“What about the money from your parents?” she asked. “Are you going to take it?”
I shrugged. “My dad is pretty insistent. I don’t know if I could turn it down even if I wanted to.”
“I think you deserve it. God knows you worked your butt off to save that place.”
I stirred my coffee, thinking. “Part of me feels terrible even considering it. I’m sure my parents could use as much money as they can get for their retirement. But on the other hand…”
“You know the inn would have been gone years ago—and without the cushy sale price—if it wasn’t for you.”
I smiled in spite of myself. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“Well, what would you do with it?” Emily asked. “Go gallivant around Europe or something?”
I laughed. “Yeah, that sounds just like me.” I drank some coffee, feeling shy about telling her what I had been thinking. “I’ve always kind of wanted to own my own place,” I finally said, looking up to gauge her reaction. “Something a lot smaller. More of a boutique place, you know? Something I could make my own, run the way I want. Do you think that’s stupid?”
“Of course not!” she cried, clapping her hands together. “I think it’s a totally awesome idea! Oh my God, I can so picture it. We could pick out paint and furniture, it’d be so fun.”
I beamed at her. “It would, wouldn’t it?”
“Well, I still think you should think about relocating. I’m sure we could find you something down here.”
“I can’t say I haven’t thought of it.”
Emily watched me closely. “I’m not entirely sure you’re ready to give up northern Michigan, to be honest.” I started to argue and she held up her hand. “But I’m here, willing to give up the couch of my apartment, if you want to try out some new geography.”
“You could always move home,” I told her, reaching out for more bacon. It was funny, somewhere between the food and the conversation, I was feeling much better. “We’ve got nothing but old people up there anyhow. Your PT office would be overwhelmed with business.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said drily, grabbing the last of the bacon before I could get my hands on it.
Chapter Twenty-seven
I spent a week in Royal Oak with Emily before I finally felt up to returning to the inn. My parents had done a fine job of keeping everything up and running while I was gone. We were still pretty slow, spring being another low season, but people were eating at the restaurant in even larger numbers than usual, probably trying to get their fill before it was gone.
“Your father and I have decided what we want to do when we retire,” my mom told me one morning before I headed over for my Saturday shift at the inn. I glanced at my dad, who was looking happier than he had in weeks. Excited, even.
“Yeah?” I asked. “What’s that?”
“We’re going to invest some of the money in an RV,” he said, his face alight. “And travel around the country.”
“Wow,” I said, looking back and forth between the two of them. My mom was smiling at my dad, both of them clearly pleased with the idea. “That’s a pretty big change.”
“Yeah, well, your father and I have never really been able to travel much. We figure we better get out there while we can.”
That was true. My parents had been tied to the inn for so long. I could count on one hand the number of trips they’d taken in my lifetime. “I think that’s great,” I said, remembering what Chris and Emily had said about this being an opportunity for them. “I really do.”
“Thanks, sweetie,” my dad said. “Maybe you could go out to the dealership with us, make sure we get a good deal.”
“I’d like that,” I said.
“What about you?” my mom asked, her voice overly casual. “What do you think you might do with your money?”
“I haven’t agreed to take that money,” I muttered.
“You’re taking it, Brooke,” my dad said. “I don’t want to hear any more argument about it. You’ve been running the inn for years now. It’s yours.”
“Speaking of running the inn, I should get going.” I stood and downed the rest of my coffee, eager to end the conversation. I bent down to kiss the top of each of their heads, feeling better about their situation than I had since I heard about the sale. “You guys have a good day.”
The inn was dead quiet when I got there. With only weeks left to go, we had started to lose some employees. I couldn’t blame them; without us to count on, they’d be stupid not to take any job they could find. Besides, we probably wouldn’t be busy enough for a full staff from now until we turned the place over.
I made my way to the office, figuring I may as well finish the payroll while the place was empty. Even without anyone to disturb me, I still had a hard time focusing. I couldn’t help but think of my parents off on a great adventure, seeing the country. The idea made me happy—they deserved it after a lifetime of hard work. And, though I was a little ashamed to admit it even to myself, it also made me feel freer than I had in years.
I’d been taking care of my parents ever since my dad got hurt. When I came back to the inn and saw the state of things, I’d taken control, no questions asked. I couldn’t leave them to ruin just because I wanted to go to grad school. I put my MBA, and my life, on hold to help them. The idea that they didn’t need that anymore, that they’d be off on their own having fun, was like the lifting of a weight from my chest that I hadn’t even known was there.
When eleven rolled around and I was no closer to finishing my work, I decided to take a break and see what Paul was up to. I found him, predictably, at the bar, looking bleary-eyed and unshaven.
“Late night?” I asked, perching up on a barstool.
“Yeah,” he said, wincing slightly.
“Ooh, was it a hot date?” I plastered a fake smile on my face, trying not to think about Justine and hoping fervently he had moved on.
“More like a hot mess,” Paul said, giving me a weak smile that looked more like a grimace.
I laughed. “And alcohol was consumed by all?”
“Pretty much.”
“So, who was this hot date?” I asked, crossing my fingers under the table.
He waved his hand. “It wasn’t actually much of a date. Just drinks with some girl, Carrie. You’d probably like her, you know, she challenged me to a shot contest at Hardy’s.”
I couldn’t help the wave of relief that I felt. I smiled more sincerely. “Was that the hot mess part?”
“Naw, that was the highlight,” Paul said, rubbing his head. “We were a pretty sad pair, let me tell you. Half way through the night she started crying about her ex. That’s when the real drinking started. I don’t remember much of it, but I think the ex actually might have shown up at some point. There was a lot of yelling.”
“You know, one of these days you’re going to get kicked out of Hardy’s and he won’t let you back in.”
“And life will lose all meaning,” he said morosely.
I laughed. “Poor Paul. You just can’t catch a break with the ladies, can you?”
He looked at me, the pain in his expression glaringly obvious. It made my stomach drop. Trying to lighten the sudden atmosphere, I smiled brightly. “Thanks for cheering me up, I think I can get some work done now.”
“Hang on,” Paul said, reaching out to grasp my arm. “What time do you get off this afternoon?”
“Stan will be here at eight,” I said. “Why?”
He made a face. “That’s too late. How about tomorrow? Could your parents cover the dinner shift?”
“What’s going on, Paul?”
“Look, will you go somewhere with me? There’s…there’s something that I want to show you.”
“Show me? What is it?”
Finally, he smiled that old Paul smile, guaranteed to make any bar floozy fall head over heels. “God, woman, can’t you just let go for once in your life? It’s a surprise, okay?”
I sighed. “Fine. I’
ll go. But this better not have anything to do with your dirt bikes, Paul, I’m warning you.”
It was his turn to roll his eyes. “I sold my dirt bikes last month.”
I gaped at him in surprise. “You did? But you loved those bikes!”
Paul shrugged. “I wasn’t using them much anyhow, and I needed the money for my new truck.”
“You got rid of your truck?” I wouldn’t have been more shocked if he had told me that he’d sold his little brother. Paul loved his truck; it was his pride and joy.
He shrugged again. “You’ve kinda been out of the loop, Brooke. Busy with Mr. Gorgeous.”
I stared at him. I couldn’t believe that he had gotten rid of his bikes… and his truck, and, moreover, that I didn’t know about it. It suddenly hit me that I’d been a really crappy friend to Paul lately.
“I’d be happy to hang out with you tomorrow,” I said firmly. “Name the time and I’ll be there.”
He smiled again, and it was a brighter smile than I’d seen on him in a while. “Great. I’m off all day, so why don’t I pick you up before the dinner rush, around five?”
“Sounds good.”
I gave him one last grin before heading back to my office. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d been a bad friend to Paul. If he could get rid of his truck without telling me, what else could have happened that I didn’t know about?
He deserves better, I thought to myself. Paul had been a great friend to me over the years, particularly since Emily left. In all actuality, I was closer to him than just about anyone in town. I was determined not to ever forget that fact again.
Chapter Twenty-eight
As Paul headed north out of Alpena, I wondered what this could all be about.
“Where are we going?” I asked, gazing out my window at the rolling expanse of farmland spreading out in every direction. Paul looked over at me before redirecting his attention to the road.
“I think it would be easier if I just showed you,” he said. “Rather than try to explain.”
I didn’t respond and an awkward silence fell over the truck. Paul was being weird today, not his usual joking self. It almost seemed like he was nervous, but that was silly; Paul and I had been alone together hundreds of times. What could he have to show me that would make him nervous?
“I was talking to your parents last week,” Paul said, breaking the silence.
This wasn’t unusual. Paul saw them most days at the inn. “Yeah?”
“Not at work,” he said, glancing at me. “Outside of town. They were shopping out at Walmart.”
“What? They were not!”
Paul laughed, and I felt the atmosphere in the truck lighten somewhat. “I swear to God,” he said. “I was shocked, too. They were looking for camping equipment.”
I felt a little pang. They really were prepared to leave Alpena behind. Not only were they talking about taking a trip, they were actually shopping at Walmart. I was happy for them, but was no closer to figuring out what I wanted to do.
“They seemed happy,” Paul said, glancing at me again as if to judge my reaction. “Excited, you know?”
I nodded. “I think they are.”
“How about you?” he asked quietly. “How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head. “I think it hasn’t really sunk in yet.” I sighed, feeling my frustration start to rise. “And I still have no idea what I want to do next.”
Paul was quiet for a moment. “They said you had talked about going down to stay with Emily more permanently.”
I squirmed in my seat, uncomfortable for some reason. “Yeah, it’s something we’ve discussed. Em is real big on the idea, she’s been trying to convince me to move in with her, start over down there. Apparently there are lots of jobs. Or maybe I could try to go back to school, finally get my MBA.”
Paul glanced at me sharply. “Are you considering that?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t know what I want.” I wanted John, I thought. I would have gone anywhere for John.
“We’re almost there,” Paul said, putting on his turn signal.
I looked out my window again. We were in a heavily forested area. I had a feeling we were over by Long Lake somewhere, but I hadn’t been paying close attention. Paul pulled onto a winding dirt road, the trees encroaching close to the truck. “Where are we?” I asked, but he just shook his head, smiling.
A moment later, we had pulled up to a rambling log cabin. It was half hidden by pine trees. Just beyond it, I thought I could catch a glimpse of the lake, glinting in the sunlight, and another much smaller log cabin. I looked at Paul questioningly. He smiled again, and jumped out of the truck, coming around my side to open my door.
“Okay,” Paul said, sounding a little nervous. He started to walk up the path and I followed him, wondering once again what was going on. As we came through the trees, more of the larger cabin came into view. It was huge, and I could tell it had been nice enough once, but it was now looking pretty run down. “I know it doesn’t look like much,” Paul said. “And they need a lot of work. But try to have an open mind, okay?”
I was about to ask him what the heck he was talking about when I caught sight of a faded signpost in front of the cabin. The paint was chipping and one of the hinges had come loose, so the sign hung lopsided on its post. Squinting, I could just make out what it said in fading light from the now-setting sun: Full-Service Cabins and Lodge. Weekly and Daily Rates. And below that, in fresh red paint: For Sale.
I was speechless for a long moment. I finally realized that Paul was looking at me in anticipation. “Brooke? What do you think?”
“I…I…Paul, what is this?”
“I saw it a few weeks ago when I was out here fishing,” he said. “Once I was back in my truck, I drove around, looking for it so I could check it out. Ever since then I just couldn’t get it out of my head.”
I didn’t know what to say and Paul’s face fell. “Look,” he said hurriedly. “It’s probably none of my business. But I thought it might be good for you to have a new challenge. I know it would be a lot of work, Brooke, but I can’t stop thinking about how perfect it could be for you.”
“The sign says cabins. There’s more than one?”
He nooded. “The property consists of this main lodge here, with five rooms, and six more cabins that can be rented for hunting or whatever.”
I was quiet, staring around at the woods. Now that I knew what to look for, I could just make out three more cabins through the trees.
Paul was still watching me expectantly, and I tried to focus.
“I don’t know, Paul,” I said, staring up at the imposing façade. “I mean, it’s nice of you to think about me, but I don’t know the first thing about this place. Six cabins and a lodge? It’s probably way outside my budget. And God only knows how much I’d have to put into it.”
“Actually, I kinda checked on all that for you.” He looked sheepish. “Remember that girl I told you about, Carrie? It wasn’t really a date. She’s the listing agent on this place. She brought me over to check it out Friday with a contractor she knows.” He flashed me a grin. “Hitting Hardy’s afterward was entirely her idea.” I stared at him, unable to comprehend that he had done so much for me. Why?
“I think you can afford it, Brooke,” he went on. “With your portion of the profit from the inn as a down payment, I don’t think you’d have any problem.”
He must have caught sight of my face, because his immediately looked worried. “I’m sorry, I know that’s really presumptuous of me, and I’m probably way over the line here. I just…I want you to be happy…” he trailed off and looked away. “Like I said, I couldn’t get it out of my head.”
“Why would you do all this for me?” I whispered, feeling like I might cry though I wasn’t quite sure why. “I don’t understand.”
He was quiet for so long that I eventually turned to look at him. He was staring at me, his eyes intense. “Come on, Brooke,”
he said, his voice low. There was something unfathomable in his eyes, something that made me feel like my belly was turning somersaults. “We both know exactly why I would do this for you.”
The realization of his meaning made the blood rush to my cheeks. He did love me, after all. Even now.
“Paul,” I said, my voice coming out in a whisper. “You know I don’t…that I never…”
“Here’s the thing, Brooke,” he said, fixing me with that same tummy-flipping gaze. “I know you a lot better than you realize. I knew you’d be back here as soon as you left for school. I knew you loved that inn way before you realized it yourself. And I think there’s a chance you might feel the same way about me.”
I stared at him, completely lost for words. He took a step closer to me, and I could feel the heat radiating off his body. Paul had apparently given up the new aftershave. Now he smelled like the woods, like Old Spice and fresh lumber. He smelled familiar and comforting. Like home.
“You always think you want something new, something exciting and different,” he said, his voice low and intense. “You’ve spent half your life trying to get away from this place. But when it comes down to it, you always end up right back here.” He gestured his arms at the woods and lake, the sights and sounds of twilight descending on the forest around us. “This is your home, Brooke. This is what makes you happy. And I think, if I can just wait long enough, you might realize that you can say the same about me.”
For a moment, I was sure he was going to kiss me. When he instead took a step back, I felt a surge of disappointment that I didn’t understand. “Come on,” he said, holding out his hand. I stared at it, feeling confused. Watching my face, he broke out into a grin, suddenly looking much more like his normal, familiar face. “Well? Don’t you want to see that place?”
Oh. The lodge. I had completely forgotten the reason for us to be standing in this field.
“Listen, Brooke,” he said, when it was clear to him that I was in no shape to move. “Regardless of anything personal, I still think this could be a great professional opportunity for you. Will you at least take a look at it?”
An Unexpected Love Story (Love Story Book Two) Page 19