Page 78 of Silver Fake

"Yeah," I chuckle. "You're right about that."

My Mom was pissed I told her why Lisa stopped coming around. It's been a long time since she or Dad looked at me with disappointment in their eyes. They love her, so I'm not surprised. I'm just as disappointed in myself, maybe even more, because I love her too. And I'm the one who forced her to do the very thing I was so afraid of—leave.

Maybe she will talk to me if I show up in person. I've called and texted her every day since she kicked me out of her apartment, and she hasn't responded. I deserve that, but it doesn't make it hurt any less each time my messages go unanswered.

"I saw the last interviewee leave," Dad says, pointing out the door with his thumb. "Any potential there?"

I shrug. "Could he do the job? Probably. But I'm not convinced he's the right fit."

Dad runs his hands through his hair and sighs. "I know what you mean. It's just not going to be the same without Wyatt. I'm happy for him, but it’s definitely going to be hard to replace him.”

I sigh. “Replacing family isn't something that can easily be done, is it?"

"No it’s not,” he says. "But it's got to be done. We can't keep pulling you away from your work in Houston. You worked too hard to make partner to have that get messed up because we're trying to find another Wyatt when that just doesn't exist."

"It's not a problem, Dad. I'm still keeping up with my cases. A lot of what I do can be done from anywhere as long as I have a computer and phone. I go back to Houston when I need to. Besides," I smile at him, "it's been nice being back here more. Helping you here at the hotel.”

"Nice?" Dad laughs. "You've got to be stressed with everything on your plate? I think I'm growing extra gray hairs worrying about your mom and running this place, and you've got your work for the firm on top of all that."

"I can't deny things are stressful right now, but I enjoy being here. I think I avoided this side of things in Barton Bay for too long. I forgot how much I love it here. How happy I am being close to you and Mom. This place brings out the best in people, and it's just refreshing to feel that and experience it after spending all my time working at the law firm where I see the opposite every day. Litigation is a constant reminder of how horrible people can be to one another. I'm glad I'm here getting a reminder that there are still plenty of good people in this world."

Dad smiles brightly, and it's the first real smile I've seen from him in weeks since Mom started her treatments. "I'm glad we can help you remember the goodness of people. We always wanted this place to bring people happiness and peace. We certainly want you to feel that, too."

I smile back at him, but Lisa's face fills my mind, and she's not smiling. She's in pain, hurt by me, as she tells me she loves me for the first time while I'm breaking her heart. I don't notice Dad walk over to me until I feel him squeeze my shoulder. Blinking, I look up at him.

"You'll find a way to show her you care about her and she will forgive you."

"I'm not so sure. You didn't see her face when she kicked me out of her apartment."

"She just needs time, and you have to keep trying. If you give up, then you will lose her for good. Lisa has a big heart, and I know she cares for you. Your mom and I saw that the first time we met her. She's hurt, but she will forgive you."

"You think so?"

"I do. I think people with hears as big as hers don't know any other way."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because she's got a heart like your mom, and she always forgives me when I mess up."

"Yeah, but you've never messed up this bad."

Dad claps my shoulder. "Oh, son. You give me too much credit."

"I hope you're right."

"Just don't give up on her."

"I'm not."

"Good." He smiles. "I'm going to head back to check on your mom in case she woke up, but she wants you to have dinner with us while she's feeling better if you don't have to head back to Houston today."

"That sounds good. I had already planned to be here all day."

"Great. I'll have them reserve our table at the restaurant. I think she wants out of the house while she feels a little better."

I stand up. "I'll take care of that. You just get back to mom. You thinking five for dinner?"

He nods. "Yeah. I don't want to wait too late. Even on the good days, she gets tired fast."

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