride, knowing that my hard work was being praised. My time at Riddle and Robinson wasn’t a total waste. As the camera panned out, my heart stopped as soon as I saw Porter’s face, solemn and serious. He looked uncomfortable in the hideous yellow hard hat that concealed what I’m sure was a neat fade topped with curls. I felt a twinge of regret. I ignored his every call and text, trying to save myself from the heartache. In true Ari fashion, I’d left without a word. It would have been entirely too painful, and I didn’t do painful goodbyes.

The gate agent signaled that boarding would begin in ten minutes. I looked at my first-class ticket, thankful that Claudio Velez had allowed me to come a few weeks early to Spain to get settled. The irony of my flight being on Valentine’s Day wasn’t lost on me. Everything and everyone I’d loved was here in Atlanta. My mother. Bella. My beautiful house. Porter. Especially Porter.

I was leaving them all behind; once again I’d fallen in love and once again, it cost me everything.

I headed toward the gate as the agent called for first-class seating. I took a quick look inside my bag, making sure my passport was there. As I handed the agent my boarding pass, I heard a familiar voice.

“Ari! Ari Marie James!”

I turned to see Porter, running toward me. His tie was loosened, the sleeves of his gray button-down messily rolled up. The sunlight from the massive windows shone directly on him like a spotlight. By the time he reached the gate agent, Porter was out of breath. Shocked, I excused myself and stepped out of line.

“Porter? What on earth are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the groundbreaking for the stadium?”

“Ari, I quit.”

My mouth dropped open. “You did what? Porter, why?”

“I quit because... Let’s be honest. I’m not that great of an architect. Besides, working there every day is pointless if you won’t be there.”

“Porter! Are you serious!” Travelers near the gate stared at me, annoyed. I lowered my voice, apologetically.

“I’m dead ass serious.”

My jaw went slack. “I’m about to board a flight to Madrid! As in...now!”

Porter ran a hand down his face. “Ari, listen to me. I’ve been in love with you from the moment I saw you.”

My lips curled up into a smile. “When you saw me in a virtual state of undress in the middle of my office?”