Page 8 of Heart of Stone
Reid kept his eyes on the papers in his hands, the muscle in his jaw feathering. “She’s home from the hospital now.”
Not exactly an answer.
“And she’s doing better?” I pressed.
He clenched his jaw harder. “I can only assume that’s why the hospital staff allowed her to leave.”
Naturally…
So, it was clear Reid wasn’t interested in discussing his mother’s health with me. Fair enough. He didn’t know a thing about me, and I couldn’t assume he’d want to talk to me as openly as Barrett or anyone else who worked here with me for months or years.
But I didn’t think I’d been asking anything particularly private. Certainly nothing I would’ve expected he’d respond so defensively to. Unless the whole situation just made him feel so awful that he couldn’t bear to think about it. I mean, somethingterrible had happened to his mom, and it could have been so much worse.
Deciding it was best to steer clear of that conversation, I thought some praise would work instead. “Right. Well, it’s so great that you were willing and able to return to help out here. I still think it’s crazy I’ve been here for so long, and we only just met yesterday.”
For the first time since he’d taken the papers from my hand, Reid lifted his chin and met my stare. “I don’t live here, so it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise.”
Gosh. Tough crowd.
I forced myself to remain the perfect picture of unaffected and continued to smile at him. “I’m aware you don’t live here. Barrett has mentioned that a handful of times over the years. I was merely making an observation now that we’ve met. Anyway, is everything going okay today? Are you managing alright?”
“I’m fine.”
“Should that change, as I said yesterday, I’m more than happy to help you out in any way I can. If you have any questions about anything that goes on here, I’ll likely have an answer for you.”
He sighed deeply. “I’m not quite sure what my father told you as it pertains to my level of competence, but it seems I should tell you I’m quite capable of figuring things out.”
I was beginning to wonder if this man was really Barrett’s son. They couldn’t have been more different from one another if they tried.
“I’m glad to hear that.” I gestured at the papers in his hands. “Well, when you get to the bottom of that stack, you’ll find more than just those I need signed.”
His brows pulled together. “What else is here?”
I licked my lips, wondering if this would be just one more thing that might piss him off more than he already seemed to be.“I thought I’d be nice, so I took the liberty of printing off some copies of the schedule of events for the month.”
Reid squinted at me as though trying to solve some mysterious puzzle. When he didn’t get the answer that he was seeking, he shared, “Barrett made no mention of the schedule of events.”
Laughter spilled out of me. “Of course, he didn’t. After all these years, he just knows where to be and when.”
“Seems like telling me about where I’d need to be would’ve been a prudent part of the conversation, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but I guess he wasn’t thinking about the extras.”
“Extras?”
I gestured to the papers again. “The schedule of events isn’t something that you’d have to take part in or be particularly concerned about as it relates to the work that you do. It’s just that your dad always made sure to be around, to not just own this place but also to immerse himself in it with both the staff and the guests.”
A look I couldn’t quite read washed over his expression. “Yeah, that sounds like him.”
“He’s such a great man. You’re lucky to have him.” I beamed at Reid. “Anyway, I just wanted you to have a copy of the schedule, so you’d be aware of what’s happening and can participate as you wish. Quite frankly, even though the reason you’re working here now is an awful one—I really do hope Sylvia is on the mend—the timing is perfect. Because while a lot of the outdoor activities take a backseat as the weather gets colder, I think the way we enjoy the holiday season here more than makes up for it. You’re in for a real treat, Reid.”
The man stared at me for a few beats, remaining silent, before he flipped through the documents I’d brought to be signed, so he could get to the schedule. He scrutinizedthe calendar for a few moments before he asked, “My dad participated in this stuff?”
It was difficult to determine whether Reid was surprised and proud to learn what Barrett did over the years—something I believed Reid should’ve been—or if he was shocked and appalled by the information.
Without getting an invitation to do so, but believing it’d be worth taking the time to give Reid all the answers he might want, I lowered myself onto one of the chairs on the opposite side of the desk from him, crossing my legs after I’d done so. “He did. Barrett rarely missed out on the fun. And I can’t tell you how lucky we all are. I feel so fortunate to be part of this place, and I know I’m not alone in that. Your father has built something extraordinary here, and it has become a haven for so many people. I’m beyond grateful to your dad for his work.”
I’d hoped my words would’ve been met with a look filled with pride or a puffed-up chest and satisfied smile. Instead, Reid maintained the same strange mood. He just seemed irritated, or angry, or annoyed.
