Page 75 of Coffee Break with the Billionaire

“Who’s Evan?” I ask, hungrier to know more about Fenella than I am for lunch.

Fenella looks surprised. “My older brother.”

“You have another brother?”

“Unfortunately.” She laughs. “He’s ten years older than us and I’ve never been his favouritesister.”

“But you’re his only sister?”

“Exactly. Evan tolerates Ashton because the racing brings in money for the company, and Evan is nothing if not a company man. He’ll run the whole place when Dad retires. Which I hope isn’t too soon, or I’ll never keep a job there.”

“Keep? Does that mean—”

Fenella’s face falls. “My father wants to talk to me about a job,” she says in a low voice.

Her words clutch at my heart. “I’m happy for you.”

“Are you?”

“Of course I am. If this is what you want.”

She looks around as she chews her sandwich with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Why don’t you want Wyatt to go to school in Montreal?” she asks instead.

“Who says I don’t?” I shoot out.

“I saw your face,” she says, very matter-of-factly.

Now it’s my turn to look around and decide what to say. I notice a stray cobweb by the window. “It’s far.”

“Montreal is far from here,” Fenella agrees.

“And the world isn’t always kind to those who are different.” It’s the first time I’ve ever admitted my fear out loud. That Wyatt might face disrespect and prejudice because of his lifestyle. I know he’s safe here in Battle Harbour. He’s accepted. If he leaves…

“If you mean different likeamazing, you don’t have anything to worry about. Leodie has told me about him, and thatkid is impressive. I think he’ll be fine wherever he ends up. You shouldn’t worry so much.”

“Easier said than done,” I grumble.

“You’re not his father.” I look up, but Fenella isn’t accusing me. “You’re not his father but you’ve raised him like you were.”

“I felt I had to.”

“You didn’t,” she says. “He was your sister’s responsibility.”

“But she left.”

“That’s not your fault. It has nothing to do with you. In fact, I think it’s best for Wyatt that she did. He might not have turned out as well as he did if he didn’t have you and your parents raising him. They clearly did a great job with you.”

“I couldn’t let them do it alone.”

“A lot would have. You gave up your life for him.”

“That’s what you do for family.”

“Not everyone agrees. No one in my family would give up their dream for me.”

“That’s—”

“Sad? I never really thought of it until I saw your sacrifice. But this isn’t a pity party. This is me, in a strange, roundabout way, telling you that Wyatt is very lucky to have you in his life. But you can’t keep him here, safe and protected and under your watch. He needs to go and be himself, and you need to be you.”

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