Page 90 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

Jai, as always, made sure to stop by and say hello.

“Are you feeling better?” he asked.

“Yes,” I lied. We had a strict don’t-come-to-work-if-you’re-sick policy. The last thing I wanted was for us to infect our patrons. Thankfully, what I had wasn’t contagious, even if it felt lethal.

Jai tilted his head, concerned. “Are you sure? You look like you need to talk.” All his rom-com watching was making him too attuned to my emotions.

Did I ever need to talk—I just wasn’t sure anyone would even believe what I had to say. I hardly believed it. Besides, I was going to stay true to my word and not spread any gossip about my sister. Or the man I loved.

“I’m okay. Let me know if you need some help today. And when you get a moment, we need to go over our inventory. I’d like to make sure we’re being more consistent and get a better process in place.”

“I’m all for it. The royal highnesses were the worst at it.”

Yeah, they were, which didn’t help the bottom line. It also gave me pause about taking their offer and letting them have the run of the place. How could my heart take having to work with Brant?

“Great. I’ll be here all day.” And perhaps all night. I didn’t want to face anyone who knew about my predicament.

Unfortunately, those who knew about it also knew where to find me. Not long after we opened, I had a trepidatious visitor. I had been up front greeting patrons when Sheridan walked in, looking like she had just come from church in a navy sheath dress and long cream cashmere coat. No one was as elegant as she was.

She gave me a weak smile from across the restaurant.

Even from where I stood, I could tell she was on the precipice of losing it. I knew the feeling all too well. I was feeling it now. I wasn’t sure how to respond. I didn’t feel like smiling but running away didn’t seem right either.

Sheridan must have known I had thoughts of running scared, so she took matters into her own hands and quickly but delicately danced between tables and patrons to get to me. She made it to the table of guests I was talking to about the stuffed french toast they were raving about. Running away at that point would only look suspicious, so I waited for her, despite having less than warm and fuzzy feelings for her and her offspring at the moment. I didn’t blame Sheridan, but someone really should have told me the truth. You know, before I got cozy with the idea that Brant and I were finally going to be a couple. Someone should have said, “Hey, don’t preheat that oven until you know who else Brant has been baking cookies with.” I internally shuddered at the thought.

“Hello, darling,” Sheridan said barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” She smiled at the family sitting at the table. “I wondered if I might talk to you for a few moments.” I heard the plea in her voice.

There was really no answer I could give in the moment other than, “Sure.” I turned to my guests. “Thanks so much for coming in today. Next time you’ll have to try the cinnamon mascarpone crepes.”

“Ooh, those sound delightful,” the woman said. “We’ll be back next week for sure.”

That was music to my ears. Except maybe I wouldn’t be here. That thought was like a sucker punch to my soul. Still, it didn’t knock me out like Brant and Dani’s secret had.

With shaky legs, I walked toward the back office area, not looking forward to the impending conversation. Sheridan followed. I noticed we garnered a few stares. The Hollands always drew looks. Soon, there would be more than just looks, when the sale of Holland Industries was announced. They employed many in this town and the surrounding communities.

I opened the door to my office and waved Sheridan in. Her lip was already quaking. As soon as I shut the door, she wrapped her arms around me, and the tears flowed.

“Kinsley.” She held on for dear life, while I stood still. “I imagine you hate me right about now.”

“I could never hate you.” That was true. I didn’t hate anyone in this situation, except Jill, who took pleasure in inflicting pain on me.

“You’re too gracious,” she choked out.

I wasn’t gracious. I was confused and hurt. “Why did you push me toward Brant when you knew?” I ached to know.

She leaned away with watery eyes and a furtive expression. “It wasn’t done in malice. I’ve watched you two dance around your feelings for so long and I hurt for you both. Then I watched my son this past year, sacrificing everything he’d ever wanted to protect those he loves. And I watched you get your heart broken again. I thought if I could help give you both the one thing you wanted most, maybe it would all be worth it.” She placed her delicate hand on my cheek. “Brant is a good man. When his father wouldn’t step up to the plate at first, Brant went to bat instead. He was the one who protected our family from the Copelands. He’s the one who convinced his father to do the right thing. He’s been working tirelessly to sell our company,” her voice shook, begging me to believe her.

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