The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Three

For dinner, Trevor and Ashley sat in a private booth at Ace Restaurant — a restaurant they owned. The third floor was completely isolated from the rest of the dining guests.

"You look amazing," Trevor said.

"Aww, thanks, babe. That's sweet of you."

"I like your necklace. It looks good on you."

"Oh really?" Ashley said in a mocking tone.

"Is that your street-hustler necklace?"

"Babe, don't call it that. It's not a street-hustler necklace. It's Pomellato."

"It's stolen."

"Well, whatever it is. I love it."

"You're married to one of the richest men in the world and you're happy with a fifty dollar street hustler necklace?"

"Sixty," Ashley corrected this time.

"Whatever."

"You don't always have to spend a lot of money on me to make me happy."

"I know, that's why I married you," he joked. "And also why we're dining at a restaurant where we eat for free. I guess old habits die hard. My whole life I never really had money so I'm still a bit of a tight wad. I know it's probably not the most attractive quality."

"I don't think you're a tight wad," she replied. "You're the most generous person I know. I think you just prefer to spend money on others rather than yourself, which is a really attractive quality."

The two kissed and held hands at the table. They stared into each other's eyes and smiled.

"Seriously though, are you getting sick of eating here?" Trevor asked.

"Honestly... yeah maybe a bit," she said. "How about you?"

"You know me, I don't really get sick of things like most people. There are lots of items on the menu and you can always tell the chef to surprise you."

"I think I'll go with the chef surprise tonight," Ashley said.

"Me too. That'll be two surprises!"

"Well, actually," Ashley hesitated, searching for the right words, "there are three surprises."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm pregnant."

"Are you being serious?" Trevor exclaimed.

"Surprise."

"Babe, that's so amazing! We're going to be parents!"

"I know, it's kind of scary, huh?"

"Nah, we'll be fine. I think we'd make great parents. Besides, we're rich. How hard could it be?"

"Please tell me you're joking."

"I'm like half joking. What I mean is that money tends to solve all pain points. We can hire a nanny, a chef, take time off work, buy the latest and greatest baby products..."

"I think it'll be fun. Which room shall we convert into the baby's room?"

"Well, I was thinking," Trevor said. "You know how we always talked about buying a house. Maybe now's the time we should start looking. I love the Yaletown penthouse and obviously we can still keep it. It has lots of space, great view, and is close to work. But we're going to have a family soon and I think a house with some nice neighbours and a dog would be a better environment to raise a kid."

"Where were you thinking of buying?"

"I was thinking somewhere like Shaughnessy, Kerrisdale, or West Van. Somewhere close to a good school."

"Yeah, there are so many decisions we need to discuss: public vs private, location, parenting philosophy, and most importantly, what are we going to name this thing!"

"We have plenty of time to discuss those things. No rush. Tonight we celebrate!"

Trevor and Ashley raised their glasses of water, clinked them together, and each took a sip. They couldn't have been more in love. Trevor held Ashley's hand and kissed her intimately.

"I love you," Trevor said.

"I love you too."

"We have a pretty good life, huh?" Trevor said.

"It's nearly perfect."

"What would make it completely perfect?"

"I don't think perfect exists. There are always ways to improve."

"Okay, I'm listening," Trevor said. "How could we improve our lives? It's me leaving my socks on the floor, isn't it?"

"Yes! It's mostly that," she joked.

"Sorry, I'll try to remember not to do that. What else?"

"I guess in a perfect world, you wouldn't work so much. We could travel around the world — live in a different place every six months. Immerse ourselves in some foreign culture. Experience their way of life. Learn the language."

"We can do that."

"Ha!" Ashley laughed sarcastically. "Yeah, right!"

"What, it could happen."

"How many times have you fought the urge to check your phone since we sat down?" she asked.

"Not once, I swear. When I'm with you, nothing else matters. You think I care about that company? I care about it far less than you think. What's important to me is spending time with you, making you happy, and raising a wonderful family together."

"That's sweet."

"It's the truth. If you really want me to step down and take some time off, now would be the time to do it before you become too consumed with this pregnancy."

"You're the best. I'm just concerned about the timing. After the big announcement, the company needs you now more so than ever."

"When will it ever be the best timing?" Trevor asked. "After the big announcement, most of my work is done. The wheels are in motion with Unity Bank and therefore I can relinquish some of my duties."

"Okay," Ashley said, looking at Trevor lovingly and caressing his hand.

"Besides, I think it's important to make time for your loved ones. I don't want to be that absentee dad or husband who's constantly working all the time or who drifts apart from my wife because I don't make time for her, you know? Believe me, I like running a successful company and all the things that come with that, but I come from nothing. As much as I like all the luxuries that I can afford now, I know I don't need any of those things to make me happy. All I need is you... and our baby."