by SJ McCoy
She sipped her coffee. “Okay, but I don’t want to make you miss too much of your day. And the sooner we go, the more time I’ll have to hang out with Ivan before Marianne arrives.”
He laughed. “What do you and Ivan plan to do?”
She grinned. “I’m going to ask him to walk on the pier with me. It’s not far from the airport, and I’ve heard a lot about it from the kids, but I’ve never been there.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ll bet you haven’t either, have you?”
“Not for …” He stopped at the sound of his cell phone ringing. He didn’t want to take the call, didn’t want to let work intrude on the last of his time with her.
She made a face at him. “I’d guess you need to take that, and I need to get my things together. I’ll meet you back here in a few.” He watched her take her coffee and go back upstairs before he answered the call. He was surprised how much he’d rather switch the phone off, forget work, and go for that walk on the pier with her.
~ ~ ~
Chris looked out of the window as the plane climbed away from the Santa Monica airport. She smiled at the sight of the pier. That had been a fun walk. She hoped she’d be able to go back there with Seymour one day soon. He needed that kind of fun in his life. She caught one of her bags before it slid under her feet.
Marianne smiled at her. “You’re looking very pleased with yourself.”
Chris looked down at the bag. “I am. I didn’t plan to buy much, but I couldn’t resist. I love Holly’s store at the plaza, but the original Hayes store has so much more. And Roberto is such a sweetheart. He knew just what suited me and found things I’d never have chosen for myself.”
“He’s amazing, isn’t he? I’m glad we stopped in there.”
“We needed it after all those snooty bridal places.”
Marianne made a face. “Yeah, that wasn’t as much fun as I hoped it would be. I guess they prefer their brides younger and slimmer.”
Chris waved a hand at her. “Screw them, then. It worked out for the best.”
“Thanks to Roberto again.”
“Yep, and now you have the biggest item marked off your list. Is everything else coming together for the wedding?”
“It is. I can’t wait, Chris. And I’d put money on you and Seymour not being far behind us.”
Chris nodded slowly.
“What? You don’t agree?”
She shrugged. “I can see it. I’m just not sure if I want it.”
Marianne leaned forward in her seat. “Why? I thought everything was going wonderfully. From what you’ve said about the weekend. From the way you look when you talk about him … I thought it was inevitable.”
“And it could be. I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong. He’s wonderful. And I love him. I’m not even afraid to admit it. But there’s a long road between here and there.”
“And what landmarks do you need to pass on that road?”
“Just one big one. He says that he’s ready to step back from his job. He won’t give it up completely; I wouldn’t want him to—he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. But you have to remember, I’ve been in this position before.”
Marianne looked puzzled.
“I’ve been in love with a man who wanted to give up his addiction and build a better life with me. Remember how that worked out?”
“Of course, I do. But this is different. Seymour’s a workaholic, not an alcoholic. He’s hardly likely to … he’s not that kind of man. And besides, working all the time wouldn’t make him violent or angry.”
“I’m not saying it would. I’m not even talking about the worst aspects of it. What I’m saying is that I don’t want to wait around believing that he wants to build a life with me when he can’t do it. When there’s always something else that he’d rather be doing. I don’t need all his time or attention—I wouldn’t want it—but I do want to know that we’re in it together. I won’t wait on the sidelines while he hides from his demons in his work. I don’t want to be with him unless he’s wrestled all his demons and beaten them. I’m in a good place; I’ve done the work. I need to be sure that he’s done his.”
Marianne shook her head. “And you think that because he’s so eager to go all-in with you that he hasn’t? That he should take more time first?”
“I guess. I don’t even want him to take more time. I’d love for us to just be able to move forward and figure out what sharing life might look like for us. I’m cautious, that’s all.”
“Well, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of caution. But don’t let it hold you back from jumping into a new life. You’ve set yourself up well since you came to the lake. But don’t cling to it so hard that you refuse to grab onto something better.”
“I suppose.” Chris stared out the window again. Was that what she was doing? Clinging tightly to the life she’d built for herself, afraid to open it up and let Seymour in? She didn’t think so. She wanted him to come into her life—but she didn’t want to turn it upside down for him.
~ ~ ~
Seymour sat back and looked around the room. A lot of surprised faces stared back at him.
“Questions?”
Darren Porter, one of the senior analysts, held his gaze for a long moment, then asked, “So, the only major change will be Alan taking over your day-to-day responsibilities?”
Seymour nodded. “In terms of how it will affect all of you, yes.” He smiled at Alan. “I imagine it will mean a slight change of direction for the fund since Alan thinks differently than I do.”
There were a few murmurs around the table, but he held up a hand. “It’s no secret that the risk managers will be pleased with the change.”
Alan laughed beside him. “I admit that I’m not as aggressive as you.” He smiled around the room. “Seymour may be the one taking an early retirement of sorts, but I think the rest of us will live a bit longer—less chance of heart attacks—once we change tack.”
He was greeted with a few chuckles, but some eyes turned in Seymour’s direction. He knew that the company was fairly evenly split between aggressive risk-takers like himself and more conservative types like Alan. Overall, it made for a good balance, and the portfolio reflected that. He knew that stepping down wouldn’t create a major shift in direction, but it would pull them back from some of the more volatile markets. It was a good thing, and he knew it. He’d walked a very fine line for a long time. He could see now that he’d been selfish. He’d kept the company on a knife edge because doing so required all of his attention—and left very little of him or his time to invest in the rest of his life.
Alan was right—stress and blood pressure levels would no doubt drop significantly around here once Alan was at the helm. Seymour had every faith in him. They’d worked together for over fifteen years now. He deserved this opportunity, and Seymour was happy to give it to him.
It seemed strange to walk out of the office at two in the afternoon, but he smiled when he saw Ivan waiting at the curb for him.
Ivan grinned back at him. “Is this it, then? Did you do it?”
He grinned back. “I did. I don’t know what happens next, but you don’t need to bring me in here tomorrow. Or any day. We’ll still come in sometimes. I’m not stepping down completely, but the days of you dropping me off here every morning and picking me up again late at night to take me home again are over.”
“That’s awesome.” Ivan held the door open for him, but Seymour grinned, and instead, slid into the passenger seat.
Ivan came around and smiled at him as he buckled himself in. “So, that’s how it is, now then, huh?”
“It is. Where do you want to go?”
Ivan laughed. “I thought you’d want to go home?”
“Not yet. Although, I don’t know … yes, I do. I know it’ll be the second time for you this week, but do you want to go to Santa Monica, to the pier?”
Ivan laughed. “Sure. Miss Chris was saying on Monday that she wished you could go out there.”
“Well, I sho
uld make her wish come true.”
Ivan’s mood seemed somber as they neared Santa Monica.
“Anything you want to tell me?”
Ivan glanced over at him. “I’m wondering if there’s anything you want to tell me?”
“Not that I can think of. Why?”
“Don’t feel bad if you need to let me go now. I understand. It doesn’t make sense to keep me on.”
“No!” Seymour was startled by the suggestion. “No way. I don’t want to lose you. Just because I won’t be going to the office every day anymore … That doesn’t mean … Relax. I have no intention of letting you go. It hadn’t even crossed my mind.”
Ivan gave him a half smile. “Thanks. But it’s not just about driving you to the office, is it? I drive you because you’re always so damned busy with your investments or whatever it is you do. You’re getting out of that game to free up your time—to be present in your own life. Most people drive themselves around in their own lives.”
“I know. I understand that. But …” He shook his head. “We’ll figure something out. I’ll admit I did enjoy driving when we were at the lake. But there’s no way I’m letting you go. We’re restructuring, that’s all.” He frowned. Ivan was right. If he was going to live the kind of life he wanted to, he wouldn’t need a driver. But he wasn’t going to repay Ivan’s support and encouragement by firing him. “It’s not as though you only drive. You take care of the houses; you take care of all kinds of practical details.”
Ivan gave him a rueful smile. “Details that most people take care of themselves.”
“I never claimed to be normal. I’m not freeing up my time so I can mire myself in those kinds of details. I’m going to do more with the charities; I’m going to see where I can contribute in this life and work on that. I’m not going to sit home on my ass all day.”
Ivan chuckled. “I didn’t think you were. I just wanted to let you know, I’ll understand if you need to let me go.”
“Well, I don’t. Subject closed. Unless you want out?”
Ivan shook his head. “I don’t, but I don’t want to be kept around as a charity case either.”
“You know me better than that.”
“I do.”
“We’ll figure it out. I’m still going to be spending time here, at the house, and at the office. I’ll still be in Montana around the family a good bit, and I’m hoping that Summer Lake will become the place I call home.”
“I’d like that, too.”
Seymour cocked an eyebrow at him. “You like it there?”
“I do.”
“You like someone there?”
“Maybe.”
Seymour chuckled. “In that case, maybe I should set up an office there. Bring in a small staff to oversee the charity work. You could head it up, if you’d enjoy that?”
“Just like that?” Ivan looked skeptical.
“Why not?”
Ivan pulled into a parking lot a couple of blocks from the pier. “Do you want to walk from here?”
“Sure. And while we walk, we talk about what our new office in Summer Lake should look like.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” asked Emma.
“Of course, I don’t.” Chris took hold of Isabel’s hand. “We’re going to have fun, aren’t we, sweet pea?”
Isabel smiled up at her. “We’re going to the park.”
“That’s right.” Chris looked back at Emma. “You’d better get going.”
Emma checked her watch. “I had. And Jack said he’ll come and collect her from you as soon as he gets finished at work.”
“There’s no rush. You know I love spending time with her. Relax. It’s not a problem. It’s not Jack’s fault he got caught up at the office.”
Emma smiled. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t get stressed about it. But you’re always so organized; I hate asking you at the last minute like this.”
“You can ask me any time you like. I’ll drop anything to help you out.”
“I know—and that’s what bothers me. You wouldn’t tell me if you had other plans, you’d just drop them. But don’t worry, I won’t ask you anything this weekend. Seymour’s coming, isn’t he?”
“He is.”
Emma clasped her hands together. “I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you.”
Chris laughed. “Thank you. But you’d better uncross them and get going, or you’re going to be late. I can lock up on our way out.”
“Oh! You’re right.” Emma glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’d better go.”
Chris picked Isabel up, and they waved as they watched Emma back out of the driveway.
“Come on, sweet pea. Let’s get your things into Grandma’s car.”
Once she had Isabel’s car seat set up and a few of her favorite things in with her, Chris locked up the house. Emma had called her in a panic just as she was leaving the women’s center. Jack was supposed to be finishing work early to watch Isabel, but he was caught up in a meeting. Chris had driven up here to their place so that Emma could still leave on time for a meeting of her own.
Once they were on the road, Chris glanced at Isabel in the rearview mirror. She was holding her favorite bear close to her chest and kissing the top of his head, murmuring something to him.
“Are you and Teddy okay?”
Isabel smiled at her. “Teddy’s happy.”
“Why’s that?”
“He likes Grandma’s house, and he likes the park.”
Chris chuckled. Teddy had a lot of likes and dislikes. He tended to be the spokesperson for wants too. Teddy wants ice cream was a familiar plea at her house.
She decided to go straight to the park. It would still be quiet before the kids got out of school. She preferred to have the place to themselves than to have to explain to Isabel what the bigger kids were doing.
They were walking down the path by the duck pond when her phone rang. She made a face, wondering if she should ignore it. Much as she disliked intrusions on her time with Isabel, she pulled it out of her purse. Her heart beat a little faster when she saw Seymour’s name on the display.
“Hello. This is a pleasant surprise. What’s up?”
“Nothing’s up. I just wanted to hear your voice.” He sounded hesitant, uncertain maybe.
“It’s good to hear you, too. What are you up to?”
“That’s what I wanted to ask you. What are you doing right now?”
“I’m at the park with Isabel.”
“Oh.”
“Why?” He sounded disappointed, and she didn’t understand why he would be.
“No reason. I … What are you doing this evening?”
“Jack’s coming to pick her up after work, and then I’ll probably get some dinner at the Boathouse. This young lady will probably wear me out, so I won’t feel like cooking. What are you … wait, you’re not here, are you?” It was Thursday. He’d said he might come back before the weekend if he could.
He chuckled. “I just landed. I was going to tell you that I was thinking of coming today when we talked last night, but I wasn’t sure if it would work out. Don’t worry, though. I won’t intrude on your time with Isabel. If you like, you can call me later—let me know what time you’re going to the Boathouse for dinner, and I’ll meet you there.”
She laughed. “We did this once already. I don’t want to mess it up again, so let’s be upfront about it, shall we? I would love for you to come and hang out with Isabel and me if you’d like to.”
“You would?”
“Yes. Do you want to?”
“I’d love to.”
“Why don’t you come and join us at the park then. Do you know where it is?”
“I have no idea.”
“Well, when you get on Main Street, you come past the resort and keep on going. The street changes, it gets broader and quieter, and the houses are bigger, but it’s still Main. You go all the way to the end, and there’s a little parking area. You�
��ll see my car there. Then you follow the path, and it’ll bring you past the duck pond and then on to the swings. Depending on how long you take we’ll be in one of those places.”
“Great. I won’t be long.”
“Okay. We’ll see you in a little while.” Chris hung up and put her phone back in her purse.
Isabel tugged her hand. “Who’s that?”
“That was Grandma’s friend, Seymour. He’s going to come and play with us.”
Isabel scowled. “Okay.” She didn’t look too happy about it, but she tugged on Chris’s hand. “Swings.”
Chris pushed her on the swings for a little while until she got bored and wanted to go back to see the ducks. Chris was glad that she’d grabbed the baggie of bread crusts on her way out of her house earlier. She always kept a bag in the fridge for occasions like today when Jack and Emma needed her to step in and help out.
Chris sat on the bench and chuckled to herself as Isabel threw bread at the ducks.
She glanced over at the parking area, wondering how long it would be before Seymour showed up and whether it had been a good idea to invite him to join them. She didn’t see why it wouldn’t be.
Isabel came and put her hands on her knees. “Grandma’s house.”
“Okay.” Chris got to her feet. Isabel was one of those kids who went and went and went like a windup toy, but when she wound down, she got cranky and sleepy very quickly. “Let’s go back to the car.”
Seymour appeared through the gap in the hedge just before they reached it. He stopped and smiled when he saw them, then hurried forward.
“Hey. I’m sorry it took me a while. I wanted to get Ivan set up with a cabin.”
“You brought Ivan?”
“Yes, but I’ll explain later.” He smiled down at Isabel. “Hello.”
She looked at him then at Chris, then wrapped her arms around Chris’s knees.
“It’s okay, Isabel. This is my friend. This is Seymour.”
Isabel looked up at her. “Grandma’s house.”
“We’re going. But say hello to Seymour first.” Chris picked her up so that she was on eye level with him.