Chapter 83: Don't Let Her Get Away

Byron was in the middle of trying to assess the value of his slowly growing stock portfolio when he was interrupted by the doorbell. He was expecting a courier from the office, but it was his old friend, Nathan.

"Hey, come in," Byron said crustily.

"You're being turtle-y again," Nathan stated, making himself comfortable on the living room couch. "You won't take my calls, and you barely reply to my texts."

"Maybe your texts with so-called funny memes can wait while I make life and death business decisions?" Byron said.

"Ouch. Are you saying my texts are not funny?"

"I'm just a little busy."

"Not too busy to host a whole pack of wild hounds," Nathan said, patting the two dogs who came over to sniff him.

"I don't remember the last time I walked my own dogs," Byron said.

"I know you're putting your business empire back in order and all that," Nathan said, pouring himself a drink, "but surely by now you're back on solid ground?"

"I believe I am," Byron agreed. "And I'm sorry I hav