Fix Me Not

by Carey Heywood

  “She’ll be back in a couple weeks. Until then, we’re both working.”

  “There's working and then there's overworking,” Abby stresses.

  “Even if I'm working too much, what's two weeks?” I ask.

  Her gaze moves to the lake. “Don't get so buried in your work that you forget to eat, or take care of yourself.”

  I cover her hand with mine. “You don’t need to mother me.”

  She laughs. “You're lucky it's me and not mom who's doing it.”

  Alright, she has a point.

  I lift my hands in surrender. “Okay, okay.”

  Gideon stops rubbing his arm to start eating again. Leaning back in my chair, I take another drink of my beer. As much as I love my family, it's embarrassing they feel the need to check up on me like this.

  What's even worse is, they seemed to be right. I haven't been taking care of myself.

  “Why don't you go to New York?” Gideon asks.

  I squint at him. “Two reasons. First, she didn't ask me and second, I'd only be in the way.”

  He shakes his head. “She won't think you're in the way if you’re giving it to her every night.”

  “How are we even related?” Abby asks, closing her eyes.

  We both ignore her, even though she has a point.

  “Enough about Paige. Tell me what's going on with you guys.”

  Gideon leans back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. “I've got no complaints. Life is good.”

  In the past, I've envied Gideon’s carefree lifestyle. I couldn't understand how we could be so different. He's my brother and I love him. He's the guy who can walk into any room and own it in no time flat.

  I've never had any shortage of attention but with his looks and personality, Gideon had an almost cult like following in high school and it’s continued ever since.

  Nothing ever gets him down.

  “Same old, old same, for me,” Abby replies.

  “Still can't get any dates?” Gideon asks.

  At this point, given the look Abby slices in his direction, I start to fear for his life.

  He seems oblivious and keeps talking. “You're not ugly and only semi crazy.”

  She crosses her arms over her chest, anger radiating from her, and looks at me. “What should I kick his ass for first, the not ugly comment or the semi crazy one?”

  I shrug since she doesn't need a reply from me either way.

  “I'd like to see you try and kick my ass,” Gideon replies.

  Wrong answer.

  She jumps out of her chair and tackles him, chair and all.

  “Get off of me, you psycho twerp,” he shouts now in a headlock.

  “Say you're sorry,” she replies.

  I grab my phone and snap a pic to send to Noah.

  “I'm sorry,” he says after a while.

  “For?” She asks.

  “For having a psychopath for a sister,” he grunts.

  I never knew my little brother had a death wish. Since he isn't gasping for air, I don't step in. Truth is, I'm more grateful for their interruption to my day than I let on. I'm happy to sit back and let their antics entertain me for the rest of the afternoon.

  After Abby finally gets Gideon to apologize in a way she feels is sufficient, the three of us go out on the lake. Abby and I take the two-seater paddle boat while Gideon opts for a kayak.

  The paddle boat has pedals like a bicycle to propel it forward. It's the perfect boat for conversation because we sit side by side.

  “Are you feeling pressure to find a boyfriend?” I ask.

  She sighs. “Well, since I'm not seeing someone there's clearly something wrong with me. Or, that's what it feels like every time I tell anyone I'm single. For whatever reason, if I help someone buy or sell a house, they want to set me up as a thank you. I mean, I make commission so it's not like I'm working for free.”

  “You'll never have to worry about that from me,” I reply.

  She reaches over to pat the top of my hand. “Thanks Ash.”

  “Are you guys talking about me?” Gideon asks, paddling up.

  “Not everything is about you,” Abby snaps.

  He makes a face at her before paddling away.

  “I don't even know why I asked him to ride up with me.”

  “He’s entertaining, that's for sure,” I reply.

  She laughs and then says, “At least he’s good for all the landscaping stuff you'll need here for Noah and Finley’s wedding.”

  “I noticed you didn't park in your usual spot,” I reply.

  “Gid says I'm not allowed to park there again until after the wedding,” she replies.

  “What do you think about them having it here?” I ask.

  She spreads her arms out wide. “I can't think of a better place. In fact, I have a feeling it won't be the last wedding here.”

  “Yeah, who else will be getting married here?” I reply.

  She grins at me. “Once Paige moves back, you.”

  I cough. “Let's not get ahead of ourselves.”

  She starts pedaling faster. “Oh hush. It's you, not Gideon. It's not like settling down with someone isn't going to ever happen for you. Besides, I've talked to Fin and she told me how cozy you two were during their visit. Oh my God, and she told me how you parked in the lot of her job every night to see her home safe. That's one of the most romantic things I've ever heard.”

  I pedal to match her speed so the boat won't start spinning. “Sell any houses recently?”

  She laughs at my subject change. “As a matter of fact, I did.”

  While she tells me about her work, Gideon paddles beside us again. Abby doesn't seem to mind a bigger audience. Once she's done, Gideon tells me about the projects he’s working on.

  It always hits me, even though we were raised the same way, we all forged our own paths. I always knew Abby would be successful. She's been driven since she was in preschool.

  Gideon on the other hand, has always lived life as if it was one never-ending party. The fact that he's running a successful business all on his own is a miracle.

  It's strange that out of the three of us, I'm the one in a relationship. Both Gideon and Abby dated through high school. Back in those days, Gideon had a serious girlfriend. It wasn't until after their breakup that he started going through women the way he does.

  For Abby, it wasn't until college that she seemed to settle down. In fact, we were all certain her college boyfriend was going to propose. She never did share exactly what went down between the two of them. One minute they were inseparable, the next they were over, and over in a way she lost her mind if his name was even mentioned.

  Now she only goes through the motions of dating, and that's after our mom pesters her.

  “Do you think there's enough wind today for me to take out the surfer?” Gideon asks.

  I raise my arm and watch the tree line for any sign of a breeze. “Iffy at best.”

  He shrugs. “What the hell. I'm still going to give it a go.”

  “Don't expect us to come rescue you if you end up stranded on the board,” Abby replies.

  I decide against reminding her it'd be a pain but he could swim it in if that happened.

  As he paddles away, she says, “Once Paige is back, if it's still warm enough, you should invite everyone up for a picnic.”

  “Sure.”

  She turns to look at me. “Even with Paige here?”

  I steer us away from the lake’s center since this will probably be the way Gideon will come if there's enough wind. “She’ll have to meet everyone eventually.”

  “I wonder if Brooke will let Eli bring the kids,” she says sadly.

  It's my turn to face her. “Are you sure everything's okay?”

  Her head jerks back. “Why would you ask that?”

  My gaze shifts to where Gideon is dragging his kayak up the beach. Looks like I'm going to have to hose it down later. “You seem off.”

  “In what way?” She counters
.

  “Are you doing as good as you say, or are you trying to stop us from worrying about how you're really doing?”

  “I'm fine,” she snaps.

  Folding my arms over my chest I hold her gaze.

  It takes a couple minutes before her shoulders sag. “I'm okay I guess.”

  Unfolding my arms, I rest my hands on my knees. “So, lay it on me. What's got you down?”

  “This is going to sound bad,” she starts.

  “Tell me anyway,” I reply.

  “I'm jealous of you and Noah,” she blurts, turning her face away.

  I blink. “Why?”

  “I get that you and Paige aren't where Noah and Finley are but, it's only a matter of time. You two are going to end up together for real, I can feel it and maybe it's making me feel lonely. I'm so lame I had to get a cat as a boyfriend replacement.”

  Her voice hitches at the end and she lifts her hands to wipe at her eyes. I make a move to hug her, making our paddle boat rock.

  “Don't,” she stops me with her hand. “If Gid sees you hugging me he’ll know something is up and won't shut up about it the whole ride home until he finds out what it is.”

  “Okay,” I reply, pulling back.

  “Noah met Finley because of me and no offense, but you're the most anti-social guy on the planet and you met someone. Is there something wrong with me?”

  “There is nothing wrong with you,” I all but shout.

  Her gaze shoots to Gideon but he's too far away to hear us. In fact, given the way he’s fighting to get the sail to stay up he wouldn't hear us even if we were right next to him.

  “Come on. My idea of fun is changing into my pjs and watching Naruto,” she replies.

  “Naruto?” I ask.

  She grins. “It's Japanese anime and the best. Imagine a ninja, a really powerful one.”

  After I nod, she continues, “Now picture him as this annoying kid who is positive one day he’ll grow up to be hokage, that’s what they call the most powerful ninja in their village. And, because of this every time he gets knocked down or fails a test he still tells everyone in the village he's going to succeed in the end.”

  I nod again even though she lost me at hokage. “What's wrong with that?”

  “How am I ever going to meet someone?” she asks.

  I think back to the first time I saw Paige. “It might happen when and where you least expect it.”

  Sixteen

  Paige

  From my vantage point at the back of the ballroom, I can see the entire room. The staff at Haven is second to none. Getting to organize events here is like conducting a world class orchestra.

  The bride and groom make their entrance. The lead singer of the band they hired introduces them as Mr. & Mrs., and welcomes them to the floor for their first dance. The chandeliers glitter overhead, sending sparkling rays of light across the ballroom as the music swells.

  As soon as this dance is finished, our waiters will serve all but the main table. Their table will be served once the parent dances are complete. Everything, every single aspect of this wedding reception was in disarray when I took over.

  From the moment I wake, until I collapse into bed each night, I've worked like a dog to get everything organized again, this time ensuring that Haven’s future events are all set. The event spaces of Haven are booked over a year in advance.

  When my three weeks are up, all of Haven’s future events will be organized and documented in a way that any decent event planner can take over.

  “Paige?”

  I turn to see Rasmus, Fiona’s personal assistant. “Hi Rasmus.”

  Rasmus, like Fiona, was a model before he became her assistant. My theory is she hired him for an excuse to look at him all day. He’s not only gorgeous but Estonian as well. His English is perfect but he still has an accent. I can't lie, I love to hear him talk.

  “The reception appears to be going well,” he says, looking past me to where the bride and groom are dancing.

  “This one is. Now, there's a wedding anniversary on the roof I need to check on. Want to walk with me?”

  He nods. “I can think of nothing else I'd rather do.”

  He’s made no move to hide the fact that he wants in my pants. Too bad I'm holding out for a hot as hell reclusive carpenter who gives good lake.

  But, he's still nice to look at and listen to.

  “I'm surprised you're still here,” I say as we walk.

  “Fiona’s flight lands in thirty. She’s bringing some friends with her who will be using the VIP suites this weekend. They're skipping check in but I'm playing bellhop for the party. Once they're settled, I'm meeting some people in Soho. Would you like to join us?”

  We take the freight elevator up to the roof. “Not tonight, I still have work to do.”

  He shakes his head. “You say that every night.”

  And I'll continue to.

  When the doors slide open, I step out first. Haven has tiered roofs. The first, a large outdoor area with retractable awnings, and the second, a private smaller deck with a pool and hot tub for VIP guests. The third roof is for utility components that service the top third of the hotel. Components for the rest of the hotel are in the basement.

  It's a beautiful night; an early afternoon storm cooling off what was a sweltering day. Fairy lights are wound around poles scattered across the roof, mimicking the stars above. From this height, even the bustle and noise of the city below is dulled.

  A pianist’s fingers dance across the keys of a baby grand piano. One it took an act of God, and my skills, to get up here for this event. Heavy hors d'oeuvres have already been served to the fifty-six guests in attendance while the celebrating couple dance.

  “You've outdone yourself,” Rasmus says from behind me.

  “Paige. Thank God you're here. Mrs. Sinhason has requested a change to the dessert menu. She's doing a no sugar, no dairy, vegan diet.”

  “On it,” I reply, lifting my phone.

  Last minute changes happen. Sure, it'd be ideal to have more than an hour to fix this disaster. That's why I have a contingency plan for everything, and the contact info of all the best chefs close by on speed dial.

  It takes fifteen minutes and a promise to offer three cake options on all of our wedding cake tasting appointments for the next three months to get a replacement dessert option for the Sinhason’s and their fifty-six guests.

  “Crisis averted,” I say, slipping my phone back into the pocket of my little black dress.

  Why don't more dresses have pockets? They're absolute lifesavers when you don't want to carry a purse.

  “I can see why Fiona was set on having you,” Rasmus replies.

  I decide against sharing the only reason I was able to pull this miracle off was because everyone wants an in at Haven. Sure, this chef is doing me a favor tonight, but having his cakes added to our selections will benefit him more in the long run.

  “You can call me Super Paige,” I say.

  His eyes roam over my face before moving to the pianist. “Can I have this dance, Super Paige?”

  I shake my head. “Maybe another time. I need to update our bridal cake menus.”

  Waving down the server who gave me the diet change, I let her know additional dessert options will be arriving shortly. She gives me a grateful nod before going to share the news.

  Rasmus follows me back to the elevator. “That can't wait until tomorrow?”

  I give him a look. “Would Super Paige procrastinate?”

  He chuckles coming in to stand beside me. “I suppose not.”

  We ride all the way back down to the first floor together and then head off in our separate ways.

  The menus are updated and I'm checking emails when the next disaster strikes.

  “Paige, it’s Mr. Knight. He's on line three and needs to speak to you right away.”

  Mr. Knight, as in CEO of Shining Armor Corp, as in one of our biggest clients. His paparazzi stalked family has their own reali
ty show they're so famous. In one week, his middle daughter is getting married here in what everyone is saying will be the event of the year.

  Lucky for me, the family has their own personal planner on retainer, or so I thought. What could he possibly need to speak to me about?

  Grabbing my desk phone, I press line three. “Hello Mr. Knight. This is Paige.”

  “Each member of my family has said their wedding vows under the same wooden arch going back three generations. It was badly damaged during shipment. We need it repaired or Berry is calling the wedding off.”

  No hello at all? Well shit.

  “I know someone who can fix it,” I reply, crossing my fingers and toes that Asher will do it.

  He’s the best carpenter in the business and has made it clear that he wants to be with me. He gave me a cabin, would fixing an arch be that bad? I wouldn’t want him to think I was using him though.

  “I'll have my men deliver it and some photos of it before it was damaged,” Mr. Knight replies before ending the call.

  Pulling the phone from my ear, I stare at it a beat before setting it back in its cradle. Is it too late to call him now?

  Reaching into my pocket, I trace the outer edge of my cell, touching it but not committing to taking it out.

  The worst he could do is say no, I decide, tugging my phone out and calling him before I can change my mind.

  “Hey,” he answers and just the sound of his voice calms my nerves.

  “Hey Asher,” I reply.

  “Are you already done for the night?” he asks.

  “Not even close,” I admit.

  “Is everything alright?”

  Okay, here goes. “It's the reason I called. I need to ask you something.”

  There's a pause before he says anything, a pause long enough that I start to fiddle with the seam of my dress.

  “If it's within my power to do, I will,” he replies.

  Those words sear through me, straight to my core and settle there.

  “Asher,” I whisper, my nose stinging.

  “Lay it on me, what can I do?”

  I tell him everything and I'm not surprised he has absolutely no idea who Mr. Knight or his family is. In fact, I love him for it.