by Tara Randel
“I can, but in the end, you’ll do the right thing.”
Yes. He would. They all knew it.
His grandmother left and Reid stood in the middle of the room. This was his shot to return to the family business. He should embrace it, but until he and his father talked, he couldn’t see a future there. But he wanted this. Badly.
There was a knock on the door. Heidi. She stood still, as if unsure if she should enter. He waved her inside.
“I brought you some iced tea,” she said, holding out a glass tumbler.
He took it, staring at the brown liquid as if it contained all of life’s answers.
“At the risk of being annoying, how are you holding up?”
He shot her a grimace and got right to the matter at hand. “Grandmother asked me to fill in for Dad.”
“And you’re surprised?”
“No. I...” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure what to do.”
She walked right in front of him. Took the glass from his hand and placed it on the desk, then stared him square in the eye. “Pros?”
“I get to work for the family company. Make decisions. Feel involved again.”
She nodded. “Cons?”
“Eventually my father will return. Will he retire? Let me take the helm? Or will we argue and go back to square one?”
“You’ve laid out all the facts. Can you not make a decision?”
He closed his eyes. Swallowed the hurt rising there. “What if he doesn’t want me there?”
She waited until he met her gaze again. “Don’t give him a reason to push you out.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
She placed her hands on his shoulders. Her touch steadied him. “Nothing is easy, Reid. But you want this, don’t you?”
“I do. But for Dad to be gone for health reasons? Not a win here.”
“But your family will stand beside you no matter what.” Her eyes sparkled. Did he read faith there? “So will I.”
He rested his forehead against hers. Drank in the floral fragrance that always accompanied her. He needed her encouragement as much as he needed air. How had he missed this essential bond between them?
“What do you want, Reid?” she whispered.
“A second chance.”
“Then take it.”
At her words he leaned in. Swept his lips over hers. He circled his arms around her waist, thankful she was here. In his arms. The woman he’d never realized he’d needed so much, the woman who’d been at his side whenever it counted.
After long minutes, he pulled away, but kept her close. “Promise you’ll stick around?”
“Haven’t I always?”
He couldn’t stop himself. He kissed her again, the promise ringing in his ears.
Voices filtered from the foyer. Had the news gotten out? Were there folks stopping by, concerned about his father? He’d have to face them.
“Everything will be okay,” she said.
“You don’t know that.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but he placed a finger against her warm lips.
“What I do know is that you are the one sure thing in my life.” He took in her precious features. Let out a ragged breath. “You’ve always been a good friend, Heidi.”
Reid hugged her and left the room.
* * *
IN HIS WAKE, Heidi’s heart seized in her chest. Reid had just said the most wonderful words to her but framed them in the context of being friends. Confusion overwhelmed her. What about the kiss? The longing she felt between them? Was this all she was going to get?
The question was too disheartening to examine.
Tamping down her trepidation, she joined the others in the formal living room. The Masterson family rallied around each other and the visitors who were beginning to stop by as news about Mr. Masterson’s condition became known. It was a stark reminder that the only family she had was Alveda, and even she, as Gayle Ann’s confidant, was more connected to these folks than Heidi would ever be.
As more concerned friends arrived, Heidi distanced herself from the group, marveling at how Reid could engage in small talk while masking his worry over his father. He had that indefinable likeability factor that made him a successful businessman. No wonder he missed working at the office. Masterson Enterprises, and these people, were his world.
She placed a hand over her swirling stomach, wondering if she’d ever fit in, or if she’d only ever be comfortable viewing their lives from the sidelines.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“YOU LOOK LIKE you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
Seated at the kitchen table in Masterson House four days after Arthur’s emergency procedure, Gayle Ann tried to compose her features. Clearly, she wasn’t successful at it. Alveda was observant and knew Gayle Ann much too well for her to hide anything.
“It’s Reid,” she said, voicing her concern out loud for the first time since her grandson had returned to Masterson Enterprises.
“Reid is where he wants to be,” Alveda assured her, pouring another cup of coffee for them both.
“That’s the problem,” Gayle Ann answered. “I’m not sure Reid being at the office is good for his relationship with Heidi.” She picked up a spoon and set it in the cup, moving it around in small circles.
“Are you afraid he’ll put the job first?” Alveda asked, taking a seat at the table. The just-out-of-the-oven pie cooling on the counter smelled heavenly, but went untouched. Neither had much of an appetite since they’d returned home from Sunday services and barely touched their lunch.
“I do. Reid doesn’t see it, but he’s a lot like his father. I don’t want the business to consume him like it has Arthur.”
“Would the spark between Heidi and Reid fizzle out?”
“Yes, or something like that. I’m afraid I put him on the spot.” She frowned. “From what I’ve heard, Reid went into the office the day after Arthur’s test, just like I asked. He worked late both Thursday and Friday night, and then went back late Saturday for a few hours. Knowing him, he’s there right now. He should have been out with Heidi over the weekend having fun, not buried under paperwork.”
Alveda lifted her cup, holding it between both hands mere inches from her mouth, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, she lowered her cup.
“Heidi did mention that she hasn’t seen Reid in the last few days. I assumed it was because they were both busy.”
“They are busy, but because of how Reid left things, I’m sure he’s going to put in overtime to prove himself to his father.”
“Heidi must have noticed too. When I spoke to her, she didn’t sound happy. I asked her point-blank what was troubling her, but she brushed me off.”
Gayle Ann looked at her friend, anticipating the answer to her question, but asked it anyway. “They haven’t been to the Hanover renovation since the emergency call about Arthur, have they?”
“No. Heidi said it’s on hold until things at Masterson Enterprises are settled.”
“Which could mean anything.”
What was her grandson thinking? Happiness was within arm’s reach, but he refused to grab on tight.
Alveda cut into her thoughts. “I wouldn’t worry too much. Heidi will chase him down to finish if he really gets behind. She still has her sights set on that place.”
“And what if she gets the house and Reid resumes his place permanently at Masterson? What will happen to the romance they’ve just begun to acknowledge?”
“It was your crazy idea to get them together.” Alveda’s voice rose. “You brought the house to Reid’s attention after I told you Heidi wanted to buy it. I sent her in his direction when he first started to make plans for that place. I told you we never should have interfered.”
“But we did. With good intentions.”
“S
till think your matchmaking club is a smart idea?” Alveda huffed. “We pushed them together and now they might get hurt.”
Gayle Ann shook her head. “I disagree. They were meant to be together.”
“You always were stubborn,” Alveda muttered, picking up her cup again.
“And you agreed to give matching them a chance. Look how far we’ve come.”
“You’re still worried. You can’t hide it from me.” Alveda’s brows knitted together. “Doesn’t bode well for their future. If that young man breaks Heidi’s heart...”
“I know. You’ll never forgive me.” Gayle Ann stared into her cup. “Trust me, I won’t forgive myself either.”
“Then what do we do?”
At Alveda’s challenge, Gayle Ann felt a new infusion of hope. She wouldn’t give up. Not when they were so close.
She squared her shoulders and proclaimed, “Exactly what we’ve been doing. Keep working behind the scenes.”
Alveda’s jaw dropped. “Won’t that just make matters worse?”
“Not if our timing is right.”
Alveda shook her head, a strand of hair escaping her bun. “I almost hate to ask, but do you have a plan B?”
“I’m the leader of a matchmaking club. Of course, I have a plan.”
Alveda snorted.
Gayle Ann sent her friend a weary glance. “Okay, I’m working on one.”
“That does not inspire confidence.”
Gayle Ann refused to lose. There was too much at stake. Heidi was the future for her grandson. She could also offer him a life not consumed by business deals and spreadsheets. They were a good team. Hadn’t they learned that from the house renovation? If Reid would spend more time away from the office...
Then it hit her. She sent Alveda a sly smile.
“Not sure I like the looks of that grin.”
“Not to worry,” Gayle Ann assured her. “I have a solution and the person to help me pull it off.”
* * *
MONDAY MORNING, Reid took a short break to stretch the muscles in his lower back. He’d been at the Masterson offices since seven, getting up to speed on the status of projects, including who was working with whom and analyzing their financial bottom line. He was energized as he hadn’t been in a long time, in spite of the long hours he’d already put in.
After his father came home from the hospital, he’d spent the day resting at home. Thankfully the procedure had gone well, and amazingly, his father was feeling better almost immediately. Taking advantage of this, Reid’s mother whisked the senior Masterson off on Friday morning for a getaway to their cabin on the far side of the lake. Reid hadn’t had to run into his father at all, which made the transition easier, but knew that day was coming, so he’d get in as much work as possible while he could.
Ernie was handling the current renovations at the three homes. Phil was tasked with staining the deck at the Hanover house. Reid didn’t want to question Ernie about his grandson’s assignment after he’d left the older man in charge, but Reid didn’t have great expectations. Phil hadn’t proven to be all that motivated or conscientious. He was Ernie’s family so Reid would hope for the best.
The remodel was nearly complete with the final inspection scheduled for the end of this week. Then Heidi would be able to purchase her dream home.
Thinking of Heidi, he wandered over to the window and gazed down at Main Street. From here he could see most of the stores up and down the thoroughfare, doors opening to begin the day. Mrs. Albert was on the sidewalk, broom in hand, sweeping the concrete around her shop. Buck stood in front of the Jerky Shack, cleaning the large glass window. He supposed Heidi would be arriving at Blue Ridge Cottage soon, or perhaps she’d be dealing with a client, going over a bookkeeping account.
He missed her, her ready smile and how she always challenged him to prove a point. He’d been grateful for her steady presence when he’d gotten the news about his dad, that she remained at the hospital until they were sure the procedure was a success. His solid friend, yet not his friend. He found himself thinking about her at different points during the day, wanting to share a funny incident or an idea he’d come up with. This was definitely more than friendship, although he wasn’t sure what word to use, because wanting to be with Heidi had become as essential as breathing for him. On the other hand, being day in and day out at the busy office was a chance he couldn’t refuse.
He was torn.
When he’d called to reschedule their first date on Saturday, he could hear the disappointment in her voice, but she understood that he’d wanted to stop by the office. They’d have plenty of time for dates, he promised her. It made sense that he should get caught up on the family business, then his life would return to normal. Then they would pursue the next step.
At least, that was the plan.
Maybe he should call her to ask about having lunch today? A few hours together was something, right? He went to his desk to search for his cell, noticing a note from his assistant reminding him about a 1:00 p.m. meeting. Okay, he’d shoot for lunch tomorrow if nothing came up.
He’d just settled in his chair with another file when he heard his grandmother’s voice.
“Don’t worry, Darlene, Reid will see me.”
His desk phone lit up just as Grandmother walked into the room. He lifted the receiver and pressed the interoffice button. “It’s okay, Darlene. She’s already here.”
“If the she you mean is me,” his grandmother said as she dropped her purse in an empty chair, “then perhaps you could be a little more respectful of your elder.”
Reid rose and skirted the desk to give his grandmother a kiss.
“You certainly don’t need an introduction.”
She gave a curt nod, then looked up at him, reading his face. “You’re doing okay with all this?”
“Of course. You asked me to step in and to be honest, I’ve been enjoying the change of pace.”
“You don’t miss manual labor?”
“Not right now. I’m giving my mind a long overdue workout.”
“Hmm.”
His grandmother thinking too long on any one topic never went well for him. “What does that mean?”
“I don’t like you logging such long hours. You’re too young to be cooped up in this office.”
“Well, I can’t very well do this job from a reno site.” He waved a hand in front of him to show off his office attire of button-down shirt, slacks and dress shoes. “I’m not even dressed for it.”
“Reid, you have a life. Make sure you use your days wisely. I don’t—”
The desk phone buzzed again. As Reid reached over to answer, his grandmother said, “Aren’t you the popular one this morning.”
Reid chuckled. “Yes, Darlene?”
Just then Judge Carmichael walked into the office.
“Yes, I see he’s here,” Reid commented in a dry tone.
“Hope you don’t mind me dropping in,” the judge said, his silver hair perfectly combed, his conservative clothing adding an air of authority, but most of all, his smile conveying his nonchalance about barging in.
“I don’t recall us having an appointment,” Reid said, already suspicious of the dual surprise visits.
“I asked him to stop by,” Grandmother informed him.
That explained nothing.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of both of you here in my office?” Reid asked.
“You know the judge and I are on the town council.”
“How could I forget?” The council had delayed a few construction jobs Reid had arranged in the past. Didn’t matter that they were family, if his grandmother didn’t like an aspect of a proposal, she’d hold it up until modifications were made.
“With all that has gone on with your father, Harry had to remind me about the upcoming council meeting.”
Reid crossed his arms over his chest. “That doesn’t explain why you’re here.”
The judge chuckled.
“Don’t be a smart aleck,” Grandmother scolded. “I’m getting to that part.”
Reid glanced at his desk, longing to read reports that most people might find boring but he thrived on.
“To continue,” his grandmother said, slipping into her haughty voice. “Since you’ve been busy with your remodeling projects, I haven’t seen you very much...”
He got the hint.
“But I have a special idea for the town and I need your help before presenting it to the council.”
“It’s quite admirable,” the judge added.
The two older folks smiled at each other. Two peas in a pod, if you asked Reid. Nothing but trouble.
He cleared his throat. “And this idea?”
“Oh, right.” Grandmother got back to business. “I’ve long wanted a large sign at the south end of the business district, welcoming visitors to Golden. We never replaced the ones that came down years ago. Your father and I discussed it at length and decided Masterson Enterprises would sponsor a new sign, so we don’t need to dip into the public coffers. I know the council will approve it because they don’t have to pay the bill, but you know how busy your father gets, so it was put on the back burner, so to speak.”
“If you’ve discussed it with Dad, why are you here now?”
“The upcoming meeting. Keep up, Reid.” She tsk-tsked. “I need a spec to present to the members. Measurements, materials, design. You know the drill.”
He smothered the chuckle rising in his chest. Grandmother was on a roll.
“Since your father is gone and you are so very handy with those kinds of details, I want you to come to the location with me. Let me present my vision so you can draw up a plan.”
Reid tapped a few keys on his laptop to pull up his daily calendar. “When did you have in mind?”
“Now.”
He looked up. “Right now?”
“No better time than the present.”
“Grandmother, I’m busy.”
Her hand moved in a dismissive wave. “You’re never too busy for your grandmother.”