Love and legacy

ter:

arm clock. Groaning, she rolled out of her cozy bed and stumbled towards her desk. The

already peeking through her window, a not-so-gentle reminder that there was no time to waste. She hadn't slept well for the

licked to the screen, and she couldn't help but let out another sigh. It was Becca, her sister. Who else could it be? Of course, t

accepted the call. "Hey, sis," she greeted, f

ht to the point. "Where are you? Do

ose than the computer in front of her; that would only derail the conversation

, even over the phone. "Oh, Chris

call what they had planned for this day. As far as she could reme

working right now

ied, grinning at her little white lie. At least B

up here, like right

rtney protested. "What's

even talk to you right now. You're impossible!" With that

birthday – her twenty-seventh, in fact – and here she was, still lounging around

on earth could she have forgotten her own birthday? Well, lately, birthdays had become less

didn't make it any less true. Courtney had long-term ambition

go-getter be up to if not strategizing and analy

*

oard a luxurious mid size yacht, surrounded by a surprise birt

or her. At first, Courtney had refused to wear such a bold and reve

ouldn't help but feel out of place. Well, at least she recognized a few faces in the crowd. S

he partying type, nor was she particularly social. Her world revolved arou

vited. "Hey, I've heard so much about you from t

ith men was complicated; she could make a solid first impression, but her views on them were somewhat stereotypical. In her e

man toasted, raising his glass of wine

d left without attempting

me?" Becca asked, sudden

er eyes. "Probably some guy you d

" Becca whispered conspiratorial

gs could get awkward. Romantic relationships weren't her thing.

mage of Mr. Smith, the founder, owner, and current CEO of the WEB business network, flickered to life. To her, though, he was mor

tonight," Mr. Smith announced. "But I hope my spirit does." He chuckled

chedule as a big-time businessman. In fact, if it weren't for

use of you. So, I have a little token for you – a birthday present, as some might call it. It was all Becca's idea. We are ho

asked, unimpressed yet slightly shocked. She hadn't bothered to ask whose boat they were o

ecca teased, her eyes

nboard for the rest of my life," Cour

aren't you?" Becca asked, dis

g..." Courtney starte

at your party!" Becca interrupted

around, her jaw

______