“Have you found anything yet?”
I feel his eyes on me before he says, “I’ve found a few things.”
“Like what?”
“Well, I’ve found I really like helping people and animals. I want to talk to Huxley about making the Angelica a rent-controlled apartment building. You’d have to fill out an application to live there, make less than a certain amount of money, and if you’re a single parent, you’re higher on the list of getting a place.”
I turn to him now. “JP, that’s an amazing idea, but you realize you’d take a huge hit on income. I’m sure you know, the renovations we have planned aren’t cheap.”
“Sure, we’d take a hit, but we’d also be able to write it off in our taxes, and sometimes, it’s not always about the money. I like the idea of being able to help people out. I was thinking, if Huxley says yes, maybe we could start a division in the company, named after the Angelica, that focuses on low-income households that provides them with not just a roof over their heads, but a roof filled with opportunity. We donate a lot of money to different charities and organizations, but I’d love to do something inhouse, something that focuses on helping the people in the cities where we make billions.”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea, JP.”
“Yeah?” he asks, looking insecure.
“I do. Is this something that would fulfill you? I know you hate what you do now, so would this help with that?”
He sifts his hand through his hair as he stares out over the sea of black in front of us. “I really do. I’d actually feel like I’m doing something beneficial. And being the face of that, the face of collaboration—assisting those who need that relief—now that’s something I could be happy with.”
“When are you going to approach him?”
“When we get back. I still have some things I have to map out and, of course, I need to hit up Breaker for a numbers breakdown. I have a few questions about write-offs for him, as well. And then I’ll write everything up, put it in a proposal, and deliver it to him. I know how he likes professional presentations, so I’ll make sure it’s delivered the way he likes it.”
“What if he says no?” I ask.
“Then he’s a total self-centered ass and I’d be set in stone on selling my stock and finding a company or a passion in life that fulfills the need I have. I love my brothers, and I’ve done everything they’ve asked of me, and now I think it’s time they step back and see what I need.”
“Wow, JP, is it weird to say I’m proud of you?”
“Nah, not sure I hear that often, so it’s nice.”
I lean against his chest and say, “Well, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, babe.”
JP: Where are you right now?
Kelsey: Just finished up a meeting with Regis. I’m pretty sure he sneered at me twice but covered it up with an eye twitch. It was entertaining.
JP: Did he give you shit?
Kelsey: No. He was pleasant and agreeable.
JP: Smart man. Well, I’m on my way to the penthouse. Just got done with an interview with The Gazette. I was going to pick up some Pho. Want some?
Kelsey: You don’t mind?
JP: Why would I ask?
Kelsey: True. Yes, please. Sounds amazing.
JP: I just get the original. Do you want the same?
Kelsey: Yes, that works. I’m headed back soon. Should I pick us up dessert?
JP: What did you have in mind?
Kelsey: It’s going to be a surprise.
JP: Why am I worried?
Kelsey: Because, although innocent in your eyes, I’m still a wild card.
JP: Very true.
I dab my mouth with a napkin and set my container on the coffee table. When JP arrived, we both changed out of our business clothes. He changed into a pair of shorts and nothing else—shocker—and I put on a pair of shorts and a simple T-shirt. I also washed off my makeup and threw my hair into a clip to keep it out of my face while I slurped up noodles.
We decided to turn on The Office for background noise while we ate and talked. I found out that Dwight is JP’s favorite character, Michael being a close second. And I, of course, being the romantic, said Jim and Pam are my all-time favorites. JP just rolled his eyes at that.
Also found out JP would “bang” Jan easily, have a drunken night with Meredith, and cuddle up to Phyllis on a cozy night. I admitted to having a slight thing for Ryan, and possibly interested in a wild night with Robert California, which of course grossed out JP and ended the conversation.