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lemoncrushh · 7 months ago

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Too Far From Texas | Chapter Six

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 5716

Since I didn’t have to be back home until 2:30 when Jasmine got home from school, Lorelei and I slept in and ordered room service for breakfast before heading out on the road. We’d received a group text from our agent Kris, informing us that we’d nearly doubled the sales from the Houston book signing, and she was eager to book us for a longer tour, possibly starting with Dallas, but she’d let us know the details before the end of the day on Friday. I reminded her that if at all possible, I’d rather not start until Wednesday since Tuesday was Halloween and I wanted to be with my kids. She said she understood and would do all she could.

When I arrived home, I quickly unpacked and dropped a load of laundry in the washer to get it out of the way. Then I made a cup of coffee and sat on the sofa with my phone. I hadn’t talked to Harry since the texts the night before, and I was anticipating at least one new one or perhaps a voicemail, but I was a little disappointed when I found nothing.

Deciding it was still early, I sent him a short message saying I hoped he was having a good day. Then I texted Tod to ask how Jasmine’s doctor’s appointment had gone. I was relieved when he said it went fine, just an increase in pill dosage, and that she’d been smiling that morning when she left on the school bus.

The girls were both happy to see me when they got home that afternoon, and we all sat in front of the TV and ate ice cream and watched SpongeBob before they both retreated to their rooms while I prepared dinner.

I wasn’t sure why, but I found myself checking my phone every ten minutes, hoping to see Harry’s name pop up. I laughed at myself and shook my head. I was being ridiculous. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours and already I was expecting some sort of reassurance. So, I’d had the nightmare, big deal. He didn’t know anything about it for one thing, and he definitely didn’t know how it had thrown me for a loop. Plus, he was busy. In fact, I didn’t even know exactly where he was - if he was still in Chicago or had left already for another city.

After dinner I was trying to distract myself by watching a sitcom when I heard my phone ping on the table. Lorelei.

Hey look at your boy.

Underneath was a link to an online article titled Boy Band Star Goes Solo. I rolled my eyes at the term but tapped on the link anyway, muting the TV and sitting back to read it. The subtitle was more encouraging: Former One Direction Singer Harry Styles Creates the Album the World Has All Been Waiting For.

Duh! Of course! The album was coming out the next day. I was an idiot; I’d completely forgotten about the release date. I’d already spent nearly two weeks enjoying the album in private. Now the rest of the word was going to hear it.

That was why I hadn’t heard from him. Of course he would have been busy all day.

Rolling my eyes once again, but this time at myself for being such a dimwit, I read the positive article. By the end, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. It was a rave review. I was so incredibly proud.

I was about to reply to Lorelei when I noticed at the bottom of the page was a link to something else about Harry. Clicking on it, I saw a collage of photos, all from various stages of his career. The young photos made me giggle, the more recent ones made me swoon. Goodness, he was a looker.

The bottom of that page, however, took me to something I immediately wished I hadn’t seen.

Harry Styles in Chicago with New Girlfriend? read the caption. Girlfriend?

I inspected the handful of photos. To anyone it would look as though he was out shopping. He was standing by a counter, he was outside on the sidewalk, he was laughing. Nothing out of the ordinary. But it was the final word that made my stomach flip. In all of the photos, he was standing next to a female. I couldn’t see much more than her profile, but she was definitely pretty. And in the final photo, they were embracing.

I wanted to throw up. Not just because I was jealous, but because I felt like I was far too old to be. Jealousy was for young, insecure girls, not grown women.

Deciding I’d seen enough, I tossed my phone on the sofa and walked down the hall to get the girls ready for bed. Emery automatically pressed play on the CD player, Harry’s voice booming through the speakers. My jaw set, I walked over to it and pressed stop.

“Mommy!” whined Emery.

“No music tonight, Em,” I shook my head. “I don’t feel that great. Just go get your shower, okay?”

“Okay,” she frowned, heading for the bathroom.

As Emery showered, I helped Jasmine change into her pajamas, gave her a drink of water with her medicine, and tucked her into bed. When I turned out the light, Emery had returned to her room, her hair still wet as she danced naked to no music. She giggled when she saw me, quickly pulling her pajamas from her drawer. I towel dried her hair the best I could before she brushed it and climbed into her bed.

“Tomorrow’s Friday,” she sang as she held her arms out for me to hug her.

“I know,” I kissed her.

“Are we going to look for a costume again?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

Emery cheered, pumping her fists.

“Did you see Harry?” she asked.

I looked at her, confused. “When?”

“When you were away.”

“No, baby,” I replied. “I was in San Antonio. Harry’s in...Chicago. Or he was.”

“Oh.”

I smiled as I recalled. “I did talk to him on FaceTime though.”

“You did? I wanna FaceTime him! Can I?”

I chuckled. “We’ll see. Get to sleep, monkey.”

Giving her another kiss, I turned out the light and shut the door, returning to the living room. With slight hesitation, I picked up my phone again. Lorelei had sent another text.

Did you read it?

I hastily texted her back.

Yes. It was great.

I thought so too. I feel proud of him, even though I don’t really know him.

I sent her a simple smiling emoji.

Tell him congratulations from me.

Ok.

You ok?

Lorelei knew me too well. She knew that my short replies could only mean I was not in the best of moods.

Yeah, just tired. I think I’m turning in early.

Ok. See you in the morning.

With a sigh, I switched off the TV that was now showing an old episode of Everybody Loves Raymond and turned out the lights as I headed toward my bedroom. I changed into my night clothes, washed my face and brushed my teeth vigilantly before pulling back the comforter.

When I climbed into bed, the cool of the sheets hitting my toes, I breathed in and out slowly. My stomach was in knots. And the thing about it was, I was more upset with myself than anything. I knew better than to think the worst of Harry, but even so, we had yet to put a label on our relationship.

I laughed at myself again. Relationship. Harry and I flirted on the phone. That was it.

Still, curiosity getting the better of me, I reached for my phone and brought up the page again with the photos. He was most definitely in Chicago in them. In fact, he was at Macy’s at the FAO Schwarz toy store. That seemed like an odd place for him to be.

I took a closer look at each photo, as though looking harder would make me feel any less anxious. He seemed as though he was having a good time. But other than the final photo where he and the girl were hugging, they didn’t make any physical contact at all.

I huffed, turning the ringer off and dropping the phone back on the night stand. It could have been anyone. A friend. They could have even just run into each other while he was out and about. It didn’t mean anything.

Rolling over onto my side, I switched off the lamp and buried my hands underneath my pillow. I made myself promise not to jump to conclusions, that I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt. There was no reason to assume anything until I could hear him out.

I just wished he’d call.

The next morning, I made my coffee before I got Jasmine up for school. My fingers itched to reach for my phone, but I made myself wait until later. After Jaz left, I took a shower and woke Emery. As I was getting dressed, I finally decided to check for any messages. My stomach flipped again when I saw I had a voicemail from Harry.

“Hi baby. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to call you before now. I’m in LA. It’s 10PM here, which makes it midnight where you are. I reckoned you’d be asleep, but I just wanted to leave you a message. You should be receiving a box from the post sometime tomorrow...or today I should say. It’s for Emery, but it’s a surprise so don’t tell her it’s from me until she opens it, okay? I um...I miss you...and um…”

I heard a slight pause then as he sounded like he was trying to gather his thoughts.

“I...I’ll try to text you or something tomorrow, but it’s gonna be a fucking...wicked busy day…” he chuckled. “So if I don’t, please know I’m still thinking about you. Always. Goodnight, love.”

I was a moron. Here I was worried that he had some other girlfriend while he was getting ready for the biggest day of his career. And to top it off, he was sending my daughter a package. Yeah, somebody shoot me and put me out of my misery because first class moron right here.

“It has to be a friend of his,” Lorelei insisted as she scrolled through the photos of Harry that I’d told her about. “Or maybe someone in the industry. His manager or producer or something.”

“I would think if it was someone like that, the press would have known her name,” I remarked. ��But you’re right. It’s probably a friend. Maybe someone he happened to run into while he was in Chicago.”

“Exactly, hon,” Lorelei nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “And by what you told me he said in his voicemail, I don’t think you have a thing to worry about.”

“You’re right, you’re right,” I threw my hands up and sunk into my chair. “I knew that, I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else.”

Lorelei smiled as she perched on my desk like usual. “So have you read any more reviews?”

“I haven’t had a chance yet,” I replied, “but I noticed he’s already number one on iTunes and he’s trending on Twitter.”

“Of course he is. I think he has the record for the most followers or likes or something.”

I quirked a brow. “How do you know that?”

Lorelei rose from my desk, a smug look on her face. “I know things.”

I laughed as she strode out of my office, flipping her blonde locks.

I took the opportunity then to download the album from iTunes. Although I’d already been listening to the CD in my car, I felt like contributing and showing my support was the least I could do. As Harry’s voice sang through my computer speakers, I began pulling up any review or mention of him I could find, reading all of it. Every single article gave him praise.

“Don’t be expecting the sugary bubblegum pop of 'What Makes You Beautiful'. The One Direction singer has grown up, maturing into a solid musician in his own right.”

“If any pop singer was thought to do well this year, it was Harry Styles. And he’s proven it with his solo album. Giving nods to some of his musical influences, it’s a taste of the old and current, dipped in something completely new and his own.”

“The world didn’t know what hit it when Harry Styles graced the silver screen in his first major motion picture. Now he’s done it again with his first solo album, proving that this is his world and the rest of us are just living in it.”

By the time the last track started, I was giddy. I was in heaven, my eyes glistening with tears. I was so happy that everyone was enjoying the album as much as I was. I was so incredibly proud. I wanted to hug him.

After Lorelei and I returned from lunch, we were on a conference call with Kris, setting up our plans for what she referred to as the official book tour for The Loving Kind.

“So here’s the idea,” stated Kris. “I know I said we’d probably do Dallas, and we will. But I’ve rearranged some things that I think would suit better. Instead of starting with Dallas, we’re actually gonna do it last.”

“Last?” I inquired. I loved how Kris always talked about Lorelei and me in terms of “we”. As though she’d be going too.

“Yes. We’re gonna start in New York.”

“Yay!” cheered Lorelei as my jaw dropped. I hadn’t realized we’d be venturing out that far.

“Why New York?”

“Because it’s The place to launch a bestseller. And besides, your story’s set there. I’ve already booked you for the Barnes and Noble at Union Square for the third, and…”

“The third?” I sounded. “That’s next Friday.”

“Yes ma’am,” said Kris. “You’ll be flying out on Wednesday afternoon. You arrive in New York at 10:55PM.”

I looked at Lorelei and we both shrugged. Alright then.

Kris continued to give us our travel plans, the itinerary and hotel reservations. Then she went on to tell us the list of cities we’d be visiting after New York: Chicago, Nashville and Dallas. When we hung up the call, my head was spinning. This was really happening. Lorelei and I were actually going on a book tour.

“Look!” exclaimed Lorelei a couple hours later as I made my way to my desk after a bathroom break. She was holding up her phone, but I couldn’t quite make what she was showing me until I got closer. It was a tweet from The Late Late Show with James Corden.

“Tonight: @Harry_Styles and @kevinhart4real.” Underneath was a selfie of the two of them with James.

“Oh my God!” I shrieked, a little too loudly.

Lorelei giggled as she danced beside me. “Your boyfriend’s gonna be on the Late Late Show.”

“Stop it,” I chuckled, lightly slapping her arm.

“Look at him, he looks so cute!” she said, holding up her phone again.

I took a closer look at the picture, but mostly taken back by how green his eyes looked. I must have been staring for a few seconds when I heard Lor whisper.

“You miss him, don’t you?”

I glared at her. “I…”

I stood there with my mouth open, but no words came out. Lorelei blinked slowly as she nodded. Then she turned around to head back to her office.

“I...I just talked to him the other day!” I finally called out.

“Uh huh.”

“He just texted me last night!” I argued, catching up with her.

“I know,” Lorelei nodded again, gathering a few papers from her desk.

“How can I miss him already?”

“It’s okay, Stace, you’re allowed to miss him.”

“Lor!”

She turned to look at me, her right eyebrow raised.

“Are you gonna shut the door, or are you just gonna stand there yelling at me?”

Finally realizing I was standing inside her office, I turned around and closed the door behind me. I heard Lorelei chuckle low as her heels clicked across the hard floor. I twirled around swiftly, my hands on my hips.

“What are you laughing at?” I scoffed, the writer in me knowing better than to end a sentence with a preposition.

“You,” she replied. “No, I’m not laughing at you. I just think it’s adorable.”

“It’s not adorable,” I narrowed my eyes. “None of this is adorable.”

“Then what is it?” she asked, stopping at the end of her desk to drop a couple papers in the shredder.

“It’s…” I paused, trying to find the best term. “Unfortunate.”

“How so?” Lor sat in her chair, crossing her arms.

“Because...he’s in LA...and I’m here. And he’s super busy and super famous and...and I don’t know if I’m ever going to see him again. Oh God!” I groaned as I leaned against the door.

“Stace,” said Lorelei softly, “It’s okay to miss him. I told you, I don’t think it’s silly. He likes you, I know he does. He wouldn’t be texting you and FaceTiming you and sending you flowers and buying you coffee if he didn’t. If I’m being honest, I think he’s as smitten as you are, maybe even more.”

I ran a hand through my hair and stood up straight. “Yeah?”

“Mmm hmm,” she nodded. “And if it’s in the cards, when the time is right, you’ll see each other again.”

I smiled, releasing a huge breath. “Thanks, Lor.”

“Anytime,” she beamed. “Now let me finish this before the hour’s up.”

I retreated back to my own office then, starting Harry’s album over again, admittedly missing him like crazy.

“Can I open it now?” Emery asked, bouncing in her chair.

“Yes,” I rolled my eyes with a smirk.

The package had arrived while we were eating dinner, but I’d told Emery to wait until we were finished, and afterwards we would go shopping for her Halloween costume. She giggled with glee as she grabbed the box and tried to rip it open.

“Hang on, Em,” I instructed, walking over to her with the scissors. I slit open the tape, allowing her to open the box the rest of the way.

“Oh! My! God!” she screamed when she saw what was inside. “I don’t believe it! It’s a Lapis Lazuli costume!”

My eyes about popped out of their sockets. “Are you kidding me?”

“Look!” Emery exclaimed, pulling a blue dress from the box and holding it up. “Oh my gosh, there’s wings!”

Dropping the dress, she reached in again and held out a set of clear wings that to me almost looked like dripping water. I’d never seen anything like it.

“Wow!” I breathed, picking the dress off the floor and examining it. “I can’t believe he did this.”

“And a wig!” screeched Emery. I chuckled when she pulled out a bright blue wig from the box. “Can I try it on, Mommy?”

“Of course,” I nodded.

In two seconds, Emery had her clothes off, ready to try on the dress. I helped her with the zipper in the back and attached her wings. I smiled as she twirled around. It fit perfectly. Then I went to the bathroom, returning with a hair tie and pins so I could pin her hair back for the wig. The blue hair made her eyes pop.

“You make a beautiful blue crayon,” I teased.

“It’s Lapis Lazuli!” she enunciated every syllable.

“Oh, okay then,” I smirked. “You look fantastic. Do you like it?”

“Yes!” she bounced on her toes.

“We need to thank Harry.”

“Yeah! Let’s FaceTime him!”

I laughed and shook my head. “He’s very busy today, monkey. He probably can’t talk right now. But how about we make a video and send it to him?”

“Okay!”

I grabbed my phone, preparing it for the video. I instructed Emery where to stand and to be sure to tell him thank you.

“Hi, Harry!” she beamed, shifting her body from side to side. “Thank you for the Lapis Lazuli costume you sent me! I love it sooooo much. And I love you!”

As she said her final words, she jumped up and down, then ran closer to the phone to pucker her lips and blow Harry a kiss. I tried my best not to giggle until I stopped the video. Setting up a text for Harry, I typed a quick message saying that it was from Emery, then added the video and sent it. Then I gently helped her take the costume off and put it back in the box where it would wait until Halloween.

I stayed up to watch The Late Late Show. I was exhausted, and I knew I very easily could have set the DVR, but I wanted to watch it when it aired.

My heart fluttered in my chest when James announced Harry’s name, and the door to “the blue room” opened. He looked amazing. I could barely take in what he was saying to James as the audience cheered. Or maybe it was the cheering coming from my own head. Either way, I was ecstatic to see him, and so was everyone else.

The interview was both comical and insightful. James, having known Harry for quite some time, was very candid with him, but also knew what questions to ask about his album and solo career. It was apparent that he was just as proud of him as I was. Kevin Hart, who sat next to Harry, made me laugh so hard I was crying. Overall, it was a fantastic show.

Then came the performance. Although I knew there wasn’t another musical guest, and James had made it a point to mention that Harry would be performing his new single for the first time on television, in my mind I suppose I was still trying to grasp the reality of it. It wasn’t until they came back from commercial break and James introduced him once again, that I finally knew it was happening for real.

I was on the edge of my seat, my hands rubbing their sweat off on the knees of my pajama pants. I sucked in my lips as he began to sing, my own nerves for him taking over. But he didn’t seem nervous in the least. In fact, by the time the chorus kicked in, I knew he was in his element, and he actually made me feel at ease. Soon I was singing along with him, a huge grin on my face as I bounced gently on the couch.

When the song was over, James returned, giving Harry a hug and a goodbye to his studio and television audiences. As the credits rolled, I watched the people cheer and clap as Reggie and his band played the outro. But the best part of all was the charismatic smile on Harry’s face as he conversed with James. He exuded pure joy and pride. And I felt myself slipping further into whatever it was I had already started to feel for him.

I couldn’t sleep. Although I’d been tired before the show, my brain was buzzing afterwards. I laid in the darkness until I decided the point was moot and I turned on my phone. I scrolled through a few more articles about Harry, including one about that night’s performance, again all positive. The world adored Harry.

I wondered what he was doing. My fingers itched to text him, but I knew it would just go unnoticed, at least for now. As I read one more short snippet, my phone pinged and my face lit up. Harry.

Tell Emery she is very welcome. And she makes a beautiful Lapis Lazuli.

Thanks :) Will do.

Two seconds after I sent my reply, my phone rang and my heart beat out of my chest.

“Hi!” I answered.

“You’re awake,” he said. I could hear noises in the background.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I replied. “Exciting day.”

“Oh yeah? What happened? I mean besides the costume of course.”

I laughed. “You, silly.”

“Me?”

“I’m so proud of you.”

Harry made that little contented sound he’d made during our first major phone conversation. “Thank you, baby.”

“So how does the world’s biggest star end his biggest day?” I asked him.

“I um...I’m at a party. A small party. At Jeff’s.

“Oh.” I knew who Jeff was only by reading. He was Harry’s manager as well as a close friend. “That sounds fun.”

“Yeah. I walked outside to watch Emery’s video. I’m glad she likes it.”

“She’s ecstatic. I can’t thank you enough, Harry. You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s no problem, love. I was happy to do it. Although I have to thank my friend Jen for helping me.”

“Jen?”

“She’s Cindy’s cousin. Cindy Crawford?”

I stuttered, trying to get my words out. Who? What?

Harry chuckled. “Cindy’s a good friend of mine. Her cousin Jen was in Chicago while I was there. I ran into her at the toy store when I was hoping maybe I could find the costume.”

“Oh,” I sounded, the pieces connecting in my mind. “Jen.”

“She was there with her little girl,” Harry continued. “I couldn’t find the costume and she suggested I contact a specialty store that she’d bought from before. They didn’t have any in stock, so I had to have it ordered and sent to you.”

I sighed a shaky breath. Once again, first class moron.

“Harry,” I managed to say.

“Yes, love?”

“You’re something special.”

“Hmm. So are you.”

I swallowed hard. There was so much more I wanted to say. Like how he deserved everything that came to him, and then some. Sure, he was talented and worked hard. But he was also a kind soul. Someone who was willing to go out of his way for someone he cared about, or even someone he hardly knew. I’d never met anyone like him in my life. And if I thought about it too much, it might’ve overwhelmed me. Instead, I cleared my throat.

“I’ll let you get back to your party.”

“Okay, baby,” he said softly. “Sleep well.”

I hung up, laying my phone on the night stand. I curled up on my side with a contented smile on my face. I hadn’t told Harry about New York and the book tour. Today wasn’t about that, or me at all. It was his day. And all was right with the world.

The next two days flew by. I did my grocery shopping on Saturday with the girls, although I didn’t buy that much since I would be leaving in a few days. I was still on a high from the previous day, and the fact that I didn’t hear from Harry at all didn’t even bother me. It just meant he was busy, as he should be, and it made my heart swell.

My mother came over for Sunday dinner, a tradition we’d begun after the divorce for the weekends in which I had the kids. I made a roast with potatoes and carrots, she provided a squash casserole and a pecan pie.

As we ate, she made her usual discussion about her until it shifted to me. I informed her that I would be heading to New York in a couple of days for the book signing and that Jasmine and Emery would be staying with Tod. Although she didn’t care for that, she knew it was for the best.

“You know you can work it out with him if you wanna take them for the weekend or something,” I said.

She made a face. “We’ll see.”

We then got on the subject of Halloween, and I cringed when Emery jumped up and told my mom she wanted to show her her costume. As she ran to her room, my mother looked at me.

“So, you found something?”

“Kind of…” I started, interrupted by Emery’s return.

“Look!” she exclaimed, dropping the box next to my mother’s feet. She pulled out the dress and wings. “I’m gonna be Lapis Lazuli!”

“Do huh?” my mom asked, making Emery giggle.

“It’s a character from Steven Universe!”

“That’s pretty,” my mother smiled. “I bet that looks great on you.”

I held in my breath as Emery, bless her heart, nodded and dropped the costume back in the box and ran back to her bedroom with it.

“What time’s your flight Wednesday?” my mom inquired, changing the subject.

Any other time, that would have drove me up the wall. But this time I was grateful. If Emery had spilled the beans about Harry, we would have gone into a round of twenty questions. I just wasn’t ready to divulge any information on Harry Styles, how I knew him, and why he had sent my nine-year-old a Halloween costume.

Later that evening, however, while the two of us were playing cards at my kitchen table, Harry texted me.

Just wanted to say I miss you x

I miss you too, I texted him back with a grin.

What are you doing?

Playing gin rummy with my mother

Oh, hi mum!

I giggled, resting my chin in my hand as I tried to concentrate on my cards in the other.

“Stacey,” my mom scoffed, “that’s rude.”

“What?” I furrowed my brows.

“Texting someone while I’m here.”

I rolled my eyes. Whatever.

Are you winning?

Yes

Good. Can I call you tonight?

You can call me anytime, Harry.

Even with your mum there?

She’s leaving soon. Probably about an hour.

“Stacey, do you want that card?”

“No,” I shook my head and drew a new card from the pile.

She’d love me anyway.

I laughed again.

I have no doubt. Even though she’s giving me the evil eye right now.

Oops. Off to my last interview of the day. Call you later.

Can’t wait.

My mom ended up staying until it was time to put the girls to bed, but fortunately Harry didn’t call before then. She requested that I call her when I arrived in New York, but I reminded her that my flight got in late, an hour later than Texas, and she would be asleep. She settled on my agreeing to text her when I landed, and she would call me the next morning.

I’d already changed into my pajamas, brushed my teeth, and was rummaging through my closet when my ringtone sounded.

“Hey you,” I said, quickly putting him on speaker so I could have my hands free.

“God, it’s good to hear your voice,” he groaned.

I smiled. “You just heard it two days ago.”

“Are you in bed?” he asked, sidestepping my remark, but also adding to the fire.

“No,” I chuckled. “I’m going through my closet, trying to decide what to pack.”

“Pack for what?”

“Well, Mr. Styles, on Wednesday yours truly and her best friend will be embarking on an adventure. We’re officially doing this book tour thing.”

“Ah, baby, I’m so happy for you. Where are you going?” he inquired.

“We’re starting off in New York City. Then we’re doing Chicago, Nashville and Dallas.”

“Stacey…”

“I’m so nervous and excited at the same time,” I expressed.

“You’ll be in New York on Wednesday?” Harry asked.

“Yeah. Well, late that night. Is New York cold the first of November? It probably is, huh? I should pack a coat.”

“Stacey. Baby…”

“Yes?”

“I’ll be in New York this week,” he announced.

My throat suddenly felt dry and the blood rushed to my head. “What?”

“Yeah,” Harry chuckled. “I’m recording Ellen’s show in the morning. It’s gonna be airing on Tuesday, but by then I’ll be in New York. I’ll be there until Saturday.”

“Harry!” I exclaimed.

“It’s fate, baby,” he said.

“Oh my God,” I clutched a fist to my chest.

“I mean...I’m assuming you wanna see me,” he teased.

“Are you kidding?” I squealed, making Harry laugh.

“What time’s your flight?” he asked.

“Late,” I replied. “It doesn’t get in til almost eleven.”

“Oh. Well, we’ll work it out. No worries. I’m not about to miss seeing you.”

“I can’t believe this,” I sighed, dropping my shoes on the closet floor and crawling onto the bed. The packing was suddenly unimportant.

“It’s meant to be, Stacey,” said Harry, his voice low.

“Yeah.”

Lying down on the pillow, I listened to Harry tell me some of his schedule for the week. It was all so thrilling, and I continued to be full of pride for him, though I couldn’t help but wonder how I could fit into all of it. But he reassured me by expressing his excitement of seeing me again, as though I was top priority.

We talked into the night until he finally insisted I get some sleep. My thoughts were too much of a whirlwind to fall asleep though. I was going to see Harry again. In person. In the flesh! Holy shit, was I nervous. I was more nervous than I was that night he came to my apartment. I was more nervous than I was before either of my previous book signings. I tossed and turned for over an hour until I finally got up to make some decaf herbal tea.

As I sat at my kitchen table, my head rested in my hands, it finally occurred to me why I was so nervous. It was because of something Harry had said on the phone.

“I plan on seeing you again,” he’d said. “And I plan on taking you out. And I’m gonna kiss you again.”

My body shook as I let out a breath. He’d also made a comment about his hotel bed being lonely, and he’d wished he was holding me. I knew what that implied. I wasn’t naive. But I suppose at the time I hadn’t expected to see him again, not really. Sure, I’d hoped, but I guess I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen. Now it was going to. I was going to be with him and…

Yeah. I was nervous as hell.

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Also, if you enjoy my writing, please consider joining my Patreon!

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mika-0730 · 11 months ago

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So i hear you wanna hear about my time at Best Buy

A few years ago i worked for the Best Buy in Round Rock, Texas and hurricane Harvey was hitting Houston and in Austin (where we were). Despite the fact the computer staff was almost ALWAYS understaffed, for some reason they had all the team on board that day.

It was raining, HARD. I get a text from my now ex freaking out because their family lived in Houston who was getting it WAY worse. I went to my boss like "hey so it's a hurricane outside, my (ex) is having a panic attack, and we have a full staff here I'm leaving". To which my GM said "alright hope everything with them is okay!" And let me leave, while the sales floor manager gave me a look and a "Why though, you can't do anything for them right now".

Fast forward a few months to a supervisor interview, where the person interviewing me said someone like "We aren't going to promote you even if your team is the best in the district and you're the best seller in the store, we don't feel like you're dedicated to the business enough. You take a lot of days off and you left early during that hurricane, like, you couldn't do anything there you should have worked".

That was the moment that broke me there and i knew i was out. A month later i had a new job and put in my resignation right before Black Friday. The GM threw a FIT, including bad mouthing me in front of customers even though he literally denied me both a promotion and a lateral job change to geek squad, where i really wanted to go.

I ended up helping out for the holidays too, but in the most "i don't give a fuck" way, including the last day where I slept after my other job and got a call like "uhhh are you coming in" and i said "lol no"

Anyway fuck you Round Rock Best Buy, Best buy in general, and Kris Martin

#mika's adventures #fuck best buy fr #fuck retail

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vibranttexas · 4 months ago

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Things to Know Before Moving to Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

Texas is a land of vast opportunities, diverse landscapes, and a culture all its own. Whether you're moving for work, seeking adventure, or just ready for a change of pace, the Lone Star State has something to offer everyone. Before you pack up your belongings and head south, here are some things you should know to make your move smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Size Matters

Texas is massive. It’s the second-largest state in the U.S., behind Alaska, and driving from one end to the other can take over 12 hours. That means everything from road trips to daily commutes may involve a lot of driving. Be prepared to spend time behind the wheel, and make sure your vehicle is in top shape!

Pro Tip: Get used to the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” – because it's true for highways, cities, and even weather events!

2. Diverse Climate

One of the most significant misconceptions about Texas is that it's all desert. In reality, the state has a wide variety of climates, ranging from arid in the west to humid and coastal in the east. Summers can be scorching, particularly in central and southern parts, where temperatures often exceed 100°F. Winters vary from mild in cities like Houston to colder snaps in the Panhandle or Dallas.

Recommendation: Make sure your new home has a reliable air conditioning system and, if you're building a shed or cabin, consider insulation and ventilation to withstand the heat.

3. Cost of Living

Texas is known for having a lower cost of living compared to other states like California and New York. Cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas offer affordable housing options, but costs can be higher in rapidly growing areas like Austin. Property taxes are higher than the national average, which can surprise new residents, especially those moving from states with lower rates.

Fun Fact: Texas has no state income tax! However, that’s balanced by higher property and sales taxes.

4. Texan Pride is Real

Texans are fiercely proud of their state. From the state flag flying high to BBQ cookouts and Friday night football games, the sense of community and local pride is palpable. If you’re moving from out of state, embracing the local culture will help you settle in more smoothly. Learn the basics of Texas history, pick up some local slang, and you’ll fit right in.

5. Job Market and Economy

Texas has a robust economy with thriving industries in technology, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Cities like Austin have emerged as tech hubs, attracting startups and large companies. Houston remains a global energy leader, particularly in oil and gas. This strong economy, coupled with Texas' friendly business climate, makes it a great place for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

6. Outdoor Adventure

If you love the outdoors, Texas won’t disappoint. The state is home to everything from vast plains and deserts to lush forests and stunning coastlines. You can hike in Big Bend National Park, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the Texas Hill Country. For nature lovers, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Pro Tip: Invest in a sturdy shed or cabin for your outdoor gear. Having a dedicated space for bikes, fishing equipment, or camping gear will make it easy to take advantage of all that Texas has to offer.

7. Friendly People

You’ll hear this a lot: Texans are friendly. The state's strong sense of hospitality means you’ll likely be greeted with a warm welcome. Neighbors are quick to lend a hand, and people generally look out for one another. Expect to engage in more conversations with strangers than you might be used to – it’s just part of the charm.

8. Transportation and Infrastructure

Texas’ public transportation infrastructure is not as extensive as in places like New York or Chicago. If you’re moving to a big city, like Houston or Dallas, you’ll likely need a car to get around. While some cities, like Austin, are trying to expand public transit, most Texans rely heavily on their vehicles.

A Recommendation for New Texans: Consider a Shed or Cabin

Whether you're settling in a city or a more rural area, having a quality shed or cabin on your property can be incredibly useful. Texans love the outdoors, and with the state's variable climate and vast landscapes, a shed provides valuable storage space and even expands your living area.

Benefits of a Shed or Cabin in Texas:

Storage for Outdoor Equipment: If you plan on hiking, hunting, or enjoying water activities, a shed is a great place to store all your gear.

Extra Living Space: Many Texans use sheds as guest cabins, workshops, or even home offices. With a bit of insulation and some creative touches, a shed can become a cozy space for you or your guests.

Weather Protection: Texas weather can be unpredictable. High-quality sheds are built to withstand the heat, wind, and rain. Make sure to invest in a shed with durable materials to protect your belongings year-round.

Customization: Cabin sheds are incredibly customizable, whether you want a rustic, countryside look or a more modern, practical design. You can add ventilation, insulation, windows, and even solar panels to enhance the usability of the space.

Conclusion

Moving to Texas is an exciting adventure, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you make the transition. From the hot summers to the warm hospitality, Texas has a lot to offer, and knowing what to expect will make your move much smoother. And as you settle in, consider adding a shed or cabin to your property. Not only will it add value, but it will also make life in Texas a little more comfortable and organized.

Welcome to Texas, y’all!

#texas #texas news #texaslatinas

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the-dust-jacket · 1 year ago

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Texas' HB 900 is designed to prevent bookshops from selling to school libraries and classrooms.

It's not just a censorship bill -- it's a genuine threat to indie bookshops in the state. It's partly ignorance (some lawmakers who voted on the bill clearly had no idea how bookselling works) and partly malice (some hate the idea of school libraries with any degree of autonomy at all), but the motives don't matter when the result is the same: putting even more pressure on the local bookshop.

Bookselling is a business with thin margins, even more so in children's books, and school orders are an incredibly valuable source of sales -- especially for stores that pride themselves on their kidlit selection.

Or, as Valerie Koehler over at Blue Willow says:

“The practical part is the biggest part to us as a business,” she said. “There’s certainly a component of this complaint that is about the First Amendment and the legality of the law. We approach it from a business standpoint, by and large.”

Koehler said a big statement of her store is that they do not judge what books people buying.

“We sell books of all kinds to all people,” she said. “…To now say, ‘Now you do have to judge what you are selling’ is terrible in our mind. As well as the business, the hours that would need to be spent … is untenable.”

Valerie is good people and her shop is a gem. So are Nowhere Books in San Antonio, BookPeople in Austin, and all the other small businesses speaking out against this invasive, broadly worded and insidiously anti-education nonsense.

#Texas SB 900 #censorship #kidlit #Blue Willow Books #in which the culture wars comes for my day job #Texas politics

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alexcalder · 7 months ago

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🙶 be the wolf, not the sheep 🙸

— BASICS

name: Alexander Hannes Calder age / d.o.b.: 36 / 27.10.1988 gender, pronouns & sexuality: cis man, he/him, heterosexual / heteroromantic hometown: Houston, Texas affiliation: the Syndicate job position: hitman / contract killer education: college drop out relationship status: dating Elizabeth Beaufort children: Beau & Lilou Beaufort Calder positive traits: patient, skilled, disciplined, strategic, protective negative traits: ruthless, acerbic, aggressive, competitive, stubborn

intro. / about. / wanted connections. / musings.

— HEADCANONS

various trigger warnings apply, mainly mentions including; drug use/sale, murder, lots of underage illegal stuff, etc

Alexander was born with heterochromia; his eyes are blue and he has a patch of brown on his left eye. he has a few scars, and a couple from when he was a kid, with the biggest being a long scar down his ribs on the right side since the accident.

after his brother’s death, Alexander carried the guilt for his diminish, but was also blamed by the family for being the one responsible for it; he let it happen. So it was adamant to him to always take care of his sister, of whom he is very protective over and had always tried to keep her away from his world, what he has done and what he still does.

when his parents broke up and they were tossed back and forth between them, it wasn’t uncommon for his mother to bring guys over at where they lived when with her. after his father was deployed, his mother couldn’t hide her annoyance of having to care for them entirely on her own; which, she honestly never did.

his mother’s various boyfriends often had odd jobs for him to do, until one of them got him involved in drug dealing and them transporting, because nobody would suspect a child. Alex had pretty much liked that dude, he was solid and always fair with his share. however, he ended up killing him over an argument seven years later, which could probably not have happened if drugs had not been involved.

it was also another of his mom’s lovers that got him into assassinations. he was a pharmacist and he had never guessed the guy was involved in such shady business if he didn’t know not to judge a book by its cover; nothing surprised him. he found out he ended up dead in a barrel somewhere behind a rowdy bar out in the country side a couple of years ago.

even though he was still very young when he got his first assassination job, it didn’t real shake or affect him. thinking back to it, part of him could also blame it on his drug fuelled mindset and views.

as an assassin, Alexander uses different kinds of approach for each mission. nothing is off limits to him; poisoning either gradually or not, shooting has lots of different ways to do this including sniper shots all the way to close range, road accidents depending on opportunity, strangulation, drowning, etc.

even though he always has a plan to follow, he is not one to ever yield an advantage; all that matters is that he gets the job done and remain unnoticed, for the right reasons his plans can be altered. that being said, he also isn’t a stranger to sacrificing an innocent bystander or two if there is no other way around to carry out his mission.

he never feels empathy for his victims, however, he has a moral code and that is; his targets are never children, not women who aint in the business (be it some other mafia boss, or underboss, another hitman, etc), and innocent unless there is absolutely no other way around it.

he has the nickname Hawkeye for his crazy accurate long distance shots. has a reputation for never missing a shot and always get the job done no matter the means.

has a bounty on his head, adamant to pay in cash whoever kills him, and that is a former client of his from over a decade ago, but it doesn’t concern him one bit. It probably has something to do with him killing a very important asset to him, but he doesn’t really care anyway.

Alexander doesn’t really do personal relationships; he doesn’t trust people, he works always alone and anything that has to do with feelings is entirely uninteresting to him. that said, of course, there has been a time or two he has liked someone enough to get a little bit more personal with; but love is a strong word.

he has no clue what his mother is up to, whether she is alive or not, and he downright doesn’t care.

two years ago he left for another assassination to complete for the Syndicate, followed the target to a different county to do so. It took him a month to complete the assignment in order to get everything right, but upon returning he was involved in a car accident. Alexander was forced to spent months in hospital and later in rehab before he could eventually return to New York after all this time. he has only been back for a couple of weeks and would already like to get back down to business.

#wb.intro #— intro ;; about —#various tw #//i didn't proof read the whole thing so i apologize if some shit don't make sense hahah

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trailersforsaletx · 1 year ago

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South Coast Trailers

URL:

Keywords:

Gooseneck Deck Over Flatbed Trailers, Gooseneck Hydraulic Tilt Trailers, Trailer manufacturing, Shipping Containers For Sale

Description:

Looking for a reputable and also sturdy trailer in Texas? Trailersforsaletx.com offers premium products that are constructed to last guaranteeing safety and security when driving in advance. Our group of specialists will aid direct you through our options until we find one best suitable for your hauling demands. Come visit us today.

Owner Name:

Ryan Haehn

Full Address:

10848 Fm 2432 Rd.

Conroe, TX

77302

Phone:

281-223-4898

Business Email:

[email protected]

Operating Hours:

M thru F – 8am until 5pm

Year Found:

2020

Number of Employee:

Under 50

Video URL:

youtube

Social Media Links:

#Youtube

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techbysalman · 4 days ago

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Measuring the Success of Your SEO Campaign with Texas-Based Experts

Introduction

Effective search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns are essential for driving online visibility, increasing traffic, and boosting conversions. However, measuring the success of these campaigns can be challenging without the right metrics and tools. Texas-based SEO experts have a deep understanding of how to track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure your business achieves its online goals. This guide will explore essential metrics, tools, and strategies to help you evaluate the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Why Analytics Matter in SEO

1. Informed Decision-Making

Analytics provide valuable insights that allow businesses to adjust their SEO strategies for optimal results.

2. Performance Tracking

By monitoring key metrics, businesses can track the progress of their campaigns and identify areas for improvement.

3. ROI Evaluation

Understanding which efforts yield the best returns helps allocate resources efficiently.

Key Metrics to Monitor

1. Organic Traffic

Definition: The number of visitors who arrive at your website through unpaid search results.

Why It Matters: Increased organic traffic indicates improved search visibility.

How to Measure: Use Google Analytics to track sessions originating from organic search.

2. Keyword Rankings

Definition: The position of your website for specific keywords in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Why It Matters: Higher rankings lead to increased visibility and traffic.

How to Measure: Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to track keyword rankings.

3. Bounce Rate

Definition: The percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page.

Why It Matters: A high bounce rate may indicate poor user experience or irrelevant content.

How to Measure: Google Analytics provides bounce rate metrics for individual pages.

4. Conversion Rate

Definition: The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action (e.g., making a purchase, filling out a form).

Why It Matters: Conversion rates directly impact revenue and business growth.

How to Measure: Set up goals in Google Analytics to track conversions.

5. Page Load Time

Definition: The time it takes for a web page to fully load.

Why It Matters: Faster loading pages provide better user experiences and rank higher on search engines.

How to Measure: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

6. Backlink Quality and Quantity

Definition: The number and authority of external websites linking to your site.

Why It Matters: High-quality backlinks improve domain authority and search rankings.

How to Measure: Ahrefs and Moz can help track backlinks.

7. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Definition: The percentage of users who click on your link after seeing it in search results.

Why It Matters: A higher CTR suggests effective meta titles and descriptions.

How to Measure: Google Search Console provides CTR data.

Tools Recommended by Texas SEO Agencies

1. Google Analytics

A free tool that provides comprehensive insights into website traffic and user behavior.

2. Google Search Console

Essential for monitoring search performance, indexing issues, and keyword rankings.

3. SEMrush

A powerful tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking rankings.

4. Ahrefs

Excellent for backlink analysis and content research.

5. Moz

Offers tools for tracking keyword rankings, on-page SEO, and link building.

6. Hotjar

Provides heatmaps and session recordings to analyze user behavior on your website.

How Texas SEO Agencies Measure Success

1. Customized KPIs

Texas-based experts tailor KPIs based on your specific business goals, whether it's lead generation, brand awareness, or eCommerce sales.

2. Real-Time Reporting

Many agencies provide dashboards that offer real-time updates on key metrics.

3. Regular Performance Reviews

Monthly or quarterly reviews help assess progress and make data-driven adjustments.

4. Transparent Communication

Agencies like Houston SEO Experts prioritize clear and regular communication about campaign performance.

Tips for Tracking SEO Performance Internally

Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for your business.

Use Multiple Tools: Combine data from different platforms for comprehensive insights.

Focus on Trends: Look at long-term trends rather than day-to-day fluctuations.

Document Changes: Keep a record of major changes to your website or strategy.

Conclusion

Measuring the success of your SEO campaign is essential for achieving sustainable growth in the competitive Texas market. By monitoring key metrics, leveraging powerful tools, and partnering with expert agencies, businesses can optimize their strategies and drive meaningful results. Whether you handle SEO in-house or collaborate with Texas-based experts, tracking performance is the key to long-term success.

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a1routes · 4 days ago

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How Virtual Local Phone Numbers Can Help Your Business Appear More Local and Professional

In today’s highly competitive business environment, perception is key. Customers want to feel that they are dealing with a professional, reliable company that understands their needs. One of the best ways to project this image, especially for businesses with a nationwide or global reach, is by using virtual local phone numbers. At A1 Routes, we offer virtual phone number solutions that help businesses establish a local presence, no matter where they are physically located. Based in the TC Energy Center in Houston, Texas, we’re here to show you how adopting virtual local phone numbers can enhance your company’s professionalism and connect you with customers more effectively.

What Are Virtual Local Phone Numbers?

A virtual local phone number is a phone number that appears to be local to a specific geographic area but isn’t tied to any physical location. These numbers are routed over the internet and can be forwarded to any phone or device of your choice, whether it’s a mobile phone, office phone, or VoIP system. Virtual local numbers are commonly used by businesses to provide the appearance of a local presence, even if the business is located far from that region.

For example, a business based in Houston, Texas, could use a virtual local phone number with a New York area code, giving the impression that the company has an office in New York. This can be incredibly beneficial for businesses seeking to expand their reach and customer base in different regions.

Benefits of Virtual Local Phone Numbers for Your Business

Appear More Local, Build Trust

One of the most significant advantages of using virtual local phone numbers is that it makes your business appear local to different regions. Customers are more likely to trust and engage with a company that has a local presence in their area. When they see a local area code, they feel more confident reaching out, as they assume the company is nearby and understands local needs.

For example, a business that serves multiple cities or countries but doesn’t have a physical presence in each one can still have the appearance of being a local entity in each of those locations. This can increase customer confidence and make them feel more comfortable interacting with your business.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Having a local phone number for each region you serve allows customers to call without incurring long-distance charges, which is especially appealing for small businesses trying to offer affordable customer service. By providing a local point of contact, you also eliminate the frustration of customers having to deal with an out-of-state area code or paying for international calls. This can lead to better customer retention and increased satisfaction.

With virtual local phone numbers, you can create a seamless, hassle-free experience for your customers, ensuring that they can reach you with ease. Whether they’re calling for support, inquiries, or sales, knowing they are calling a local number makes the interaction feel more personal and connected.

Professional Image and Credibility

For a business to look credible, having a professional communication system is a must. A virtual local phone number not only makes your company appear local but also gives your business a more polished and professional appearance. Instead of relying on personal cell phones or generic toll-free numbers, a dedicated local business number offers a clear line of communication that aligns with your brand identity.

In addition to offering a more professional touch, virtual local phone numbers come with advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and automated attendants, which can further elevate the customer experience and streamline internal operations.

Cost-Effective Expansion

Expanding into new regions traditionally required setting up new physical offices and phone lines, which can be costly and time-consuming. However, virtual local phone numbers eliminate this need. You can establish a local presence in any area without the overhead of physical office space. Whether you want to serve customers in a new city, state, or country, you can do so without a huge financial commitment.

For businesses looking to scale or establish a presence in multiple regions, virtual local phone numbers provide a cost-effective way to connect with potential customers without worrying about the expenses associated with traditional expansion.

Easy Call Management

Managing communications for a growing business can quickly become a logistical challenge. With virtual local phone numbers, you can streamline call management through features like call forwarding and routing. Calls made to local numbers can be forwarded to different team members based on your preferences—whether they’re in the office, working remotely, or on the go. This flexibility ensures that no call is missed, and every customer inquiry is addressed promptly.

For example, a customer calling your local number in New York could be routed to a sales representative in your Houston office or to a customer support team member working remotely. This level of efficiency improves your business’s responsiveness and ensures you never miss an important call.

Why Choose A1 Routes for Virtual Local Phone Numbers?

At A1 Routes, we specialize in providing businesses with virtual local phone numbers that cater to your unique communication needs. Whether you’re looking to establish a local presence in a specific city or expand your reach across different regions, our solutions allow you to stay connected with your customers while projecting a professional, local image. Our team works closely with businesses to customize the best phone number solutions that align with their goals.

If you’re ready to enhance your business’s image and communication strategy with virtual local phone numbers, contact us today at 1-347-809-3866. Let us help you grow your business and build stronger connections with customers across the globe.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive business environment, making the right impression is critical to your success. Virtual local phone numbers offer an affordable, effective solution to help your business appear more local, professional, and accessible. Whether you’re expanding into new markets or looking to strengthen your customer relationships, these numbers can improve your communication strategy and boost your business’s credibility. Reach out to A1 Routes today and discover how virtual local phone numbers can take your business to the next level.

#siptrunk solutions #telephony solutions #virtual business phone numbers #virtual local phone numbers #virtual numbers for businesses

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michaelbryanthicks · 4 days ago

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Michael Bryant Hicks

Most recently, Hicks was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Indianapolis-based Apria, Inc. (APR), the nation’s largest provider of home healthcare equipment and in-home clinical services for respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other illnesses. At Apria, he managed all legal and regulatory matters, enterprise risk, and government affairs. This work culminated in March 2022, when Hicks and the Apria management team completed negotiation for the sale of Apria to Owens & Minor, delivering a significant premium to shareholders, while placing the business on a trajectory for future value creation. Prior to Apria, Hicks was the General Counsel of Elanco Animal Health (ELAN), a $13.5 Billion market cap animal pharmaceutical company based in Greenfield, Indiana. Hicks led Elanco’s successful 2018 IPO and managed a legal department of 70 professionals in navigating the complex regulatory environment in which the company does business in the United States (FDA, USDA, EPA) and abroad (European Medicines Agency, Chinese FDA). A Trusted Voice in Healthcare and Life Sciences Matters: As a General Counsel, Hicks knows the experience of having the FDA order a company to recall one of its highest revenue products. He has also engaged in complex negotiations with commercial payers and delicate discussions with CMS on drug pricing. He deftly managed these situations by understanding the economic motivations of payers and the FDA and CMS regulatory environment. A Leader in Corporate Governance: Hicks has designed the boards of directors of two public companies in connection with their initial public offerings, developing the corporate governance processes the companies relied upon in their first years on public exchanges. He’s been the company interface with Glass Lewis, ISS, the SEC, and the NYSE. Hicks is the leader these companies have looked to on Environmental, Social, & Governance matters, matching the values and business goals of an enterprise with complementary issues of societal impact. He’s also been the lead negotiator in two major encounters with prominent activist investors. Navigating High Stakes Investigations and Litigation: As General Counsel at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hicks brought to successful settlement a DEA controlled substances investigation, a DOJ False Claims Act investigation, and an FTC investigation into alleged antitrust violations. He also led the formation of the company’s early strategy in the nationwide opioid litigation. A Leader in Transformative Deal Making: Hicks’s career began in global M&A as an energy lawyer with Vinson & Elkins law firm in Houston, Texas, where his engagements included a wide range of cross-border energy projects, including assisting Occidental Petroleum in financing and building oil production assets with the Ecuadorian state petroleum company Petroecuador. He continued large-scale global deal making in the healthcare and life sciences space as the lead lawyer in consummating some of the largest deals of the last decade: DaVita’s 2012 acquisition of HealthCare Partners ($4.4B), Elanco’s acquisition of Bayer Animal Health ($6.9B). Hicks earned a juris doctor from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Michael Bryant Hicks

#Michael Bryant Hicks

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xzdvdsfb · 5 days ago

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Common Tax Mistakes Houston Businesses Should Avoid

Running a business in Houston comes with its own set of challenges, and navigating taxes is often one of the most complicated. Many businesses inadvertently make tax mistakes that cost them money, time, and compliance issues. Here are some common pitfalls Houston businesses should avoid, along with solutions to stay on track.

1. Not Keeping Accurate Records

One of the most frequent mistakes businesses make is failing to maintain detailed financial records. Poor record-keeping can lead to missed deductions, errors in tax filings, and potential audits.

Solution:

Use accounting software to track income and expenses consistently.

Regularly reconcile bank statements and invoices.

Organize receipts and supporting documents for at least three years.

2. Missing Tax Deadlines

Late filing or missing deadlines for federal or state taxes can result in hefty penalties and interest charges.

Solution:

Mark all tax deadlines on your calendar, including estimated quarterly payments.

Hire a professional tax planner to ensure timely compliance.

3. Misclassifying Employees

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors (or vice versa) can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

Solution:

Understand the IRS guidelines for employee vs. contractor classification.

Consult a tax advisor to ensure compliance.

4. Overlooking Local Tax Obligations

Houston businesses may be so focused on federal taxes that they overlook local tax requirements, such as sales tax or franchise tax.

Solution:

Research Texas-specific tax obligations that apply to your business.

Work with a tax professional who understands local regulations.

5. Failing to Claim Available Deductions

Many businesses miss out on valuable tax deductions because they aren’t aware of what’s eligible.

Solution:

Keep track of expenses like home office use, equipment purchases, and employee benefits.

Consult a tax planner to identify deductions specific to your industry. For professional tax planning in Houston, visit Criterion Biz. Our team specializes in helping Houston residents and businesses save time and money during tax season. Learn more about expert tax services tailored for Houston residents and businesses: Click here.

#TaxPlanningHouston #FinanceTips #HoustonBusiness #SmallBusinessHouston

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draemersss · 5 days ago

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Common Tax Mistakes Houston Businesses Should Avoid

Not Keeping Accurate Records One of the most frequent mistakes businesses make is failing to maintain detailed financial records. Poor record-keeping can lead to missed deductions, errors in tax filings, and potential audits. Solution: Use accounting software to track income and expenses consistently. Regularly reconcile bank statements and invoices. Organize receipts and supporting documents for at least three years.

Missing Tax Deadlines Late filing or missing deadlines for federal or state taxes can result in hefty penalties and interest charges. Solution: Mark all tax deadlines on your calendar, including estimated quarterly payments. Hire a professional tax planner to ensure timely compliance.

Misclassifying Employees Misclassifying employees as independent contractors (or vice versa) can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Solution: Understand the IRS guidelines for employee vs. contractor classification. Consult a tax advisor to ensure compliance.

Overlooking Local Tax Obligations Houston businesses may be so focused on federal taxes that they overlook local tax requirements, such as sales tax or franchise tax. Solution: Research Texas-specific tax obligations that apply to your business. Work with a tax professional who understands local regulations.

Failing to Claim Available Deductions Many businesses miss out on valuable tax deductions because they aren’t aware of what’s eligible. Solution: Keep track of expenses like home office use, equipment purchases, and employee benefits. Consult a tax planner to identify deductions specific to your industry.

For professional tax planning in Houston, visit Criterion Biz. Our team specializes in helping Houston residents and businesses save time and money during tax season. Learn more about expert tax services tailored for Houston residents and businesses: Click here.

#TaxPlanningHouston #FinanceTips #HoustonBusiness #TaxAdvisors #SmallBusinessHouston

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pumpkintax · 18 days ago

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Streamlining Your Business: AI Bookkeeping and Automated Payroll Services in Texas

Texas is a hub of innovation, with businesses ranging from thriving startups to large corporations driving its economy. Amid the state’s rapid growth, companies are seeking ways to optimize their operations and maintain a competitive edge. One powerful way they’re achieving this is by adopting AI bookkeeping services and automated payroll solutions. These tools not only simplify financial management but also improve accuracy, save time, and support business growth.

If you’re a Texas business owner, this guide will walk you through how these technologies can transform your operations.

What Are AI Bookkeeping Services?

AI bookkeeping leverages artificial intelligence to automate financial tasks that were once tedious and time-consuming. From expense tracking to generating real-time financial reports, AI can handle it all with unmatched speed and precision.

Key Features of AI Bookkeeping

Automated Data Entry: AI tools can capture and categorize expenses automatically, reducing human error.

Real-Time Reporting: Get up-to-the-minute insights into your financial health, helping you make informed decisions.

Seamless Integration: Many AI bookkeeping solutions integrate with your existing software, like QuickBooks or Xero, for a smoother workflow.

Why AI Bookkeeping is Perfect for Texas Businesses

Texas is home to diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, and retail, each with unique bookkeeping needs. AI bookkeeping adapts to various business models, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs across the state.

For example, a tech startup in Austin can use AI powered bookkeeping to track investor funding and operating costs. Meanwhile, a retail store in Dallas might use it to monitor inventory expenses and sales revenue.

The Importance of Automated Payroll Services

Payroll processing is one of the most critical but often time-intensive tasks for businesses. Automated payroll services simplify this process by calculating wages, deducting taxes, and ensuring employees are paid on time.

Benefits of Automated Payroll Services

Error-Free Payroll: Manual payroll is prone to mistakes, but automation ensures accuracy every time.

Tax Compliance: Stay compliant with federal and Texas-specific payroll laws effortlessly.

Employee Satisfaction: Timely and accurate pay builds trust and boosts morale.

Real-World Applications for Texas Companies

In cities like Houston and San Antonio, businesses often deal with multi-location payroll and complex tax requirements. Automated payroll systems eliminate these challenges by consolidating payroll data into one easy-to-manage platform.

For example, a restaurant chain with locations across Texas can automate its payroll to ensure every employee, from servers in Austin to chefs in Dallas, gets paid correctly and on time.

Why Texas is the Perfect Market for AI and Automation

Texas has earned a reputation as one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S. With no corporate income tax, a skilled workforce, and diverse industries, it’s no surprise that companies are flourishing here. However, this growth also brings challenges:

Managing multi-location operations across major cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston.

Navigating state-specific tax regulations and federal compliance requirements.

Staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

AI bookkeeping and automated payroll services address these challenges head-on. They allow businesses to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction rather than being bogged down by administrative tasks.

How to Choose the Right Provider

Not all providers are created equal, so it’s essential to choose a solution that fits your unique business needs.

Factors to Consider:

Local Expertise: Work with a provider that understands Texas’s specific tax laws and regulations.

Customization: Ensure the solution can adapt to your industry and business size.

User-Friendly Interfaces: Choose a platform that’s easy for your team to use and requires minimal training.

Integration Capabilities: Look for services that integrate seamlessly with your existing accounting and HR systems.

Customer Support: A reliable support team is invaluable, especially when you’re new to the technology.

For Texas businesses, providers offering localized solutions tailored to the state’s regulations and market conditions are the best choice.

Getting Started with AI Bookkeeping and Automated Payroll Services

Implementing these solutions might seem daunting, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial setup efforts. Here’s a simple step-by-step process to get started:

Assess Your Needs: Identify which tasks take up the most time and resources in your financial management process.

Research Providers: Look for highly rated providers specializing in Texas businesses.

Request a Demo: Most providers offer free trials or demos—take advantage of these to test the software.

Train Your Team: Ensure your employees are comfortable using the new tools.

Monitor Performance: Regularly evaluate the impact of these solutions on your business efficiency and financial accuracy.

Case Study: A Texas Success Story

Take the example of a growing e-commerce business in Dallas. The company struggled with manual bookkeeping and payroll, leading to errors and missed deadlines. After adopting an AI bookkeeping service, they reduced errors by 90%, gained real-time financial insights, and improved cash flow management.

Additionally, they implemented an automated payroll system, ensuring timely payments to their remote team across Texas. The result? Improved employee satisfaction, streamlined operations, and more time to focus on growing their business.

Final Thoughts

Texas businesses operate in a dynamic, competitive environment, and staying ahead means embracing innovation. AI bookkeeping services and automated payroll solutions offer the tools you need to streamline operations, reduce errors, and focus on growth.

Whether you’re a startup in Austin or an established company in Houston, these technologies are not just helpful—they’re essential. By adopting them today, you can position your business for long-term success.

Ready to transform your business? Explore AI bookkeeping and automated payroll services tailored for Texas businesses and take the first step toward efficiency and growth.

#AIBookkeeping #AutomatedPayroll #TexasBusiness #FinancialSolutions #BusinessInnovation

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bigjawdigital · 26 days ago

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Top 5 Enterprise SEO Strategies to Scale Your Business in 2025

Even with a website in place, competing in the crowded online marketplace can be an uphill battle for small and medium-sized business owners. Standing out and ensuring your target customers choose your products over your competitors is tough and becomes even harder as you expand your business.

As your business grows, so do the size and scope of your website. Thus, it becomes time to shift from conventional search engine optimization (SEO) to enterprise SEO strategies designed for more complex websites with more pages.

Understanding enterprise SEO

Enterprise SEO isn't too different from regular SEO—both aim to make your website more visible to search engine users in the results pages. However, it is more specialized because it's tailored for larger websites with hundreds or thousands of web pages, such as e-commerce sites and the websites of giant companies.

But just because you're not a Fortune 500 company doesn't mean you don't need SEO strategies for enterprises. Imagine you have a website for an electrical repair service in Houston. A few pages will suffice for this site because you only target customers within your city.

However, as you add new services and open new branches across and beyond Texas, you create pages for your site to target new locales, customers, and even languages. Soon enough, you have a massive website with more pages than a local SEO strategy can effectively and efficiently optimize.

Enterprise SEO is perfect for this situation because it optimizes your pages, covering multiple markets and languages, while ensuring the consistency of your brand and content. This is achieved using advanced tools, techniques, and analytics to manage your site's performance and search ranking.

SEO strategies for enterprises in 2025

The year 2025 promises to be an exciting time for digital marketing and SEO, influenced by new technologies and changes in consumer behavior. Here are the top five enterprise SEO strategies that will help you scale your business in 2025:

Prioritize keyword mapping for intent

Keyword research remains integral to any SEO effort, even in 2025. However, aside from finding high-quality and relevant keywords, you should include understanding and matching user intent in your priorities. Search engines like Google are making leaps in deciphering what users are looking for, and ensuring your content fits their intent will be crucial in ranking higher.

Here are three categories for mapping user intent:

Informational intent refers to a search for knowledge, covered by keywords like "how to," "what is," and "tips for."

Navigational intent pertains to users looking for a specific website, brand, or product, identified by keywords like "Facebook login," "Nike shoes," and "Amazon."

Transactional intent refers to users ready to make a purchase through keywords like "buy," "discount," and "sale."

Your SEO strategy should identify intent-driven keywords and ensure each page on your site meets user expectations and ranks accordingly.

Pay close attention to technical SEO

Tech SEO goes hand in hand with any SEO strategy for enterprises. After all, technical issues can get magnified the larger a website becomes, making it hard for visitors and search engines to use. Unaddressed technical problems are a common cause of low search rankings. Here are some technical issues to focus on:

Site speed. A fast-loading website provides a smooth experience and retains users better. Optimize images, enable browser caching, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to reduce loading times.

Mobile-friendliness. Google follows a mobile-first approach to indexing, so a website that performs seamlessly on tablets and smartphones is likely to get higher rankings.

URL structure. Your web pages' URLs indicate their content and can help search engines categorize them accordingly. Keep URLs clean, descriptive, and consistent for optimal crawlability.

Schema markup. Structured data through schema markup ensures search engines better understand your site's content. This enables them to match your web pages accurately with relevant user queries.

A regular technical SEO audit will help you identify and address any issues hindering your site's performance.

Create high-quality, scalable content

Content is still king in 2025, but posting just about anything is not enough to get your site a high rank. Your content strategy should focus on high-quality, relevant, and scalable material tailored to your audience's needs.

Here are tips for creating winning content this year:

Leverage topic clusters. Create a long-form post on a broad topic. Then, create shorter content on specific subjects related to and linking to your first topic. For example, you can make a central piece on "Common Electrical Problems in Residential Buildings." Then, write shorter posts on "How to Fix a Blown Fuse" or "When to Replace Your Electrical Panel" and link these to the first content. This tactic builds topical authority and improves internal linking.

Post regular updates. Keep creating and posting new content to attract search engine crawlers and engage your audience. Try other forms of content besides blog posts, such as videos, infographics, podcasts, or webinars. You can also repurpose existing content by reporting it in a different format, such as turning a blog post into a tutorial video or infographic.

Integrate multimedia elements. Embedding videos, images, and other multimedia elements makes content more attractive and engaging. It also increases the chances of social shares, backlinks, and conversions.

Scalable content helps maintain a steady flow of traffic and provides multiple entry points for potential customers across their buyer's journey.

Invest in local SEO

Just because your website has grown in size and scope doesn't mean local SEO is entirely out of the picture. In 2025, local SEO will be more dynamic than ever, thanks to developments like voice search and hyper-local targeting.

Key local SEO tactics include:

Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization. Ensure your listing is complete, accurate, and updated regularly with new posts and photos.

Local keywords. Incorporate location-based keywords like "electrician in Austin" or "Dallas wiring installation" into your content and metadata.

Customer reviews. Positive reviews boost credibility and rankings, so encourage satisfied customers to leave their feedback.

A robust local SEO strategy complements broader Enterprise SEO strategies, ensuring you don't miss opportunities in your immediate market.

Utilize AI and automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools are revolutionizing SEO, allowing businesses to scale their efforts while maintaining quality and precision. AI-powered tools can:

Analyze search trends and provide actionable insights.

Automate routine tasks like metadata creation, backlink monitoring, and performance reporting.

Generate dynamic content tailored to your target audience's preferences.

For example, AI-driven chatbots can improve user engagement by answering frequently asked questions or guiding customers through your site. Incorporating AI into your SEO strategy allows you to stay competitive while maximizing efficiency.

Scaling your business in 2025 doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With a well-designed plan, an understanding of SEO best practices, and the right tools, you can continue to succeed no matter how your business grows and the digital landscape changes.

However, if you do not have the time to develop or implement SEO strategies or don't know where to start, consider hiring an enterprise SEO company instead. Many business owners hire professional SEO companies as it allows them to focus on running their business while experts handle their website's search engine optimization.

Partner with an enterprise SEO company today and stay visible and competitive in 2025!

#Enterprise SEO strategies #SEO Strategy for Enterprise #Enterprise SEO company #BigJawDigital #SEO Agency

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