Don't Hesitate Don't Hesitate (The Reluctant Heart Book 3) - Jeannette Winters Page 0,3
than I do. If I walk in there blind, they’re going to take advantage of my ignorance.”
“Manage? You’re joking, right? I mean even your uncle knew better than to put me in charge,” she said bitterly.
“I think he just liked running it by himself,” I said.
“Yes, he did. But I wanted more. Hell, I needed more. I didn’t want to be a trophy wife. But he said no wife of his was going to work. Guess what I do now? Work. Oh, wait. That’s because I’m not his wife anymore.” Her voice sounded choked.
In a soft voice, I said, “I’m sorry, Aunt Trixi. Maybe my staying with you isn’t a good idea. I don’t want to upset you.”
“Changing your mind will do just that. I…I want your company. Actually, I need it. And if you really want my help with the club, I’d be happy to give it. You’re right. They would walk all over you. You’re too sweet and innocent for that place,” she said.
“Not you, too,” I sighed.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“My parents just accused me of being ‘innocent’. I’m not a virgin, you know,” I said firmly.
Trixi laughed. “I’m not talking about your sexual activity. I meant on the business side. The vendors will try to jack up their prices and the ladies will be asking for schedule changes left and right.”
“Oh. Guess I’m just a bit…stressed.”
“You just left your parents. I don’t expect you to be anything but stressed. Not to put your folks down, but they are….high-strung,” she said.
I couldn’t argue with her on that. “They just like their life the way it is. Change isn’t something they handle well.”
“I’m glad you’re not like them. Actually, you’re a lot like your uncle.”
“Guess all those vacations together really paid off,” I said. If it wasn’t for Uncle Carl, I’d probably still be sitting in Errol with no plans of ever going anywhere.
“Gee, I was hoping I could get some credit,” she laughed.
“Since you’re going to help run the club, I guess I can give you part of the credit. Maybe I’ll blame you for everyone thinking I’m innocent,” I joked.
“Oh, please. No one would ever believe that,” Trixi said. “Okay, it’s settled. I’ll work for you. Now, how far away are you? I’m starving.”
“Ten minutes.”
“Great. Just enough time to fix my makeup,” she said and ended the call.
I barely remembered if I brushed my hair, never mind put on any makeup. God, you’re right, Aunt Trixi. I do need you to intervene at the club. I’d probably scare the customers away.
Chapter Two
Andrew
“This is the fifth time you disappear without telling anyone. Is it…serious?” Phillip Heart asked, jabbing a finger in my direction across his desk.
“It’s not a vacation, if that’s what you’re getting at,” I replied. The issue with having five brothers was one of them was always getting in my business.
“You know damn well I’m talking about a woman.”
“No shit. But when have I ever been serious about a woman?” I knew exactly who he’d throw in my face. One fuck-up and no one in this family would ever let me live it down. Before he could talk, I said, “Don’t bother answering that. High school does not count. I chase after only one thing now.” Outdoing you.
“Just checking. Never know when you’re going to run off and get married,” Phillip scoffed.
“We didn’t get married,” I clarified. There were two reasons for that. First of all, we were barely sixteen, and secondly, because Phillip caught wind of what I was doing and told our parents. My father tracked my ass down and practically dragged me back home. I was pissed back then, but I learned that the saying “Out of sight, out of mind,” was accurate. I can’t even recall her name. Hell, I don’t remember any of their names.
“And we’re all glad you didn’t. It would’ve been a huge mistake.”
“Chalk it up to being young and…”
“In love,” Phillip jumped in.
I shook my head. “Stupid. Trust me, Phillip. My head is clear. I know exactly what I want.”
Phillip laughed. “I’ve heard that before from Kenneth and Jerry. We both know how that ended. It’s starting to look like you might be following in their footsteps.”
I chuckled. “It’s not contagious. And trust me, there’s no room in my life for that type of commitment,” I said.
“If it’s not a woman that has you so secretive, what is it, then?” Phillip asked.