Page 48 of Christmas Home

“I’m glad things are going good, because, well, I don’t want to stress you, but—”

I cocked my eyebrow. “Spit it out, Corey,” I said when he seemed hesitant.

“The librarian, the one we sent all your father’s stuff to, he’s…he found something I think you should see, but you should let him show you.”

I paused and stared at my new business partner. “What’s this about?” I asked.

“The investment and your heritage, I think.”

“Can’t you just tell me?” I asked, sad that I was taking the coward’s way out.

“I could, but I don’t have all the details. He does, and if we’re going to be part of the Crawford City community, shouldn’t you—?”

I nodded, knowing what he was going to say. “I should, and yes, you’re right. I need to meet with the librarian and get it out of the way. But if this is about my dad, something nasty, I shouldn’t be meeting with him about that before I have a gentler meeting, don’t you think?” I asked before he turned back to his laptop and the email I assumed he was about to answer.

Corey looked back up at me. “I’m sorry, Ruther. I didn’t think. I believe they just found some photos about the town. Nothing dramatic or anything like that.”

I sighed. “Okay, well, that’ll make this easier. But I’m not ready to discuss the house. Meeting with the librarian is fine, just not…no house stuff yet.”

“Understood. I’ll make that clear.”

I returned to the bedroom and paced. The curtains were drawn, and I hadn’t been able to look at the view of the housesince I’d been back. Knowing someone lived there was a lot to digest. Meeting with them, knowing they were living in that space, was almost more than I could handle.

The knock on my door shocked me out of my head. “Yeah?” I replied.

Corey opened the door and stepped inside. “May I offer a suggestion?” he asked.

I nodded, not really paying attention.

“Why don’t you ask Clyde to join us tonight after he gets off work? He seems to make things less stressful for you.”

I stared at him. I had thought that myself but hadn’t voiced it, and it was strange that Corey had picked up on it.

I sat on the edge of the bed. “I wish this wasn’t so hard. You’d think after all this time, I’d have gotten past it.”

Corey shook his head. “Listen, boss…” He stopped and smiled before regaining his composure. “Listen, Ruther. I’m impressed at what you’ve accomplished in such a short time. If having your guy close by helps, ask him.”

I nodded and ignored Corey’s slip of almost calling me boss. Things were still relatively new in our new relationship. Good, but new for both of us.

“You’re right. Okay, so, this evening at the library?” I asked, and Corey nodded.

“Yes, Chris said he was working late, so you can come in anytime.”

“I’ll go over to the café and ask Clyde if he’ll come too.”

“Go over? He doesn’t have a phone yet?”

I shrugged. “Yeah, but he hasn’t given me the number.”

Corey looked down and didn’t respond. I’d been trying not to let the fact that Clyde still hadn’t given me his number upset me, but apparently, even Corey thought it odd and it was, considering that’s something even strangers didn’t hesitate to give out.

“I’ll let you know what he says,” I replied before heading to the café.

Clyde was smiling at one of the guys from town, and, for a moment, I had to push down my jealousy.No, don’t be that guy, I chastised myself.He’s dealt with that enough in his life.

When he glanced over and saw me, his smile grew even wider. He excused himself and came over to where I was standing.

“To what do I owe the honor?” Clyde said, the formality of the question sounding funny with his accent.

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