Page 4 of Heart of Stone
“You know what? You’re right.” A bit of resolve filtered into his expression as he thrust his chest out. “Six months.”
“What?”
“Six months. Give or take. It’s the beginning of November now. If you’re serious about wanting the retreat only so that you can demolish it and build whatever you deem appropriate, you need to understand what you’re destroying. So, move here forthe next six months and run the operation as it is and with the same effort that you put into the work you do in Pittsburgh. At the end of that time, I’ll sign it over to you. And at that point, it’ll be up to you to decide if the place is worthless.”
I didn’t have six months to waste on some frivolous project. I couldn’t play games. “And when you decide to back out of the deal in six months, I’ll have just wasted my time, right?”
“No. When I said I’m making changes, Reid, I meant it. So, while you go visit your mother at the hospital, I’ll call my attorney. I’ll have him draft the agreement, and we’ll sign it before you even step one foot back on that property.”
My eyes narrowed. I had little faith in my father to keep his word, but perhaps if we had a contract drawn up, I could trust I wouldn’t get screwed over by him.
“Take some time. Think about it. I’ll let you know when I’ve got the paperwork together, and you can decide then.”
This really wasn’t what I needed right now. But it was an opportunity for me to finally end this constant battle with him over the retreat.
Six months.
I could do anything for six months, even run his stupid wilderness and wellness retreat.
And the team I had back in Pittsburgh was entirely capable of continuing with the projects we’d been working on before I left. In a worst-case scenario, I could take a weekend or an evening to make the two-and-a-half-hour drive back there to sort out any issues that might pop up.
With a curt nod, I ordered, “Call your lawyer, and get me the contract. If it’s reasonable, I’ll sign it.”
Tension I hadn’t realized he was holding on to eased from his frame, his shoulders falling slightly. “You’ve got it, Son.”
There was far too much pride in his voice. I hated the sound of it. So, I ignored that satisfied look on his face and said, “I’m going to see Mom.”
Without another word, I was gone.
But I couldn’t get that look on his face or the sound of his voice out of my head. I got the hunch he knew something I didn’t. And I couldn’t shake off the feeling that he believed he’d just gotten what he’d wanted all along.
TWO
Natalia
“Oh, Danielle, this looks amazing.”
My colleague and dear friend beamed at me. “You really think so?”
As my eyes scanned the space, taking in all the work that had already been done, I nodded. “Absolutely. You know, sometimes, I’m a bit jealous that this isn’t in my job description.”
Laughter spilled out of her. “And when has that ever stopped you from stepping in before?”
“That’s fair,” I said with a shrug, recalling the many times I’d jumped in to help or put in time after hours just to take part in the fun. There was little I wasn’t willing to do here, whether or not any of it was part of my actual duties.
Danielle and I were standing in the main lodge of the Sandstone Heart Wilderness and Wellness Retreat, where, just a few days past Halloween, my friend was redecorating. The shift was minimal, some decorations that had been up throughout October—like pumpkins and fall leaves—able to remain. But where skeletons, spiderwebs, and ghouls had stolen the showthen, they’d been replaced by cornucopias, turkey feathers, and apples.
When I considered all that went into the day-to-day operations at Sandstone Heart, making sure our décor kept up with the changing seasons and passing holidays was minor in comparison. But it was one of the things I loved most about this place. Those decorations were a small reminder that time kept ticking, and something better was always waiting around the next corner.
As the program manager, Danielle was the lucky woman who got to take on the task of preparing for each shift in décor. Sure, she had far greater responsibilities in her role—developing, implementing, and managing the programs and activities for our guests—but I envied her being able to do this. I thought this part of her job was the most fun.
“I’ll be working on the outdoor décor for the cabins throughout the week, if you want to join me,” she offered. “Since I’ve got quite a few other things to take care of during the day, I might shuffle those to after hours. I could use an extra set of hands.”
I beamed at her. “Like I’d ever turn that down. I’m beginning to think you love me, Danielle.”
Her smile matched mine. “You know I do. And as soon as it’s time to decorate for Christmas, I’ll be sure to be too busy during the day with other tasks that I’ll have to wait until you can join me to put up all the trees and garland and lights.”
If there was one thing I never hid, it was my love of the late fall and early winter season. Maybe it was that everyone’s spirits were so elevated, it was difficult not to enjoy it. “You’re the best.”
