Page 108 of Breadwinner
“Yeah? With what money? Those helicopter rides aren’t cheap, and since you put me in charge of the finances...” She trailed off as Nell gave her thigh a playful squeeze. “It’s time well spent if you ask me. Plus, I missed you.”
“I promise it won’t be so long between visits next time. That unexpected trip to Minnesota really threw off my schedule.”
Sarah took Nell’s hand in hers, bringing it to her lips and pressing soft kisses along her knuckles. “Six weeks was a little long for my liking,” she said, “but you told me when we first met that you’re a busy woman, and it really doesn’t bother me. I like watching you be successful.” She smiled as she droppedNell’s hand. “Are you going to tell me what you’ve been up to in Minnesota?”
“I don’t think you’re ready for that yet.” That Cheshire-cat smile Sarah adored was firmly in place as Nell spoke.
“You’re impossible, you know that?”
“That’s not what you were saying in June, on that balcony in Paris...”
Heat immediately flooded her as her mind snapped back to that warm evening spent on a balcony, looking out at the Eiffel Tower, Nell’s hands doing incredible things to her as she sipped champagne.
“So, uh, I’ve been working on that plan for how we’ll be distributing your money,” Sarah said, straightening a little, trying not to reveal to Nell where her mind had gone. It was no use; Nell was grinning at her and tracing small circles on her bare thigh, just below the hem of her shorts. She took Nell’s hand in hers, effectively putting a stop to the motion so she could focus.
“Tell me.” Nell’s perfectly shaped eyebrows lifted, her curiosity showing.
Sarah ran her thumb over the back of Nell’s hand before diving in. “Well, it’s only been a few months, and I can’t exactly funnel away eighteen billion dollars overnight—though God knows I’ve fantasized about it. I figured the best place to start was to build a framework. My official proposal is already with Rowan. We’ll go over it next week. I’m also bringing Avery on to my staff full-time, so we’ll need to discuss her salary and benefits. The short version: I’m establishing a private foundation to serve as a centralized vehicle for giving. The foundation will focus on scalable impact, directing funds to areas where they can have an immediate and lasting difference. I’ve outlined in detail different organizations in my proposal, butI’d like to start with a continued focus on investment in women’s sports and scholarship funds for LGBTQIA+ students.”
Nell was beaming. She felt that surge of pride she so often experienced when Nell looked at her like that. It completely took over her body and made her feel like she could do anything she wanted to.
“I’ve also been lining up some conversations with a few different Political Action Committees,” Sarah continued, “but haven’t made any official moves there yet. Figured you would want to sign off on those first.”
Nell shook her head once. “Hold off on those for now. I’m working on something presently, but when the time is right, I’ll bring you in.” She squeezed Sarah’s hand gently. “You’ve done so much already in such a short amount of time. I knew I picked a good one when I chose you.”
Sunlight danced around them, the breeze picking up loose strands of Nell’s hair, twirling them around. Her shirt collar opened enough that Sarah could see the neat stack of thin gold chains Nell wore draped across her collarbone. A thought slipped into her mind before she could stop it—one she had been circling back to more and more lately.This might not be forever, but we’re exactly what each other needs right now.
“What is it?” Nell asked.
“Nothing. I’m just happy you’re here. Thanks for clearing a weekend for me.”
“I told you before—I always make the time for the things that are important to me.”
Sarah knew that. Nell had done nothing but prove that to her time and time again over the last year. She shifted slightly, reaching into her pocket, and pulled out a small, square box.
“I have something for you.” She handed the box to Nell, who looked at her in confusion. “Open it?”
Nell’s delicate fingers flicked the lid of the box open, revealing a set of simple diamond earrings, and a note wedged inside the box in Sarah’s handwriting.No one shines quite as bright as you. Happy birthday, N. Love you with a lowercase l.
“I can’t believe you finally got Nate to cave.” A wide smile stretched across her face.
“I can be very persuasive,” Sarah said. “Also, can we talk about how fitting it is that you had me come out to the Hamptons last year to celebrate your birthday unknowingly!?” Sarah gave Nell’s thigh a playful push.
“How on earth did you get Nate to crack? For being as chatty as he can be, he is usually pretty good at keeping secrets.” Nell’s giggles filled Sarah from the inside out.
“Now, why would I share my tactics with you? I might need them in the future.” She pressed a kiss to Nell’s cheek, breathing in that signature woody scent. “Do you like them?” She gestured to the box in Nell’s hand.
“I love them. They’re absolutely perfect.”
The following afternoon, Sarah pulled into the parking lot of a large warehouse. Several other cars were already there.
“Are you going to tell me what we’re doing yet?” Nell asked from the passenger seat.
“Nope. You’ll find out in a minute. Put this on,” she said, handing her a blindfold and slipping around to the other side of the car.
“You know I’m pretty much good, giving, and game for anything, but what exactly are we doing?” she said, fingers tracing over the fabric of the eye mask Sarah had handed her.
“Be patient,” Sarah insisted.