Eight Reasons Why

by Jeannette Winters

  “I am. Remember, I was trained by the best,” Allyson said, knowing Scott took pride in his work.

  “Then neither of us have anything to worry about.” Scott grinned and turned back to his monitor. “Thanks for stepping in today. I’ll miss having you around here. You’ve done a great job preparing Corinne to step into your role, though. She’s smart and has picked up things so quickly.”

  “Yes, we chose well with Corinne.” But have we done the same thing with Caydan Pintino? I guess only time will tell.

  Allyson had been so busy with last minute things before her flight to Tabiq that the days had flown by. Corinne, although nervous, seemed to have picked up the basic job duties, the rest would come over time or she’d need to learn on her own. Allyson didn’t even have a week to get her up to speed. This was going to be a true test of Corinne’s self motivation. Because it was going to be sink or swim time for her.

  There had been hardly a minute for herself. Her friends insisted they all go out for one last time, which wound up being a few nights in a row. It had been great spending so much time with everyone, but no one seemed to understand she wasn’t falling off the planet. They still could talk every day, if any of them had time. Of course the time zone difference might make it a bit more challenging. Overall, they all understood and respected her decision, and at the end they wished her the very best of luck. She was going to miss them all terribly. But from what she gathered, she was going to be too busy to have time to think about it.

  She was far from being a procrastinator, but packing was something she hated to do. Leaving it to the last minute meant her clothes were less likely to be wrinkled when she unpacked them. At least that was the excuse she’d used each day. But the flight left tomorrow and whether she liked it or not, she needed to get it done. However, it would need to wait a bit longer. She had one more goodbye.

  Allyson’s parents had insisted she have dinner with them before leaving. They made it seem as though she would be gone forever. Although New Hope was actually working for a different company, one owned by Drake and the Hendersons, they’d been kind enough to let her accrued vacation time transfer over. That meant she could come back and visit, although not as often as her parents would like, obviously. The joy of being an only child. They have no one else to focus on.

  Her father didn’t seem to believe she was looking at this solely as a great business opportunity. He thought she took the job because it was on the other side of the world. There is no place far enough away to outrun Mom’s nagging.

  Ever since Allyson turned thirty-four, her mother kept reminding her about the stupid internal clock. Women were having children later in life. She would think about it in another year or two. Or maybe not. No matter what, there was no time to think or talk about it now. The only good thing about having such an early flight tomorrow morning was she had the perfect excuse to leave right after dessert.

  She grabbed her purse and headed to her parents’ first, because she knew if she went home, she wouldn’t want to leave again. Allyson would live in the residence quarters at the resort, but nothing beat her cottage on the lake. It was perfect. Away from all the noise and at night she sat on her porch, curled up on the swing, and listened to nature. She’d never get enough of being outside. It’s what I’m going to miss most.

  When she arrived, her mother was already opening the door as though she’d been waiting. “I was beginning to worry.”

  “About what, Mom?”

  “That you were going to leave without even—”

  “Saying goodbye? Really? I’m here every Sunday for dinner, and now you think I’d just pack up and take off?” She knew her mother was trying to deal with her baby girl going so far away. It was no different when she had bought the cottage and moved out. Empty nest syndrome seemed to be a real thing. This is what happens when you’re an only child. No one else to distract them. She reached out and gave her mother a hug. “This is hard on me too.”

  “I know. It’s just so—”

  “Far. But maybe you and Dad can visit me once I’m settled in. You never go anywhere.”

  Her mother stepped back. “I never thought about that. I mean, I’ve never even been on a plane.”

  Allyson laughed. “You’re almost sixty. Don’t you think it’s about time to try something new? Besides, the resort is on the ocean, and you know how much Dad loves to fish.”

  She smiled and said, “That would get him on the plane for sure, but what about me?”

  “Mom, New Hope has every luxury one could ask for. When you visit, you and I are going to have some pampering. A spa day like no other.”

  “Deal. Maybe we can celebrate my birthday there.”

  Hooking arms they entered the house. Instantly the aroma caught her attention. “Did you make lasagna?”

  “Of course. Did you think your mother wasn’t going to try to bribe you to stay?” She turned around and saw her father sitting on the couch, watching the baseball game. “Glad you showed up early because she was about to wear a hole in that rug pacing.”

  Her father loved baseball, but not as much as he was making it out to be. That was his way of avoiding the pain of the situation. Allyson took after her father in that way. If she was afraid, hurting, or whatever range of emotion, she held it close to herself. That was perfect for working in HR. She could fire people and they never knew it bothered her. They all believe I’m cold as ice. She’d lose her edge if they knew the truth.

  “Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll try to save you some.”

  That was all he needed to hear to get up and turn off the television. “I’ve heard that before and ended up with nothing.”

  Allyson chuckled as they all took their seats.

  Her father asked, “How was your last day of work?”

  “Dad, I’m not quitting. I got a promotion.”

  “You know what I mean. You’re not going to be at High View Falls anymore.”

  “But I’m still working for Drake Fletcher. And work was . . . different.”

  He arched a brow and said, “Different can be good.”

  “I hope so. I met the new manager for New Hope. He was . . . well . . . have you ever met someone who seems too perfect?”

  Both her parents nodded their heads.

  “That’s how he came off to me. I chalked it up to nerves on both our sides, but I hope I’m wrong.”

  Her mother asked, “You mean you don’t want him to be that good at his job?”

  “Of course I do. I just don’t believe he will be. It was like talking to a salesman. He was smooth and sold himself very well.” I’m just not sure he can perform to that standard.

  “It sounds like every interview I ever went on. My belief is you bullshit at least fifty percent of it but when you get the job, you need to deliver a hundred percent,” her father said.

  He had a strange way of looking at it, but Allyson hoped he was right. Caydan seemed to be normal and eager to start. For all she knew, she may have come off the same way when she interviewed with Drake. God, I hope not. I don’t want to seem . . . arrogant.

  Her mother held out the biscuits and said, “I think it’s more than just the interview.”

  “Why do you say that?” Allyson asked.

  “Because I made your favorite dish and you haven’t even taken a bite. Maybe it’s not what he said but more about what you . . . felt?”

  She hated how her mother could turn this into something it wasn’t. “Mom. Are you really going there? This wasn’t a date. It was a job interview. And the only thing about Mr. Pintino that holds my interest is his qualifications.”

  With a heavy sigh her mother said, “One can only hope that one of these days Mr. Right is going to walk into your life. I just hope you’re not working so much that you don’t notice him. Remember, you’re not getting any younger.”

  Allyson rolled her eyes. “I know. Thirty-four is ancient. I should put in my retirement paperwork now.”

  “Don’t sass your mother. Sh
e only wants what is best for you.”

  “Dad, things are different. A woman doesn’t have to be married with children to be happy. What is wrong with having a successful career?” She shouldn’t have even bothered. Her parents were set in their ways and weren’t going to change. If her mother could’ve had more children she would’ve had a dozen, or so the story goes. But staying home, cooking and cleaning, and worse, changing diapers, wasn’t for her. I not going to change any more than you guys are.

  “When you get sick, who will be there? Not your coworkers. And you love that cottage of yours. The last time I checked there were two rockers on that porch and a swing built for two,” her mother reminded her. “And someday I would like to be sitting in one of them with a grandchild.”

  If they were trying to get Allyson excited about boarding the plane, it was working. “Why don’t we talk about it later. I have to be leaving shortly and—”

  “Don’t want to spend our time arguing. You’re right. Now eat that lasagna before I think you don’t like my cooking either.”

  She picked up a large fork full and said, “You’re the best cook I know, so don’t worry, no amount of nagging will keep me away.”

  Her mother grunted and her father laughed. “I wouldn’t push your luck, Ally. Your mother excels at both.”

  “Dennis, you better remember, she is leaving, but you’re stuck with me.”

  “Marion, I wouldn’t want to be any place else.” Dennis reached out, picked up Marion’s hand, and kissed it.

  It was wonderful that, after forty-two years, her parents were still in love. She could appreciate it from afar, but Allyson couldn’t picture that happening for her. Happily ever afters are like winning the lottery. The odds aren’t in my favor.

  The rest of her time with her parents flew by, and they actually half-planned their trip to Tabiq. It was funny that once she pulled up the resort on her cell phone, her parents began talking about all the things they would do together. And somehow, she wasn’t included in any of them.

  That was okay by her. Allyson had a feeling her plate would be full with her new role. She didn’t want to disappoint Scott, and she really wanted to impress both Drake and the Hendersons. Although she wanted to be with the company long-term, she wasn’t opposed to advancing her career one day.

  Growing up with her parents, living from month to month on her father’s paycheck, had opened her eyes. She wanted a nest egg for rainy days. Having someone by your side when you got sick was great, but being able to afford medical treatment was even more important. In many ways, she knew being an only child had prepared her well for the life of a single woman. Her parents had encouraged her to be independent, although at times it didn’t feel that way. Like now. But she was secure in herself and happy; that was good enough for her.

  Chapter 2

  Caydan usually traveled by his own means, but as an employee, the company took care of all his travel arrangements. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had to check bags and go through security at the airport. Hell, I can’t believe they booked coach. There were certain luxuries he didn’t want to live without, and his personal jet was one of them. He was positive as time went on he’d find a lot of things he missed even more.

  Of course he had an aisle seat, and the passenger with the window hadn’t arrived yet. Caydan looked at this watch. Two minutes till take off. He hoped the person didn’t show; he wouldn’t mind a bit of stretching room. He was six foot two and his knees were already touching the back of the seat in front of him. Being crammed in any more was going to make this flight unbearable.

  He leaned out and noticed a vacant seat in first class as well. If it wouldn’t risk blowing his cover, he’d whip out his credit card and upgrade.

  “Wait. I’m coming,” a woman’s voice rang out, and the flight attendant nodded her response. He knew the boarding gate attendants would have radioed ahead, so she didn’t really need to ask them to hold the doors.

  Caydan couldn’t miss the red hair as Allyson came on board. But she wasn’t alone. There was another woman behind her, carrying a crying infant.

  Each showed the attendant their boarding pass and was directed to the seat near him. It figured he’d be near her the entire way, and she would continue with her endless questions.

  But Caydan was wrong. Allyson handed the attendant her sweater and took the seat in first class. No way. And, sure enough, the woman with the baby approached him. He could see she was overwhelmed, baby in one hand and what he assumed to be a diaper bag in the other. Although tempted to close his eyes and ignore her struggles, he couldn’t. All he could think was how difficult it had been for his own mother, always alone with him.

  Getting up, he said, “Let me help you.” She instantly handed him the bag and her carry-on luggage then slipped into her seat. He placed both of her bags in the overhead compartment and sat back down—or at least tried to. The little space he had before had vanished. The baby was squirming all over the place.

  “I’m so sorry. We barely made it from our last flight and he’s hungry. There was no time to feed him. Once we are in the air and I can unbuckle, I promise I’ll feed him and he’ll settle down.”

  Caydan nodded and said, “It’s fine,” but if the doors hadn’t already closed and the plane started its journey to the runway, he might have gotten off. It wasn’t that he didn’t like babies, it’s just he wasn’t good with children. They demanded more than what he was capable of. Unconditional love.

  The plane picked up speed and quickly was in the air. He usually loved flying because it provided him time to get things done. But his laptop wasn’t coming out anywhere near a baby. Accidents happen, and with how his luck was going today, it would get knocked to the floor. Since that computer was where he could securely access his own business information without anyone being the wiser, he was going to guard it well.

  The pilot announced seat belts could be removed. The woman next to him repeatedly adjusted herself, her elbow jabbing him again and again. Caydan was about to remind her where her seat ended and his began when he noticed her other hand begin unbuttoning the front of her shirt. Oh hell no. Sure enough, she pulled a blanket up to cover herself and the baby. Her arm pressing up against his so the baby could nurse, was making him extremely uncomfortable. He tried leaning to the left, but the flight attendant was coming down the aisle with the beverage cart. He was trapped and needed out of his seat.

  The woman casually turned to him and asked, “Do you have any children?” She was looking at him straight in the eye.

  “No.” He couldn’t hold a conversation, never mind look her in the eye, knowing she was breastfeeding her baby, half pressed up against him. Not on this long-ass flight. “Excuse me.”

  He stood and walked over to Allyson. She had her laptop out and headphones on, appearing to be in deep thought. He tapped her on the shoulder, obviously startling her and almost knocked the laptop off her tray.

  “God. Don’t ever do that to me again,” Allyson blurted.

  “Sorry. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to talk about New Hope.” Caydan knew that wasn’t the time or place. And if she had wanted to discuss things with him, their seats would’ve been next to each other.

  Allyson turned her head, peered back to where Caydan had been sitting, then said, “I believe that might be a bit difficult at the moment.”

  It beat the heck out of his options. “I have no problem standing.”

  “I’m glad you don’t, however, you’re blocking the aisle.”

  He caught sight of the flight attendant making her way back up to where he stood. Caydan tried leaning in closer to Allyson but quickly realized his hips were at eye level for her. It didn’t go unnoticed either. Holy crap. Could this get more awkward? Where is my normal charm and mettle?

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Allyson snapped.

  “Making way in the aisle as you suggested,” Caydan clarified.

  “Mr. Pintino—”

  “Please
call me Caydan.”

  Huffing she said, “Caydan, I meant you should return to your seat. I appreciate your commitment to work, but we can discuss whatever you’d like to when we arrive in Tabiq.”

  “Maybe you should’ve booked first class for us both.”

  Allyson closed her laptop and said, “Do you believe I intentionally booked your seat in coach and mine in first class?”

  “It does appear that way.”

  “Not that I owe you an explanation, but no, I’m not in the habit of being frivolous with company funds, but I was offered the option to upgrade at the last minute.”

  “I don’t believe you’d be working for Mr. Fletcher if you were.”

  “Excuse me. I hate to interrupt your . . . conversation, but I have people waiting for their snacks. If you don’t mind, sir, please return to your seat.”

  He didn’t know how long the flight attendant had been waiting to go by, but her smile didn’t match her tone.

  “Miss, I’d be happy to, however the passenger next to me, needs some . . . space.” She arched a brow and he explained, “She’s feeding her baby.”

  Allyson said, “I don’t see why that should prevent you from taking your seat.”

  “She’s doing it . . . the . . . natural way.” Caydan didn’t want to say breastfeeding. What man did? And although it was best for the baby, he didn’t want to see it, particularly with a woman he didn’t know.

  “Sir, I understand, but you cannot stand here and block the aisle.”

  “Caydan, maybe you’re not the right person for the job if you have an issue with . . . children,” Allyson challenged.

  Was it his imagination or was she looking for a reason not to have him as the manager of the resort? He hadn’t picked up on it during the interview, but right now, she seemed . . . different. When they landed he was going to have Roger check into her background. If he was going to be working closely with Allyson, it’d be beneficial to know her story. Caydan was a man some might call arrogant . . . opinionated . . . but he’d never had trouble with women. Yet here he was, stuck in a plane in coach, obviously losing the Mr. Likeable competition. And I’ve never cared before. But I’m fast on my feet. It was time to pull back a little so Allyson wouldn’t question his ability to perform his job. I don’t need that sort of attention. He was the take-charge guy, and letting go of control, or at least letting her think he had, wasn’t going to be easy for him. If he pulled this off, he should get an Oscar for his performance. Mr. Sensitive Pintino. Now that’s funny. He was glad Roger wasn’t on board to witness what was about to happen.