Page 70 of Crazy for You

“Statistically, you know the majority of start-ups fail,” Gary said.

Ryan nodded. “That’s true, sir. I believe wholeheartedly that Off-the-Grid will be in the minority that succeeds, but if I’m wrong, we’ll dust ourselves off and try something new.”

“Well, we certainly hope you succeed,” Kate said with a slightly pinched smile.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“The zip-line is totally sick,” Trent said, brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes. The kid insisted on wearing his hair in this ridiculous style with long bangs in the front that were always hanging in his eyes. It was probably cool by club standards but totally unsuited for outdoor work like he did here at Off-the-Grid.

“Trent helps us take clients up on the course now,” Ryan told them. “In fact, he’ll be going out with me with the group at one o’clock.”

“Oh?” Kate looked surprised. “I didn’t realize Trent was helping with the customers.”

Trent rolled his eyes. “Yeah, it’s like they treat me like an actual adult or something.”

Gary gave him a sharp look. “Watch your tone when you’re speaking to your mother.”

“Sorry,” Trent mumbled, kicking at a stone on their path. “I didn’t know you used to go climbing, Mom.”

She nodded, saying nothing.

The Lamars seemed like decent people. Surely Ryan could convince them the same about himself before this trip was over. “Climbing’s always been my escape,” he said. “There’s no room for anything else in your mind while you’re out there. Just you and the rock.”

“It’s true,” Kate murmured.

Ryan offered her his most persuasive smile. “You’ve got to try it out before you leave town, Mrs. Lamar. Maybe once he’s seen you reach the top, I can even convince your son to give it a try.”

“Hey,” Trent complained with a grin.

“Kate,” she said. “Please call me Kate.”

Ryan kept his smile firmly in place. “I’d love to take you for a climb while you’re in town, Kate. What do you say?”

It was almost nine by the time Ryan got home from Off-the-Grid, and his belly grumbled painfully. He’d missed lunch to take the Lamars on a tour of the property, and the candy bar he’d shoved in his mouth midafternoon wasn’t cutting it. It had been a worthwhile sacrifice, but he needed some real grub pronto.

He stowed the helmet on his bike and strode toward his front door, pondering whether to call Emma and see if she wanted to grab a bite. No doubt she’d eaten already, but…he missed her. He hadn’t gotten to see her when she’d stopped by Off-the-Grid today, hadn’t seen her since she’d rushed out of The Drunken Bear with Jessica last night.

“Ryan, could we have a word?”

He turned at the unexpected female voice to find the Lamars walking toward him down the sidewalk.

“Sorry to ambush you, but we saw you on your bike,” Kate said, “and we had been hoping for a chance to speak to you privately.”

“Yes, of course. Come in.” He flicked on the light in the entrance hall then motioned them into his condo ahead of him. “How are you enjoying Haven so far?”

“It’s a lovely town,” Kate said, “and Off-the-Grid Adventures seems to be doing well. You should be proud.”

“Thank you. I am.” Something clenched deep in his chest at this unexpected praise from the people who’d hurt him so badly when he was a child.

“But we don’t want Trent to stay here,” Gary said, his expression sour and unfriendly, as usual.

Ryan kept his face impassive. “I understand that. His home is in Missouri with you.”

“But you’ve given him a job and an apartment here,” Kate said.

Ryan shrugged. “He wanted to stay awhile. He wanted to get to know me, and you may not realize this, but there is nothing I’ve wanted more in my life than to get to know my brother.”

“You’re not good for him. You weren’t then, and you still aren’t.” Gary somehow managed to look down at him even though Ryan had several inches on the man.

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