“I will as soon as I see him. Love you too, dear.”
I hung up the phone and ran up the stairs to change and pack a few things before I started the drive to Portland.
Chapter Eleven
Luke
We got to the event a little after three in the afternoon only to find some of my best competition already there. Nothing started until the next morning, but Ryan and I always arrived early so we weren’t tired from the drive when things started.
We moved to make our way to the sign-in tent, shaking hands with a few guys and making small talk along the way. There was some jesting and posturing as well. Ryan and I had been competing with most of these guys off and on for several years, and it made it fun, mostly.
After we were registered and set up, we went to the local bar and had a few drinks with some guys we hung out with on the regular circuit—Paul and Joseph. In many ways, they were just like us. Guys doing it for the love of it. Yes, I wanted to be a champion like my father, but love of the game was more important. We chatted for a few hours then made our way back to the camper and bedded down for the night.
“Dude, can you prop yourself up so you don't snore? I really need to sleep tonight,” I threw a pillow across at Ryan.
“I do not snore,” Ryan shot me a look over his shoulder.
“Sure you don't,” I laughed.
“Whatever, shut up.” Ryan threw the pillow back at me and then laid back down. I followed suit and found myself wondering what Emerson was doing. I picked up my phone and sent her a text under the guise that I wasn’t sure if I’d left the light on in my shop, but I didn't receive an answer. Considering it was after midnight, I figured she was probably sound asleep and enjoying the quiet of me not running power tools.
***
“Are you gonna dick around with your hair all morning?” I pushed at Ryan who was standing in my way, hogging the tiny bathroom messing with his hair.
“I was just trying to make it look decent,” he complained.
“Nope, you're trying to cover up that receding hairline.” I poked at his head and then moved quickly when he tried to hit me. “Come on, we’re going to be late.” I grabbed my boots and pulled them on.
“Just so we’re clear, my hairline is not receding, absolutely not.”
I chuckled and stepped out of the camper.
“If you say so, honey.” I laughed this time.
“You’re an ass,” Ryan said and followed me.
Our first day went as expected. The nerves got the best of me, but I still performed well while Ryan was a rock, as usual. We had two more days, then a final competition with a board keeping the scores. While they didn't count, it was nice to see where I actually was.
The next day, I was performing at my best. I had been unbeatable in my individual competition, and Ryan and I were neck and neck with last year’s title holders. We went to bed early, planning to get some decent rest. As we laid there, Ryan sat up.
“I sent Emmy an email yesterday, and when she didn’t respond, I sent her a few texts today. I still haven't heard anything back. You think I should have Dad go over and check on her?”
He had my attention, and I sat up as well. “I don't know. I sent her a text last night too and haven't heard anything either. Then again, she’s probably still irritated with me, so… there’s that. We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon, maybe we should just wait until then, ya know before we send in the calvary, and she thinks we don’t think she can handle being there by herself.”
“Right. But what if she got attacked by a bear? I mean twenty-four hours could be detrimental to her survival.”
“Really? Can we not talk about her getting attacked by bears, please?”
“I was just saying. Maybe it would be best if Dad just went and checked to make sure she was okay.”
“Fine, have him go by and check on her.”
“Okay. I'll send him a text.”
Ryan was quiet for about an hour before he spoke again. I had just begun drifting off to sleep.
“Her truck is gone.”
“Then I’m sure she’s fine,” I said.
“Yeah. She just usually emails me back the same day.”
“How many emails have you sent her?” I asked, a twinge of jealousy rushing through me.
“Recently?”
“Huh? How long have you been emailing her?”
“Well, I guess for a while?”
I rolled over, propping myself up on my elbow. “She hasn't lived here that long.”
“I know, but we emailed for a couple of months before she moved in.”
“Wait, you had been talking to her for two months, and it never crossed your mind to tell me anything about her?”
“If I had told you about her, then you wouldn't have allowed her to move in because you’d have been all whatever about her being a girl and all. Even though she was exactly what we needed.”
“What we needed, huh?”
“Yes. She was flexible on the lease and how long she’d be here, and I was kind of hoping you would fall in love and then it wouldn't matter if you bought me out or not. You may think I don't really know or care, but I do. I know you aren't like me; you’re looking for forever, while I am just looking for right now. I just thought she may be the right girl for you.”
“You did, did ya?”
“Look, I've gotten to know her pretty well, and she is exactly what you need. We’ve been chatting through Facebook and email, and if I was a betting man, I’d wager you guys would be married if the two of you would just look past your noses. I have never known two people that were better for each other than you and Emmy.”
I looked at him skeptically. “And you don't want her?”
“Dude, are you serious right now? Any red-blooded man would want her, but I don't want her. I’ve seen the way you look at her. That girl is off limits. Besides, if I tapped that, you wouldn't.”
“Truth.” I laughed at him.
“I just thought it would be nice to see you find someone. You're like my brother, and I want good things for you. And honestly, you need to get laid, like for realz.” He flipped me the bird.
“And there it is,” I shook my head. “I'm good, thanks.”
“I'm sure the callouses on your hands don't feel quite as good as—”
“Just shut up,” I demanded.
He pointed at me as if to tell me to shut up.
I laid back down and closed my eyes.
“Just give her a chance, Luke. Like a real chance.”
“Kind of hard to do if she won’t give me the time of day, ya know,” I added.
“Look past what she shows you, and you'll see what I already know. She’s kind of perfect for you.”
I didn't respond. Instead, I thought about her until I fell asleep like I’d done every night since she’d moved in.
***
The next day went well. I placed first in my individual competitions while Ryan and I placed second in the team event. We bent a tooth on our saw somehow, and that had taken valuable time off our best run. Everything else had been perfect.
When we arrived home that afternoon, Emmy’s truck still wasn't there so I tried to call her cell, but it went straight to voicemail. I didn’t leave a message, but I did send her another text letting her know I was back. Then I waited and hoped she’d respond.
Chapter Twelve
Emerson
I had driven as quickly as I could to Portland, shaving a good fifteen minutes off the usual time. I rushed up to the hospital and was directed to a family waiting room where my mom and grandmother were waiting on me with tears in their eyes. I hugged them and let the tears that I had been holding for the entire drive fall.
“He’s been asking for you.” My grandmother pulled my hand into hers and gave it a squeeze. I smiled and turned toward the door leading out into the hall.
“It's room 4232,” my mother said.
I followed the signs to the next hall and turned the corner find
ing his door slightly open.
“My Emmy has arrived.” I heard as I turned into the room.
“How did you know it was me?”
“I told those fussing hens to get out and no one else was allowed in until you got here. They wouldn't leave me alone.” He smiled. I was glad he was smiling. I had been worried that he was in really bad shape. I walked over and sat down on the bed, taking his large hand into mine.
“How are you really?” I asked. I ran a few fingers over his forehead, sweeping the hair away from his eyes. “I know you aren't doing that great or you wouldn’t be here.”
“Honestly, I just feel really tired. The doc came in a little while ago and told me that it appears I’ve had several minute heart attacks that have caused some damage.”
“Does mom know?”
“Good lord no!” He pointed at the door, “And you aren't going to tell her either. I only told you because you know how important my work is to me.”
I started to say something, and he rose his hand before I could talk.
“I want you to take over the company, sooner rather than the later we had talked about. I know your mom will help, but honestly, she doesn't love the work like you do. And let’s face it, leadership is not really her strong suit. I know your research is important and you just got that new grant, so that’ll allow me a little time to start weening myself out of the office and get used to not going to work. God help us all,” he chuckled.
“What will you do with yourself?” I moved off the bed and sat in the chair that was pulled up to the side of the bed.
“I think I'm gonna build those tiny ships inside of bottles.”
“What?” I laughed.
“You know, like you see in movies.”
“I know, but really?”
“Yes. This heart attack scared the hell out of me, and I realize I have a lot of things I want to do before I hit the dirt pile.” He shrugged. “Doc said my heart was functioning at about seventy percent, and that’s a little scary to an old man.”
I knew in my mind that he was old in terms of years, but laying in that hospital bed, he looked it for the first time in my life. We had talked about the company in the past. I even did internships there during my summer breaks from college. Mom didn't want to deal with it, so the company fell to me.
“Where did you go?” I felt his fingers touch the side of my face.
“I was just wondering if I’m ready for this.”
“You were born ready. You finish up with your tree grant, and then we will talk. I'm gonna take several weeks off, and then I will start making arrangements to give it all to you.”
“Wait, you are going to give me the company?”
“Yeah, all yours.” He smiled. When my grandmother had called me, I was so worried that when I arrived, he wouldn't be here. I expected tubes and masks, nurses running in and out and just craziness, but I got the calm after the storm. I got the part of my grandfather that I knew and loved the most.
“Is Mimi still out there crying?” he asked.
“Yeah, her and mom both.” I smiled at him.
“Go talk to your mom. She misses you.” He rubbed my hand.
“I really don't want to right now. I just can't.”
“I’m going to be okay, sweet girl.” He pulled me in and kissed my forehead. “Now, go. I'll see you in a little while.” Standing, I left the room and went back to the small waiting room. I walked over to my mother and gave her a hug. I wanted everything to be what it had been before my dad left. I wanted us to have the relationship we once had, but somehow, Mom was different.
“Hey, Mom.” I said into her shoulder.
“Baby.” She squeezed me tight. We had lost our way when my father left. It had been hard on both of us. I hadn't talked to him much since, but it didn't change the fact that he was still my father. My mother had tried her best to not get upset with me for staying in touch with him, but we had words more than once over my father. It had taken a long time for her to understand that what he had done, he hadn't done to me directly, and I wasn’t going to feel the same way about him she did.
“I miss you,” she said, placing her hands over my cheeks.
“I miss you too, Mom.” We would have a long road ahead of us if we kept things like they were, but it wasn't what either of us wanted. Granddad was right; we did need to talk more.
I spent the rest of the day talking to Mom and Mimi and visiting more with Granddad when he was awake. Shortly before visiting hours were over, Mom insisted I stay with Mimi for the night. So, I made arrangements to meet her at the house. I grabbed my purse and started for the lobby, thinking about everything that had happened over the last couple months. My mind drifted to Luke. It wasn’t the first time today. Every time I had a break in thought, it always came back to him. Luke is exactly what I was thinking about as I coasted down the hall toward the elevator. I went to reach into my bag to find my keys as I walked, and I ran into someone as I rounded a corner. I started to fall back, but a hand reached out and grabbed me.
“Shit.” I heard, and then I was pulled up and into someone’s chest.
“I'm sorry,” I said and looked up into a pair of very intense eyes.
“Emerson?” he said.
When my mind caught up with what was happening, I noticed that it was Chris, someone who worked at my grandfather’s company.
“Hey.” I smiled softly. “Sorry I tried to run you over.”
“I’m not.” He gave me a crooked smile.
My face fell a little but then a smile spread across my lips.
“I really am sorry. What are you doing here?” I questioned as I pushed away and found my footing again.
“I just came by to see the bossman. He scared us this morning.”
“He scared everyone, but he seems to be good. He is hopeful he will be back in the next two weeks or so.”
“That's good.” He nodded. “It's just really bad timing. I’m leaving tonight to head out and won't be back in the office until Monday.”
I wanted to ask what was so important that he couldn't put it off, but realized that it wasn’t any of my business.
“I’m heading there tomorrow to check on a few things for Granddad,” I stated.
“That's great. I know you can handle it. When are you going to come and actually work full time?” he asked.
“I hadn't really thought about it. I have to finish my grant first, and then we’ll see. Meantime, I need food and a good night’s sleep,” I said as I moved to the side so he could pass. “It was good to see you, though,” I added.
“You too,” he said and took a few steps. He stopped and turned looking back at me.
“It'll be good to work with you, Emmy. I always did enjoy having you around.” He winked and then walked away.
Chris had been in my life for as long as I could remember. I think a few pictures of us together in preschool were even floating around somewhere. I had always considered him a friend, but when I went away to college, we lost touch. He had flirted with me all through high school, but I was always the girl that had my eyes on the sky and never looked toward anything that might change my goals. I remember he had tried several times to hold my hand and had even tried kissed me once. It wasn’t until my grandfather hired Chris that I saw him again. We had interned together the summer of my junior year in college. Since then, I’ve seen Chris on occasion when I’ve visited Granddad at the office during my trips home, but we still never kept in touch. In recent years, though, Granddad has talked about how good Chris has been for business. Something I supposed I’d need to know if Granddad expected me to take over sooner than I had anticipated, but that was something I would concern myself with later. Right now, I needed food.
I pulled out my keys, climbed into the truck, then checked my phone. A few missed calls and several texts from Rachel. It was late on the East Coast, so I shot her a quick text to let her know Granddad was alright and I’d call her tomorrow with details. Then I cranked the truck
. Part of me wanted to text Luke just to see how the competition went, but part of me didn't. He didn't know what was going on, and I didn't want to tell him at this point. So, I shoved the phone back into my purse and headed for Mimi’s house.
***
“Good Morning, Emerson.” Samantha said as I walked into the office on Friday morning.
“Hey, how are you?” I pulled her into a hug. Samantha had worked for the company for many years and had become a staple at our family outings. My grandfather was big into family support with cookouts, vacations, and other family-oriented business adventures, so I knew most of his long-time employees very well.
I sat at his desk after saying hey to everyone and looked over the file of work that was due from the desk drawer. He had many upcoming jobs and several in progress. I called John in to get me up to speed.
“Hey, Emmy.” He smiled as he walked into the room and pulled me into a hug. “How’s the big man doing?”
“Same as always—ornery.” I smiled and then pulled back and sat down pushing the folder between us. “Catch me up.”
He pointed to the first two listings. “I've got a crew on this one and another one out at this job. This one should start next Wednesday and be done by Saturday.” Then he ran his finger down the paper almost to the end. “All of these should be wrapped up by the end of the month.”
“Do we have others set up for next month?” I asked.
“We do.” He stood and walked over to the file cabinet behind me, pulled another folder out, and laid it in front of me. “These we start the first of next month and finish by the end of it.”
I let out the breath I had been holding without realizing it. Looking at these, I could see that the business was doing well. I busied myself figuring everything out, not that I would be staying on indefinitely, but eventually I would need to know this information. My grandfather still kept hard copies of his paperwork, and he was organized, which made all of this incredibly easy. Everything was also in the computer system, but Granddad was old school. I pulled the file with the financials. He didn't plug all of this into a computer, but I was certain Samantha had. His system was solid, but having to scan everything in had to be a pain in the ass for Samantha. I grabbed the phone and called her into the office.
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