Page 104 of Loving the CEO

She nodded once. "I think he's feeling a lot of guilt. And he’s got some unresolved issues."

He deserved to feel guilty. I could not give a fuck about his unresolved issues.

"Did you know that he had the nerve to try and open a hotel near Boston?" I said.

"Yes, he told me. He was afraid that you boys sort of interpreted that as an act of war. I think he wants to make amends. He’s very apologetic about ruining everyone's life."

"I fucking hope he is."

"Leo!" Mom said, her voice soft. "Obviously, I couldn't tell much from that one dinner I had with him, but I think he’s changed. And he simply wanted to come home."

"Mom, he left the Whitley name in shambles," I said carefully. She didn’t know all the details. We’d never shared too much with her because it felt weird. She didn't know how much damage he'd done to the company, though she knew about all the rest. “Him being here might make people wonder if Ryan Whitley is going to mess up the business again.”

"But now you boys are in charge."

"Still, the business world remembers him."

"I’m sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. I don't even know why I’m telling you all this. I just didn't want to keep it from you, I guess. But I don't think he wants to hurt any of you or be your competition. I don't think he’ll try to contact you again. But if he does, maybe it's time to let bygones be bygones. It did me good to meet with him." Mom stiffened a bit. "I told him everything I had on my heart. It was cathartic."

"I'm glad for you. Closure is good." But I couldn't see any of us doing that. And although I didn’t bring it up, I knew my grandparents didn’t need to see him. He’d put them through hell and back, and I felt protective of them.

Mom beamed. "Let's change the subject. I don't want to waste any more time talking about this. I'm really happy that you—what do the boys call it these days? Made a move on Tory."

I laughed as Tory came down. "So am I."

Chapter Twenty-Five

Tory

Catching up with Leo’s mom was even more fun than I’d anticipated. I went out and about Boston with her during her stay. I couldn’t get over how warm and welcoming she was. We reminisced about everything, and I learned a thing or two about Leo when he was growing up.

She was the polar opposite of my own mother. Aside from the care package she’d sent me, she’d messaged once more, after reading an article about Leo.

Mom: I read that he did amount to something.

Tory: He’s a good man, Mom. He’s taking good care of me.

Mom: I’m happy to hear that.

I called her a few times, but she didn’t pick up. We ended up playing phone tag or mostly texting. All in all, I knew she simply needed time.

Which was why I was stunned to find an email from her in my inbox one sunny afternoon, as I was preparing to change my outfit. Leo and I were going to Jeannie and Abe Whitley’s house.

Hi Tory,

After seven years of searching, I finally found the perfect place to be a B&B for us.

My eyes bulged. I was honestly shocked that she'd still been searching, especially after what had happened. Then again, I’d never truly told her to stop searching.

I scrolled through the rest of the email and looked at the property. The price wasn’t listed, but the house was stunning. It had five bedrooms—perfect for two people to manage, or even one person could handle it—and was in pretty good shape. But the thought of working with Mom was even less appealing than before.

This was your dream for years, though, Tory, a voice said at the back of my mind.

After the photos, my mom had continued the email.

I can set up a day for us to look at it. The sooner the better, or someone will snap it up for sure.

I agreed with her. It truly was an exquisite property, even as a family home.

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