to do it. I am stepping in to bring some life to the place and, hopefully, give someone passionate about it the chance to start a new dream.”
“I knew this Audrey was more than just a pretty face to you.” Clarissa grins. “I'll chip in too. Let’s work up the numbers and figure out how much we need.”
“I’m in too. We can completely transform the gardens out back. It'll be perfect for all kinds of gatherings,” Elisse says, rubbing her hands together.
"I'll work on the website and reservations software.” This is the most excited I've seen Colt about the B&B . . . well . . . ever.
And I’m glad we're working as a family, like always.
Morgan gives me a strange look and nods. “I vote for yes. I'll throw in some cash too. You can play with your hammer and her toolbox.”
“Don’t be crude,” Dad chides. His attention turns toward me. “I like your idea. Your mom and I would love to see the B&B thrive like in the old days. But what happens if Audrey declines the position?”
My shoulders slump because that would be a tragedy within a tragedy. However, I think the B&B deserves more than what all of us have given to it.
“In January, we’ll hire someone for the job.”
Mom takes my hand and squeezes it. She doesn’t say a word, but her reassuring look gives me the strength to continue with the plan.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Audrey
“This is exactly what the doctor ordered.”
My mother has her eyes closed as Pierre works on her shoulders.
“Colin isn’t a doctor,” I say smartly. I’m still wound tight from the ride over and her insistent reminders of Stan. What’s the use? Even if I wanted him back, which I don’t, he’s engaged and having a baby.
Does she want me to insert myself into that drama?
Stan was squeamish about picking up dog poop. What is he going to do with a baby?
Colin took on responsibility for Perry as both parents. I didn’t have to be around back then to know he did everything for his daughter with enthusiasm and love . . . including changing diapers.
I can hardly picture Perry having tantrums since she is such a sweet child, but if she did, I’m certain Colin was amazing. He has this soothing way about him.
Even when I’ve been stressed to the max, he’s managed to calm me. He’s solid. Strong. Grounded. Someone to build a life with.
I tense.
“Did I hurt you, miss?” asks the woman attempting to work out the knots in my neck. Good luck, lady. If she had Aurora for a boss, she’d have this permanent tension too.
Mom opens her eyes to check on me. “I like the Bradfords.”
Do all mothers have that mind-reading ability thing? Then again, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out I’m constantly thinking about that family . . . especially two of them.
“They’re fantastic.”
She smirks. “I’m glad you’re moving on.”
My mouth drops open. “Then why do you constantly bring up my ex?”
“To motivate you to get out there. Your work is your life. It was when you were in a relationship with him too, but it’s been worse since the breakup.” She waves her hand awkwardly toward her shoulders. “Harder, Pierre.”
Ugh. I never want to hear those words coming out of her mouth again.
“I thought you wanted me to get back together with him. Why do you still talk to him?” Sometimes my mother makes no sense.
“Of course I don’t want you with Stan. He’s slime. Do you honestly think I’d like someone who treated my daughter the way he did?” She looks mystified that I’ve believed all this time she’s had a relationship with him. “I figured if you thought I was talking to him a lot, you’d hurry to find someone new. When you get mad, you get off your behind.”
If I weren’t naked under this sheet, I’d get up and strangle her. “I’ve had to listen to you drone on about how great and fun he is since we broke up,” I shriek.
The hands kneading my neck pause for a second before they resume. This Zen music isn’t helping calm me much.
“Work. Work. Work. Work. Work.” Mom makes a talking motion with her hand. “You need a life beyond that. I know you’ve had a bad experience yourself, and what your father did was despicable, but you have to stop hiding behind the wall of your job.”
I want to scream, especially since she’s right. I’ve thrown myself into work because I can