by Glynna Kaye
“Don’t tell me you drove here all by yourself.”
The girl waved a set of car keys. “I’ve got my license officially so I’m licensed to drive on my own now, but no passengers except for family.”
Before Olivia could evoke a promise to drive safely, Brandi grabbed her arm. “Is it true? I overheard Mom tell Aunt Lara you went to college with Rob McGuire.”
“I did.”
Brandi squealed, her grip tightening as she hopped up and down on tennis shoe-clad toes. “Did you go out with him? Is he a good kisser?”
Olivia laughed. “No and no. Wait. That’s not entirely true. I have no idea if he’s a good kisser.”
“I’m sure he is.”
“Probably.”
They both laughed and Olivia’s heart warmed. She and Brandi had long been on the same wavelength—both high-spirited, full of life, adventuresome. Which drove Paulette insane.
Brandi wagged a finger at her. “You gotta promise to tell me when you find out.”
As appealing as that sounded, little did Brandi know that she and Rob weren’t on the same wavelength. Far from it.
Brandi dropped to a nearby chair. “So tell me everything. What was he like in college?”
“Do I sense a crush here?”
“You can’t convince me you didn’t have one.”
“Guilty as charged.” Olivia laughed again. “But he didn’t even know I was alive.”
“I’m sure he knows you’re alive now.” Brandi’s knowing look defied her youthfulness. “But come on, spill it.”
“Okay, let’s see, what was he like then?” She let her memory fly back seven years. “Snowboarder. Mountain biker. Guitar player. But what I remember most is how he was so in tune with God. Knew so much about the Bible. Had a gift for encouraging. For making those of us in the college-age church group determined to go deeper with God and raise our personal standards of conduct. To ask ourselves in every situation ‘What would Jesus do?’”
“WWJD. Wow. A God guy. Those sure aren’t easy to find these days.”
“No, they aren’t.” She should know. “But never settle for anything less, Brandi.”
“I won’t.” Her niece bent to fiddle with her shoe string, then straightened and motioned to the desk. “Where’s Brett? And Elmo? Isn’t this their shift?”
“Brett went to town, hoping to check Elmo out of the animal hospital.”
Brandi’s brows lowered. “He’s…sick?”
“Injured. We don’t know what he did to himself, but he got banged up bad. May have been hit by a car Tuesday night.”
“He’ll be okay, won’t he?”
“Cuts and severe bruising, but the vet assures he’ll make a full recovery.” Olivia sat down on the edge of the office desk. Clasped her hands. “So how are you? How’s school going?”
Brandi shrugged. Dare she mention Reyna told her there had been some school skipping? “I’m sure it’s a big adjustment from homeschooling.”
“It’s okay.” Another shrug. “I wish Dad wasn’t on the road so much with his long-haul trucking. And that Grandma and Grandpa would come back. I miss them. Mom’s such a bore.”
“Things are still rocky between the two of you?”
“She can’t get it that I’m growing up. Acts like I’m some ditzy kid.”
Olivia’s heart went out to her. She knew what it felt like to be labeled as frivolous and immature, all because you enjoyed life. Laughter. Fun. “I know it’s hard, Brandi, but she’s in a tough spot taking on a job outside the home after all these years. Prove through your actions that she’s wrong. Focus on what God says about you, not on what others say. It’s too easy to start believing things about yourself that aren’t true.”
“Whatever.”
At the sound of a vehicle pulling up outside the office, Brandi glanced out the window, then leaped to her feet. “It’s him. And he’s heading this way.”
“Him?”
“Rob.”
Wonderful. How would he react to finding her here after their tiff earlier in the day?
Brandi smoothed down the hem of her T-shirt. Fluffed her hair. “How do I look?”
“Awesome.”
“Good.” She turned toward the exterior door with a dazzling smile just as it opened and the manager of Singing Rock stepped in. He paused uncertainly on the threshold, surprised to see the two of them, eyes focused on him.
“Have I interrupted something?”
Both shook their heads.
“Where’s Brett?”
“Errands,” Olivia supplied, amused that her ever-talkative niece stood to the side in rapt, wide-eyed silence. “Hopefully picking up Elmo. I’m covering for him.”
Rob’s forehead creased, and she detected a restless tension in his stance, in the fathomless grayness of his eyes. As if something was bothering him. Her, maybe? “He shouldn’t dump his responsibilities on you. I’ll have a talk with him.”
“I volunteered. Don’t worry. The place is in good hands. I grew up helping my folks in almost every aspect of running Singing Rock. Including this one.”
“I’m not doubting that. I just—”
“Um, Aunt Olivia?” Brandi sent an adorable “excuse me” look in Rob’s direction, diverting him from his determination to take Brett to task. “I need to run. Don’t want Mom sending out a search party.”
Olivia drew her close for a hug. “Thank you for stopping by. Let’s get together. Lots. Okay?”
Brandi nodded, gave Rob a quick smile, then slipped past him and out the door.
“Paulette’s kid, right?”
“Right. Brandi. Her oldest.”
“She reminds me of you.” He moved around behind the desk, seated himself and unlocked a drawer. “Family resemblance.”
“So we’ve been told.” She approached the desk with a hesitant step. “Are you taking over now? Or should I stay?”
“I do have things to attend to, but feel free to go if you need to.”
Run along, little girl?
Ill at ease under his steady gaze, she nodded and moved toward the still-open door.
Then Rob cleared his throat. “Olivia?”
She paused, dread and curiosity mingling.
Chapter Eight
“About our earlier conversation—” Rob tapped a pen lightly on the desk, hoping a reassuring tone would ease the trepidation in Olivia’s eyes. He didn’t like knowing he was the source of that look. “I do respect your opinions. And there’s no doubt in my mind you’ve matured since our college days.”
Her faced flushed as if he’d told her she was the most beautiful woman on the planet. Which right at this moment, her smile widening and eyes sparkling, he could attest to.
“I apologize if I’ve given you the impression I discount your input. Your viewpoint.”
She approached the desk. “And I’m sorry I took parts of our conversation too personally. There are a few things I’m probably too sensitive about—and people acting as if I’m still a kid, not a responsible adult, is one of them.”
“I don’t think of you as a kid. Far from it. But your oldest sister does, doesn’t she?”
Her eyes widened.
Bingo. It was a stab in the dark but, in thinking over Paulette’s asides about the unexpected return of her sister and speculation that she wouldn’t stay long, he’d put the pieces together. Sibling rivalry.
“How did you know that?”
He quirked a smile. “Men can be intuitive, too, can’t they?”
For a too-long moment they gazed at each other, guards down, then both grinned and spoke in unison. “Nawwww.”
She laughed and Rob chuckled, the tension dissipating as if
they’d crossed an invisible barrier. Better. Much better. In spite of all the things demanding his attention since Cassie’s phone call, the falling-out with Olivia had disturbed him.
“I want you to know,” he continued, a curious need to reassure her still driving him, “I’m not intentionally being secretive about my ideas for the property. I’ve only been here a couple of weeks. I’m still trying to learn the ropes. No time for anything else.”
“I can free you up.”
He studied her thoughtfully. He could use more help around here if he was to give attention to the business plan. Brett worked hard, but was part-time. And although a cleaning lady worked full-time, lived on the premises, there were things not getting done to his satisfaction. Things he’d had to assist with, which left little time to start mapping a plan. The days until Paul and Rosa returned were flying by, and he needed to get the apartment ready and a sitter lined up so Angie could join him.
Nevertheless, he shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but you don’t want this place eating up your holiday.”
“I was thinking of staying longer.”
Indecision flickered. “How much longer?”
“A week. Maybe two.”
He didn’t need her underfoot. A reminder of the past. And he certainly didn’t need to catch himself looking forward to seeing her each day for the next several weeks. He couldn’t deny the attraction, but that was asking for trouble.
“So what can I do?”
It wasn’t a good idea, but the offer was one he couldn’t afford to turn down. “This is the last big weekend of the season, and with Brett elsewhere for a few days I’m on my own. So I could use assistance keeping tabs on things around here.”
“No problem. What can I do right now? This very minute?”
Her willing smile prodded at him, branded a guilty reprimand on his heart for planning to keep her occupied elsewhere. “Looks pretty much like we’ll have a full house for the holiday weekend. Could you revisit the cabins that aren’t yet occupied? Make sure everything’s stocked. Kitchens. Bathrooms. Extra blankets and plenty of firewood for these cool mountain nights. Everything ready to go.”
Her smile widened. “Roust out spiders taking up residence in the sinks or showers?”
She sounded as exacting as he was. This might work out, after all.
“Exactly.” He returned her eager smile. “While check-in time isn’t until three, we know guests will arrive before noon or shortly thereafter to see if they can get settled in early.”
“And, of course, we’ll accommodate that.”
“Whenever it’s feasible.”
She nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer.
“I’ve been thinking, Rob—” She tilted her head, eyes shining. What did she have on her mind now? “How would you feel about an impromptu mixer for our guests tomorrow night? Nothing fancy. Hot dogs. Chips. Lemonade. Volleyball. Horseshoes.”
“You want to throw a party?” He’d certainly consider special events on down the road, but there were no funds for something like that in the end-of-season budget. “We don’t have time to pull it together.”
She glanced at her watch. “Why not? I’ll print fliers for guests at check-in. A run to town will take care of the food.”
She looked so hopeful. Excited. He’d said he valued her input, hadn’t he? If he said no, wouldn’t that rob the sincerity from his words? Besides, loading her up with cabin inspections and a mixer to organize would maintain a healthy distance between them without seeming too obvious.
“I’m a party planner extraordinaire,” she cajoled.
“Why doesn’t that talent surprise me?”
“Guests will love something planned for the first night. It will break the ice. Let those who’ve been here before greet old acquaintances. Make new friends.”
“You understand I don’t have time to get involved, right? But if you think you can handle it on your own…”
She leaped to her feet. “I can.”
“Wait, wait, hold on a minute.” He did quick calculations in his head. Number of guests registered for the weekend. Approximate costs. “Can you can do it for a flat hundred bucks?”
It would be an out-of-pocket expense on his part, simply because he didn’t want to disappoint her, but he couldn’t spring for much more than that. Lawyers didn’t come cheap.
“We have paper plates, napkins and utensils in the stockroom. So that leaves only food items.”
He had to admire her gumption.
“One hundred dollars is the max,” he warned again. “If you can do it within those limits, then have at it.”
“Piece of cake. It will set the tone for the whole weekend that this is a fun place to be.”
“Hope you’re right.” He smiled, marveling at her enthusiasm. “You’ll still assist checking people in tomorrow so I can get some work done?”
“Sure. I’ll go to town right now.” She moved toward the door, then paused. “So Brett’s not going to be around at all this weekend?”
Was Olivia taking a personal interest in that smooth-talking cowboy? The thought rankled, but he managed not to frown. “Helping at the High Country Equine Center. Horse events every day. That’s right up his alley.”
“Sounds fun.”
A lot more fun than conducting spider checks. Was she having second thoughts? Thinking of joining Brett for a bit of high country horseplay?
“Better get to your party planning, Olivia. The clock is ticking.”
She propped a hand on her hip, her chin lifting in sassy challenge. “You don’t think I can do it, do you?”
“Did I say that?”
“No, but you thought it. Wait and see, Rob McGuire. Tomorrow night you’ll be eating every one of your skeptical assumptions.”
He grinned. “You don’t say.”
“I do say. And I expect you to show up for volleyball, too, mister. You got that?”
Out the door she went, leaving him to make a firm, but futile, attempt to extinguish a smile.
“You know, you could come out and meet your guests.” Olivia poked her head in the office door for the third time early Friday evening. “Introduce yourself. Join in the fun.”
As near as she could tell, everyone—except Rob—was having a good time. With Mom and Dad leaving the place to a manager who wasn’t a family member, it would be reassuring for longtime guests to meet him. Get to know him. How many times did she have to tell him a huge part of Singing Rock’s charm was its hospitality?
He didn’t even look up from the papers spread out on the desk. “I’ll be along soon.”
“You said that thirty minutes ago.”
“I’m saying it again.”
She entered the room and sat down on the edge of his desk. “Is this your passive-aggressive way of giving the mixer a thumbs-down?”
“Of course not.” Still gripping his pen, he looked up, eyes widening to see her perched there. “Activities are excellent promotional tools.”
“I didn’t do it as a promotional tool. I want guests to feel welcome. To know they’re more than a credit card to us.”
He tossed his pen to the desktop. “I’m just saying—”
She stood. “I hear what you’re saying, and I won’t bother you again.”
He’d never make a go of this place with that attitude. Then again, why was she so insistent that he join in? Her being the “face” of Singing Rock hospitality in her parents’ absence would work to her advantage, wouldn’t it? Olivia 1, Rob 0.
She’d given it considerable thought while inspecting the cabins. In spite of coming to an understanding of sorts with Rob, she still needed to find a way to win her parents over. To prove it was her guidance, her direction, her influence on Rob
’s decision-making that was the key to putting Singing Rock on the path to a bright future.
What was to prevent her from turning Rob McGuire into an unwitting mentor? Absorbing from him in the coming weeks everything she could about running the property from the business end? Then upon her parents’ return, she’d make them an offer they couldn’t refuse—to keep the property’s management in the family and at a fraction of the cost at which they’d hired Rob.
Maybe that was God’s answer—the leading he’d whispered in her ear on the drive home.
Two new teams of six players each were numbering off when Rob appeared at the edge of the sand lot. Oh, wow. Barefooted and dressed to play in baggy, below-the-knee Hawaiian print shorts, he looked like he meant business. A black tank top, showing off broad shoulders and impressive biceps, boldly proclaimed “I didn’t come here to lose.”
The slogan was met with masculine whoops and applause—punctuated with giggles from a handful of teenage girls. Olivia’s heart soared at the smile spreading across Rob’s face as he was pulled in on the opposition’s team.
“Everybody!” she shouted, unable to suppress a grin of triumph. “Meet Rob McGuire. Mom and Dad’s new manager!”
Another cheer. Rob raised a muscled arm in acknowledgment, his glance snagging Olivia’s. He winked, and her carefully thought out plans on how to unseat him from Singing Rock management wavered. What a smile.
Moments later they settled into formation and the game was on. Serves. Passes. Sets. Spikes. Blocks. Rallying back and forth across the net. Point. Rotating to new positions. Time flew for Olivia. Finding it much too fun to watch Rob play, it was hard to keep her eyes on the ball. His skills were too well-honed, too smooth, too powerful to have lain dormant these past seven years. Magic in motion.
“Oooph!” Olivia hit the sand on her belly. A dive gone awry, a missed attempt to halt a powerful game point spike from the other team.