Page 123 of The Holiday Hate-Off
“There’s been a lot of that going around,” I mumble.
“You belong in this place. More than I do.”
It’s everything I wanted him to say a couple of weeks ago, but hearing it now, it feels wrong.
Because I want him to belong here too.
“Hideaway Harbor has room for anyone who wants to be here,” I say.
“Realistically, no, it does not. But it’s a nice sentiment,” hesays with a smile. Then, as if he’d like to move the conversation along, he says, “Can I see your app?”
“My project for class?”
“Yes, but I’d also like to see the other one. The reason you’re taking the classes. You told me a little about it the other night.”
“I said a lot of things,” I tell him wryly, embarrassed. I’ve barely told anyone about my idea other than the professors I’m working with at the school and Charlie.
“This one made more of an impact than what you said about cheese curls. You told me it was for caregivers.”
“Yeah,” I say, feeling a swell of nerves. I don’t know much about what Enzo used to do, other than that he’s a successful businessman. So he’d probably know whether or not it’s a stupid idea. Knowing him, he might very well tell me if it is. “It’s just…I spent all those years with my mom, when she was sick, and it occurred to me that there should be one app that supports caregivers by reminding them about things like an exercise schedule and medicines, but also helps them take care of themselves. That’s always the hardest part. Remembering to eat. To wash your hair. To read a book or do something else for yourself.” I shrug self-consciously. “Anyway, there are probably a million different alternatives out there, but I have a unique idea for how to structure it, and I wanted to learn how to do it. I like teaching myself new things. It makes life more interesting.”
“I’d like to see it,” he says again, his forehead furrowing. “It’s a good idea.”
We rock a little more as I consider his offer. “CareWise is mostly at the idea stage. That’s why I’m trying to develop my skills. But I built the app for the town shops in a similar way.”
“You only really need for it to be at the idea stage,” he says, raising his eyebrows. “If it’s a good idea, you can hire other people to build it and oversee their work to make sure it’s what you want. But you’ll have to establish an office outside ofHideaway sooner rather than later. The internet’s not consistent enough here.”
“I’ve thought about that, but it wouldn’t need to be far away. There are people who commute.”
He nods. “You wouldn’t have to go all the way to Bangor, just away from the mountains. Might be hard during the winter, but you could make it work.”
I can only smile at him. “Already solving all my problems and setting up my fictional office. That’s a very Enzo way of doing things.”
“And insisting on doing everything yourself sounds likeyourway of doing things. You were your mother’s caregiver for years, but you don’t need to take care of everything yourself. You can delegate.”
My smile stretches wide. “Is this your way of letting me know other people can do things for me?”
“Yes.”
I give him a searching look, contemplating a nagging thought. “Are you responsible for taking care of the ‘Jingle Bells’ doorbell for me?”
“That depends. Do you consider it another instance of overreach?”
I give a theatrical shudder. “No. I’m too grateful.”
“Then yes. Perhaps I sent it to sleep with the fishes. Or had a friendly adult conversation with Eileen about it.” He hesitates before saying, “I’m interested in this app. It may be useful for my brothers and me, taking care of Nonna Francesca. I’ll help you.”
I turn toward him in disbelief. “You want to help me with CareWise?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Yes, actually.”
He clutches his chest dramatically. “You wound me, Lucia. But if you need it to be a bargain, we’ll make one. ThoseAdvent calendar challenges you get from Eileen every day…I’d like to work on them with you. If you’ll let me do that, I’ll help with your app.”
I narrow my gaze at him, searching for his angle, almost wanting to find it. Because I’m afraid to believe he might mean it. “Not a very good bargain for you. Both of those things would both benefit me.”
“I’m glad to hear you enjoy my company so much,” he says with a smile, but it falters slightly. “I want to see what you see when you look at Hideaway Harbor. I want to know if I still can.”
