Don't Hesitate Don't Hesitate (The Reluctant Heart Book 3) - Jeannette Winters Page 0,2
could even plan how to pull it off, I needed to get out of here and call the one person I knew could help me.
“Need any help with the dishes, Mom?” I asked like always. Thankfully she gave her usual answer.
“No, dear. I’m sure you have plenty of things you need to take care of,” she said.
More than I probably even know. I got up from the kitchen table and kissed them both. “Love you guys.”
Dad gave me an extra-long squeeze and said, “I know Carl left you this club with a hell of a lot of strings attached, but if you don’t want to do this…”
“No, Dad, I do. Besides, it gives me a reason to stay in Errol a bit longer.”
He smiled as he released me. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll change your mind and decide to stay here for good.”
“Dad, I didn’t go to college to let it go to waste. Besides, there is a big world out there that I want to see.” It’s bad enough I was twenty-six and my parents believed I was…innocent. The thought of living at home for the rest of my life was enough to make me cry. I could put my dreams on hold for a short time, but no way in hell was I giving up on them. Not for Uncle Carl, not for his employees, not even for my parents. “I’ll be staying in Bermoose.”
“And not here in Errol with us?” he asked.
“Yes, Dad. The club is there, and it only makes sense for me to be close by. You know, to monitor everything.” And to have some privacy.
“But I made up your room,” Mom said.
“If I get a break, maybe I’ll come and spend a night or two. I think the club is going to take up a lot of my time,” I said.
“Just make sure you take time for yourself, too. Carl lived and breathed that place.”
“One year, Mom. That’s all,” I stated. Smiling, I grabbed my purse and keys and headed toward the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow once I’m settled in. Thanks for breakfast.”
Once I was in my Honda and pulling out of the driveway, I called my aunt.
“Hello? Anne, is everything okay?” Trixi asked.
“Well, yes and no. I mean, I was hoping you and I could talk.”
“Sure. Do you want me to come to Errol?” she asked.
“Actually, I’m heading to Bermoose. A hotel room until I can find an apartment.”
“A hotel? Why don’t you come and stay with me? I have plenty of room here,” she offered.
I had been hoping she’d offer but wasn’t sure how welcome I’d be after the reading of the will. The look in her eyes as the lawyer made the horrible announcement was one I wouldn’t forget. Trixi seemed as shocked as my dad. Giving her an out, I asked, “Are you sure?”
“Of course. You’re my favorite niece.”
I rolled my eyes, wondering how she could still bring herself to joke after all she’d been through this week. Maybe, like me, her tears had dried up and she had to fill the emptiness with something. Might as well make it humor. “I’m your only niece,” I reminded her jokingly.
Trixi chuckled. “Gee, how could I forget? After all, you sign all your cards, ‘Your one and only niece’.”
I could tell my concerns were misplaced. There’d be no awkwardness - Trixi was the most laid-back individual I knew. Staying with her while I sorted everything out was just what I needed. Hopefully, she’d feel the same after our chat.
“Aunt Trixi, I’m on my way now. Do you want to grab a bite to eat while we…talk?”
Trixi asked, “Does this conversation have to do with The Treasured Chest?”
I wasn’t about to lie to her. “Yes.”
“How about we talk now and eat when you get here? That is if you’re on Bluetooth in your car,” she said.
She was always watching out for me. “Yes, I am. I guess we can talk now.”
I hadn’t even thought through what I was going to say. But time wasn’t going to make it any easier. So I just blurted out, “Want to work at The Treasured Chest again?”
Trixi huffed. “Again? I guess your father told you how me and your uncle met.”
Shit! I already slipped up. That last thing I wanted was to put her on the defensive. “No. I kind of knew.” Once they hinted at it. “But I was actually looking for your help in managing the place. You know so much more about the club