The Inn At Pelican Beach

by Michele Gilcrest

  Back at the Inn, I called a meeting with Helen and Payton. It was time for me to lay everything on the table, plus I knew Helen would be curious to know.

  "The accountant is right, Dad. You have to put the renovations on hold. There's no way to turn this thing around while taking on a new expense. You guys have a great relationship with Cole. I think we should reach out to him tonight and explain the circumstances. Perhaps we can agree to delay the project until we're able to rebound and get the budget back on track."

  My wife and my daughter sat staring at me with a look of concern on their faces. This is exactly what I didn't want for them.

  "Will, I just wish you would've said something to me. We've always supported each other. I could've helped you, Honey."

  "I know you would've helped, Helen. I just wanted to take care of you the way I always have. It bothers me to see you working so hard and never taking time to enjoy our success."

  "Well, I promise as soon as we get ourselves out of this mess, I'll take more time to enjoy. But in the meantime, we have to figure this thing out fast."

  Payton stood up and paced around the room with her arms folded.

  "What's on your mind, Payton?" Helen asked.

  "I think I have an idea. Of course, I'll need to hear the final numbers from…what's the accountant’s name again?"

  "Paul."

  "Yes, Paul. I'll need to hear the final numbers from him. Depending on what he says, I have some funds set aside from the sale of the house and our other assets. Jack didn't put up a fight. He let me have everything. I don't see why I can't use that money to help out my parents in a time of need."

  I could feel myself getting hot. "Absolutely not! That's your money. You can use it to start your photography business or put down on another house. I won't hear of it."

  "Dad. Hear me out. The Inn has proven itself over the years. You will make more than enough money to pay me back. This is just a temporary loan to get the bills all caught up to speed."

  Helen spoke softly as she pleaded with me. "And it would relieve some stress so we can focus on taking better care of you, Dear. Please, William? Payton is right. We can pay her back."

  I broke down in tears and finally lost control. I know my sobs echoed through the office. It was a tough pill to swallow, but in the end, it was our best option. How could I have screwed up like this?

  Payton bent down beside my chair and handed me a handkerchief. "Do you want me to head over to Cole's shop before it gets too late?"

  "Yes. Thank you, Payton. Please tell him I'll be in touch as soon as I can."

  "No problem, Daddy."

  She made her way to the door so Helen and I could have time alone.

  "I'm going to head back to the house after I stop by Cole's. Call me if you need anything."

  Helen thanked Payton again before she closed the door behind her. She then turned back to me.

  "Will. I feel like there's more to this story. Is there anything else you want to share with me?"

  "You already know what's going on, Helen. There's nothing to tell. You've watched me get frustrated and lose my train of thought on many occasions. My mind isn't working the way it used to. I was just being stubborn and never willing to admit it. I recently made an appointment to get it checked out. That's all. We'll have to wait and see what the doctor says."

  I sat back in my chair, feeling defeated. Helen came over and placed my head against her chest. Lord knows I needed it. All I could do is cry and ask myself where I would be without this woman.

  Payton

  Later that afternoon, I set out to see Cole. The drive to his office was a quiet one, as I tried to figure out what to say. I pulled down Main Street. This area of town is where most of the popular businesses were located along with the courthouse.

  "What in the world?" My eyes couldn't believe who was parked out in front of Cole's shop.

  "You have got to be kidding me!"

  My sister's red convertible wasn't hard to miss, but I slowed down to read the rear tags just to be sure.

  "That little…"

  "Payton Matthews, keep your cool. The courthouse is right down the street. She's probably at work and just had to park further away today. Right? Right!"

  I slammed the car door behind me, straightened out my pencil leg skirt, and checked my hair in the reflection of the car window. As I walked into the shop, I was greeted by the sound of a bell to announce my arrival.

  The receptionist greeted me as I entered. "Welcome to Pelican Renovations. May I help you?" Feeling relieved that Rebecca was nowhere in sight, I relaxed and tried to refocus on my reason for coming.

  "Yes, my name is Payton Matthews. I'm here to see Cole Miller if he's available."

  "Is he expecting you?"

  Just then, Rebecca stepped out of the restroom with her bag resting on her forearm.

  I was too busy staring at Rebecca to respond to the receptionist.

  "Rebecca, fancy meeting you here."

  The look of surprise on her face was priceless. She looked just like somebody who had been caught red-handed stealing from the candy jar.

  "Hey, Sis. I didn't expect to see you here either."

  I folded my arms and leaned against the counter.

  "Well, that's funny because I could've sworn I told you about the renovation project for the Inn."

  "Yes, about that. I was on my way back to my office when I saw Cole's name in the front window. I thought it was ironic that I hadn't noticed the place before, so I decided to stop in and say hello."

  "Really?"

  "As it turns out, he's not here anyway. So I was just using the powder room and now…"

  She looked down at her watch.

  "Ooh, it's getting late. I need to head back to the office."

  "Oh, I bet."

  Rebecca thanked the receptionist for allowing her to use the restroom and made her way out the front door. Just before she let the door close, she glanced up at me one last time. If looks could kill Rebecca would be toast.

  I redirected my attention toward the receptionist, still feeling hot over the exchange.

  "I apologize. I guess it's such a small town you're bound to run into somebody you're related to."

  The receptionist gave me a blank stare, so I decided to continue on.

  "I think you were asking me about an appointment."

  "Yes, do you have one?"

  "I don't. However, I have to touch base with Mr. Miller regarding the Matthews project. He's supposed to get started later this week, and there's been a slight change in plans."

  "I'll have to take down your information and have him give you a call. He's not expected to return for another hour or so."

  "Sure. Please let him know that it's urgent."

  The bells rang as the door to the shop opened again. Cole walked in and greeted me with a big smile.

  "Payton Matthews. I didn't expect to see you here today. How can I help you?"

  If I was being honest, there was something about his smile that almost made me forget why I came. "Mr. Miller. Just the man I was looking for."

  "Please call me Cole. Is everything alright?"

  "Not quite. If you have a minute, I'd like to chat with you about the project."

  "Absolutely. Why don't you step into my office so we can talk?"

  "Thank you."

  Cole stopped by his receptionist's desk and picked up his messages. "Martha, if you wouldn't mind holding my calls until I'm done meeting with Miss Matthews, that would be great."

  "You got it."

  I noticed Martha looking up at me over the top of her bifocals. Her head slowly turned to watch me as I walked by. I’m almost certain that whole scene with my sister peeked her curiosity.

  Once inside his office, I admired the awards and accolades hanging on the wall.

  "Wow, I know Mom and Dad rave about your work, but I didn't realize how accomplished you are. My goodness."

  "Why, thank you. I'd like to think even without al
l the recognition that my craftsmanship speaks for itself."

  "It does. My parents’ house looks absolutely beautiful."

  "Please, make yourself comfortable."

  I took a seat across from his desk and started to feel awful about what I was about to say.

  "So, what brings you to my office today?"

  "Well, there's no good way to say this, so I'll just come right out with it. Unfortunately, there has been a major hiccup with the financing for this project. My father…"

  I hesitated for a moment.

  "You can talk to me, Payton. I've known your father for years. He's a well-respected businessman in the community."

  "That's what makes this even more challenging. We don't want to lose your respect. However, my father recently had a meeting with his accountant. He advised him not to continue with the project at this time. Apparently, there are a few concerns with the accounts that need to be squared away to ensure that business can continue to run smoothly."

  "Wow, I wasn't aware."

  "None of us were aware. Not even Dad. I hope you know that he would've never booked the renovation with you if he truly believed there was a problem."

  Cole scratched his head.

  "Is there something I can do?"

  "I wish. Between the two of us, I suspect whatever is going on has been going on for a little while now. I'm confident we'll get the finances in order. However, Dad's been complaining about feeling forgetful and just seems more flustered than usual. Getting him in to see the doctor is more of a concern to me than anything else. He's always handled the finances and kept the business running without a hitch."

  "I can imagine. We have some of the finest doctors in the area. I'm sure they can see him and get to the bottom of what's going on."

  "He's scheduled to go in soon."

  "Good. Please keep me posted if you don't mind. I've always thought of your folks as more than just clients. Let me know how things turn out."

  "Absolutely."

  "In the meantime, I guess you need me to release you from the contract?"

  My eyes scanned downward toward my lap. "Yes, if you wouldn't mind. I feel awful having to ask."

  "Payton." As he stared at me with his light blue eyes, I could tell that he was sincere.

  "Please do not worry about this. I'll be here when you're ready."

  "Thank you, Cole. I promise we will give you a call as soon as things are back to normal."

  Cole extended his hand across the desk. "You have a deal."

  He stopped in the middle of a hardy handshake and said, "Wait. A deal is never really official unless it includes having an ice cream cone after."

  While still holding hands, I broke out into laughter. "I wasn't expecting that one. An ice cream cone makes it official?"

  "What? You didn't know?"

  "I didn't have the slightest clue, but the offer sounds hard to refuse. You got yourself a deal."

  I'm not going to lie, I wondered for just a moment if Cole was interested in me. But in the end, I think he was just being kind. I was certain of it.

  On the way walking back to the front, I smiled at Martha again.

  "Thanks again for your help today, Martha."

  "No problem, Dear.”

  "Martha, I'm running around the corner with Miss Matthews. I'll be back shortly. If Emmie calls, please tell her to reach me on my cell phone."

  Martha looked beyond the trim of her glasses at us. "Okay, Boss. I'll see you, laterrrrr."

  Cole shook his head and snickered on the way out the door.

  "Martha is more like a family member than an employee. Even though it's not part of her job description, she is protective over me when it comes to the ladies. Whenever eager, single women slither in, she has a way of keeping them in line. If she likes the person, she sings a different tune."

  If that's the case, I don't think Rebecca scored very well. Then again, the way I spoke to her in front of Martha probably didn't help.

  "Just past the dock, there's this little creamery that has a lot of delicious options."

  "Sounds good. It's been a while since I've taken a leisurely stroll down Main Street, so this is a nice treat."

  "We couldn't ask for a more beautiful day, that's for sure."

  "Hey, Cole. Listen, before we go any further I have a confession to make."

  "Uh, oh."

  "It's not bad. At least I don't think it is. I normally make it a habit to keep things strictly professional. You know the whole mixing business with pleasure thing. It doesn't usually go over so well."

  "I'm sorry. Did my invitation to ice cream make you uncomfortable?"

  "No, no. Not at all. Going for ice cream was the least I could do after having to break a contract with you. I'm so grateful that you were understanding."

  "Of course. I know your parents will come through with other jobs when they can. They're good people. Plus, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that my schedule is pretty slammed. I didn't want to tell your dad no, but I could use a little wiggle room over the next couple of weeks."

  "Oh, well, now I feel much better."

  "I told you not to feel bad. But getting back to your confession. What's on your mind?"

  "Yes, my confession." We paused where the boats were docked and locked eyes for a moment.

  "My sister would probably kill me for saying this, so pinky-swear that you won't tell her?"

  Cole locked pinkies with me, demonstrating his loyalty.

  "Rebecca stopped by to say hello to you before you walked into the shop. I think she might be interested in you."

  "You think?"

  I knew I wasn't the only one watching her make a fool over herself!

  "Is it obvious?"

  "Pretty much."

  "Well, take it easy on her. She's still trying to find her way. Normally I don't get involved in her business. However, this time I asked her to ease up a bit because my parents have a professional relationship with you. Needless to say, it didn't go over so well. I think I may have encouraged the opposite."

  "Yikes."

  "I know. Anyway, she works right here on Main Street. So heaven forbid she sees us, as innocent as it may be, I'll never hear the end of it!"

  "Gotcha. Wow, that's too bad. So I guess that asking you out to dinner would be completely out of order?"

  I didn't quite know how to respond.

  "I mean…for one it's breaking your rule regarding professionalism. Then there's the whole thing with your sister."

  "Umm, yeah. It's just… you know. Messy."

  "Right,” Cole responded.

  I wanted to kick myself. On the one hand, the last thing I needed to be thinking about was going on a date after the whirlwind of a divorce. But on the other hand, Cole seemed like a nice guy, and I was curious to know more about him. Then there was Rebecca.

  "I'm sorry, Cole."

  "Hey, no apologies needed. I completely understand. It was ridiculous of me to bring it up."

  I regretted creating such an awkward moment.

  "It wasn't ridiculous at all. Truth be told, you wouldn't want to be bothered with a girl like me. I come with way too much baggage."

  "Don't we all?"

  "I don't know. I never imagined that I'd wait until my forties to have everything in my world flipped upside down. I thought I'd have it all together by now. Or at least I thought I'd be better off."

  "That's just it, Payton. We never dream about having baggage. It's not like you wrote in your diary as a young girl "When I grow up, I want to have lots and lots of baggage."

  I had to laugh at that one. He had a good point.

  "Lord, no. I certainly did not!"

  "I know you didn't. Neither did I. It's an unfortunate part of life, but it doesn't have to define us. It certainly shouldn't stop us from living our lives. It took me many years to learn that lesson after my wife passed away."

  "I'm sorry. I can imagine it's not easy recovering from something like that."

  "She would'
ve never wanted me walking around carrying so much emotional baggage. Drowning myself in my sorrows for as long as I did was not a part of the plan. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a period to grieve. But make sure it's only for a season. Then give yourself permission to move on."

  I took Cole's words to heart. As a little girl, I may have dreamt of happily ever after, but things didn't turn out that way in my marriage with Jack. That didn't mean that all hope was lost. It felt uplifting to know that I didn't have to carry around the baggage from a broken marriage forever.

  Helen

  Breakfast on Saturday mornings had become a thing between my girls and me. This morning, in particular, Rebecca was busy and wasn’t able to join us.

  “Morning, Mom.” Abby greeted me with a kiss.

  “Morning, Love. Where are my grand babies?”

  “I let them hang out with their dad this morning. Wyatt rarely gets to have alone time with them. They’ll be here to pick me up later.”

  “Hey, Ab.” Payton was sipping OJ, waiting for Abby’s arrival.

  “Would you look at this pretty blue sky! I don’t think there’s a cloud in sight. We can’t let this day go by without getting down to the beach.”

  I didn’t waste any time digging into my scrambled eggs.

  “I’d love to, but I don’t think your father is feeling up to it this morning.”

  “How’s Dad taking the news?” Abby asked.

  “I don’t think he knows how to react. None of us do. The last thing we expected the doctor to say was that he’s showing early signs of dementia.”

  “Yeah, but there’s medication that can help, right?”

  “Abby, you know your father. He’s always been able to do everything on his own. Always had a sharp mind. Medication or not, it’s going to take a while to adjust to something like this.”