Page 18 of Return to Us
Stella waltzes in late with bags in her hands. “Sorry, it was a crazy day. I got your voice mail. Seems we have a mess?”
“Yes. It is a mess. I could’ve used some help.”
“I’m allowed a day off, Gray.”
“When is the last time I had one?”
She scoffs. “That’s your choice, brother. You’re the one who works here constantly, and when you’re not here, you’re at the firehouse—of your own free will.”
“Some of us have to be responsible.”
I’m being a dick, I know it, and yet, I need to get this out.
Stella sets the bags down, her eyes narrow, and her lips purse. “Well, I can see you’re going to be the asshole today. Fine. Go ahead. Tell me how spoiled, ridiculous, and childish I am. Because I work just as hard as you do, but neither you orthemever acknowledge it. Who handled almost the entire renovation? Me. Who did it without any issues? Me. Who has grown our occupancy to full month in and month out? Oh, that’s right . . . me!”
“No one calls you childish,” I throw back.
She huffs. “Out of all that, you want to lead on that point?”
I run my hands through my hair and sigh. “I’m sorry.”
“You should be.”
“I am.”
Stella sits in the chair across from me. “All right. Let’s take it all one step at a time, and we’ll divide and conquer. I know you hate the hiring process, so I’ll handle it. Can you manage getting that room fixed as soon as possible?”
“That’s a solid plan. What if we use the cottage as our spill over? I can get Mateo in there to work on fixing anything so we can move guests there.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll go look at it now too. Last I remember, it wasn’t terrible and shouldn’t need much work. It’ll be great as a complimentary upgrade to the guests who booked for the other room.”
The cottage has been on our shortlist forever. It’s a bit away and most guests want privacy, but it also has that feeling of being in a home.
“Yeah, and we have a vacant room for the next two days, so right now we’re okay. I’ll get Mateo going right away. What are you going to do about hiring someone?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I’ll figure it out.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t worry, Gray. We endure.”
I laugh as I get to my feet. “That should’ve been our family motto.”
“Yeah, and don’t ever fall in love, you’ll end up shattered. And don’t fuck the help should be another one.”
“I’ve never fucked the help,” I counter.
“Me either.”
“No, Dad is far too busy doing that.” I wink as I head out to find Mateo. On my way, I talk to a few guests, who tell me how much they love staying here, and then answer a few staff questions.
Then I see her.
Jessica is standing with her sister out by the overlook. Her dark brown hair moves in the wind, and her smile is wide as she laughs. I forgot how much I used to love making her laugh. She didn’t do it with reserve. It was as if nothing could stop her from being happy, and I lived for it. I want to experience it again.
Our eyes meet, she lifts her hand in a wave, and I do the same. Winnie touches her arm and she turns away and I feel this ache in my chest.
Jesus. I’m not sixteen anymore. Stop it.
