Crossroads/Borrowed Lives—2026-04-08 (Patreon)

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Chapter 80: FLAG FLYING by Hannah Madison

I got a pass for the Crossroads Phase II construction site today. Merritt’s solo on that, with Mr. Robertson swinging by later to shake hands with some contractors.

Me? I’m with Mr. Robertson and David Stewart going to meet a woman who owns eight mid-twentieth-century warehouses all over the boroughs.

I’m supposed to take copious notes—which I have proven myself to be good at doing—and help sell our services. There’s some politics in play—hold that thought while I think aloud.

Something Mr. Robertson has taught me is that without business, there would be nearly no engineering. And ingrained in every business relationship is some level of politics—not in a government sense of the word, but at that vaguely defined, social-construct level.

The politics in this sales meeting is that the potential client is a middle-aged woman. Will wants me to speak up often, summarizing things, and asking questions.

“NYC SysCo is an old company, and we lack diversity of gender at the top, but that’s coincidence, not design.You know we have plenty of women working here. I want you in the meeting,” he explained, “to let her see that we’re not just a bunch of old men.”

Now, before anyone takes it wrong, the limits of post length would have me just reiterate that I’m not just being a token female. I’m good at these kinds of meetings. He’s adding to what I’m good at the—possible subliminal—function of showing NYC SysCo has valuable women on the team.

Most of you will see his point.It’s just a strategic move to make the meeting feel more inclusive—and if it’s not necessary, no harm done. But if she should be sensitive, then it’s a good idea.

I’d like to let that be the end of that thought and address something a lot of you are interested in.

Those of you following things with Merritt and me have possibly picked up on a motif regarding our relationship. It feels comfortable, safe, and satisfying. It’s way easier than I would have imagined dating someone could be.

That’s the idea I’d like to close with. I have a metaphor I’ll save for later.

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Chapter 81: BORROWED LIVES: INSIGHT by Mara Voss

Honestly, all I know is that we’re within a few hours of Atlanta. I kinda remember where we were last night, but it all is running together. And, honestly, I don’t really care.

We’re riding around looking for non-franchise motels and stopping at historical markers, roadside attractions, and niche places to eat as the mood hits. Also, non-niche places to eat, as you see!

We turned on Devon and Shay’s phones a few days ago and have been checking in as them—using their debit cards as we leave a location and that sort of thing. We’re leaving that broken paper trail as planned.

Right now, we’re on their phones just grazing social media.

“If TikTok’s For You page means anything, Devon was really into dad jokes, motivational messages, and action sports.”

He showed me a Red Bull video of some guy on a mountain bike riding on a trail that a tightrope walker would shy away from.

“Here’s a good one…” Evan said. “An optimist sees a glass as half full. A pessimist sees a glass as half empty, but the engineer sees a glass that’s twice as big as it’s supposed to be.”

We watched a few more videos on his phone.

It was time to go, and I decided to share an observation of my own. “If Snapchat means anything, Shay was really lonely.”

“What?” Evan wiped the condensation from our glasses off the table with a napkin.

“Yeah,” I said. “She only has two friends. Devon and Hannah. She has Facebook, but hasn’t used it in years. Just a few friends there. Her text messages go back years. Mom. Dad. Relatives. Hannah, Izzy, Kent, and Devon are the only others. Izzy and Kent… all about work.”

Evan blinked and shook his head. “So, Devon comes along and her world changes.”

I nodded. “Then Ronald Regent put guards in the way.”

Evan shook his head again. “So, we’re making a difference for her, right?”

I smiled. “Feels like it. And we’re not suffering for it are we?”

“Absolutely not.”

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