Page 9 of Heart of Stone
It didn’t make sense for anything I was sharing to put him in a bad mood, so I figured this was just who he was. Being the opposite of him when it came to talking and interacting with others, perhaps it made the difference between us seem so extreme. I rarely held back any thoughts, and Reid seemed to struggle to share any.
“Though he found the time to indulge in all of it, Barrett especially loves fishing,” I shared. “Personally, I’m partial to stargazing. I enjoy sitting by the firepit and just looking up at the clear skies, even when the weather gets cold. And I think for all of us, it’s a bit difficult to pick just one thing we love when it comes to celebrating throughout the holiday season.”
“I see.”
I offered another friendly smile. “You might think it’s crazy, but even preparing for the fun is enjoyable. The staff is great here. I’ve met my dearest friend here at Sandstone Heart.”
“Right.” He wore such a stony expression. “While I’m sure Barrett was more than willing to chat and entertain everyone who dared to cross his path here, I’m afraid I’m not quite the same. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so I’m sorry, Natalie, but I’m going to need to get back to work.”
For the first time since I’d entered the room, I felt the color drain from my face.Natalie?I’d been rambling on and on, trying to be nice and make Reid feel welcome and comfortable, and he didn’t even know my name.
“It’s Natalia.”
“Pardon?”
“You called me Natalie, but my name is Natalia.”
He pressed his lips together in a thin line. “Okay, well, either way, I do need to get back to work.”
So, he was kicking me out.
“Sure. I understand. If you want to sign those papers for me, I’ll be out of your hair.”
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d actually like to take some time to review these before signing them.” He shrugged. “I just want to do my due diligence.”
I got the distinct feeling either Reid didn’t trust me, or he was just trying to be difficult on purpose. Only time would tell.
Refusing to let that get me down, I stood and allowed the corners of my mouth to tip up with a smile. “Of course. I can stop by later this week to pick them up.”
“I’ll call you when I have them ready.”
Evidently, he was kicking me out and didn’t want me to return.
Twisting my hands, palms out, I continued to smile. “That works, too. I’m going to get going, but as I said before, pleasedon’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions for me.” I turned and moved to the door. Looking back at him, I offered my parting shot. “Have a lovely day, Reid.”
Without waiting for him to respond—I didn’t think it’d be anything pleasant anyway—I stepped out and closed the door behind me.
Nothing had gone like I’d imagined it would when I’d decided to make the visit to see Reid this morning. While I believed it was possible that he wasn’t a talkative person—it was difficult to find anyone who was as extroverted as me—I didn’t expect him to be so rude. It was as though he was allergic to happiness and sunshine and simply being pleasant.
But I wouldn’t let that get me down. I wouldn’t allow him to ruin my mood or change me. I’d go about my days being exactly who I was, and if he ever reached out, needing my help, I’d help just as I said I would. I’d even continue to do nice things for him like I’d done today with giving him the schedule of events for the month, because that was the kind of person I was.
Reid wouldn’t change me. This place was my little sliver of happiness in the world, and I’d be damned if I allowed Reid, in all his misery, to take that away from me.
Six months.
I had a measly six months of enduring Reid before Barrett came back.
And for all that man had done for me, I’d endure just about anything he needed me to.
FOUR
Reid
It was late Friday afternoon when it happened.
After making it through the first of many long weeks I had ahead of me to fulfill my end of the deal I’d made with my dad, all I wanted to do was breathe a sigh of relief and relax for the evening before I had to get up early tomorrow morning and make the trip back to Pittsburgh, so I could check on things at home.
I was just about to figure out what I wanted to do for dinner when a loud thud came from somewhere near the front door. Halting my movements in the kitchen, I listened for any indication of what had caused the noise.
