Tangled Love on Pelican Point (Island County Series Book 3) (26 page)

I opened the door, and Anthony stopped me.

“I’m really proud of you,” he whispered, and for some reason, hearing those words from him made me soar all the way to Loxxy.

I wasn’t completely sure how I got from Anthony’s to Loxxy, but here I was, sitting in my car in the parking lot, about to talk to the owners about something that they might feel was none of my business. This had the potential to go very badly.

But for some reason, I didn’t care.

I grabbed my purse, pushed myself out of the car, and walked straight into the lobby. I ran into Marcy, and she flashed a timid smile at me.

“What’s up?”

“The rumors are flying,” she whispered. “Is it true you’re here to meet with Rhonda and Gary?”

“Yes.” I patted her arm and saw genuine fear flash through her eyes. I knew that feeling so well I could almost taste it, that moment where your entire existence and wellbeing depended on someone else. It made me furious. Brad had obviously liked toying with the employees by leaking the information himself, and that wasn’t acceptable.

“I’ll fill you in later, okay?”

She nodded and wandered over to the bank of elevators, and I turned toward the owners’ office. The door was closed, so I lifted my fist to knock lightly, but what came out was a fierce rap on the door, and I liked it.

“Come in,” Rhonda said.

I opened the door to see Rhonda, Gary, and Brad all sitting in the office. I recognized Nick’s designs immediately. He’d built the desks, bookshelves, and coffee table. Nick’s designs made the room inviting, and I knew the choices for Anthony’s home were perfect.

My eyes darted to Brad, who was crossing his arms and smiling smugly. I turned my attention back to Rhonda, her grey hair in a sleek bob and her brown eyes taking in the trade of glances between Brad and myself. Gary cleared his throat and stood behind his wife. He was dressed in an orange polo and khakis and looked like he was ready to hit the golf course as soon as this meeting was over.

“I’d like to speak with you and Gary privately.”

“Absolutely,” Gary agreed. “We always have an open door policy.”

Brad’s eyes flashed with anger, but he stood up and nearly stomped out of the room. He didn’t bother to close the door behind him, so I did.

“How are you doing, Sophie? How’s your father?” Rhonda asked, genuinely concerned.

“He’s doing really well. The last month or so, his improvements have even puzzled the doctors.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. I was just telling Brad that we offered up a weekend getaway for the fundraiser next weekend.” The kindness in her eyes made me even more resolute in my decision.

“Oh, my gosh. That’s so kind of you both. I can’t even begin to thank—”

“No need to thank us.” Gary folded his arms. “If we’d known, we’d have helped much sooner.”

“Absolutely, dear.” Rhonda nodded. “If one of our own is hurting, we’re all hurting.”

Great. And I was about to tear into them about Brad’s proposed changes.

“My dad is beyond grateful, and so am I.”

“Anything you need, dear.”

I took in a deep breath and felt all my courage quickly build itself into action. I couldn’t let their kindness in this moment sway why I came here.

“Brad came to me a couple of days ago and wanted me to name who in housekeeping should be let go. He also told me he was looking at changing the check-in and check-out times.”

“That’s right,” Gary agreed.

My stomach tightened.

“I didn’t realize that the Loxxy was facing financial difficulties.”

“We’re not. In fact, we’re doing better than ever, but Brad is always on the lookout for ways to minimize our overhead and streamline processes.”

I nodded and pressed my lips together.

“With all due respect, your son-in-law doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Whatever research he’s told you he’s done is bogus. He hasn’t once followed a day in the life of any of my team members, and he certainly hasn’t taken into account what happens when someone’s out sick, or God forbid, schedules a vacation day.”

Gary walked around his wife’s desk and leaned on the corner of it.

“I’ve always prided myself on being an island girl. I know how lucky I am to live somewhere where neighbors care about one another. I’ve always spoken of Loxxy with the highest regard.” I shook my head. “But the request from Brad literally shocked me, and then to hear that Loxxy is doing better than ever only solidifies my decision. He asked me for a name of an employee to move on, but I’ve done better. I’ve come up with a plan for the housekeeping department that not only adds two new positions, but it allows for input from employees on shifts and more opportunity for advancement.”

I reached into my purse and pulled out the piece of paper outlining my plans and handed it to Gary.

“I won’t be a part of destroying a wonderful place to work so your son-in-law can pad his pockets or get the accolades he’s hoping for. His request will change lives and make the Loxxy experience less than satisfying for our guests. No guest hops on a ferry to spend a weekend where they’re getting booted out of the hotel room at ten o’clock in the morning.”

A hint of a smile surfaced on Rhonda’s face, and she looked at her husband. “Well?”

Gary was reading the page I handed him. I’d listed all the pros and cons of Brad’s proposed ideas.

“And effective immediately, I recommend Marcy replace me as Assistant Manager of Hospitality, and I’d like to cut my hours.”

“Cut your hours?” Rhonda asked.

I nodded. “My side business has taken a sudden uptick, and I can’t keep up with the orders working here as much as I am, and financially speaking, it makes more sense to work on developing my business while the momentum is rolling.”

“I had no idea you had started a business.” Gary smiled and glanced at his wife.

“It’s an Etsy Store.” I reached in my wallet and handed them a business card, and without warning, a wave of courage rolled through me. “Actually, I think that what I offer could really add a nice touch to our guest rooms—give them a little personality.”

“I’ll have to look at the website.”

I nodded. “Most items have a three-week fulfillment date.”

Rhonda leaned back in her chair and looked over the page her husband handed her. “This wasn’t how I expected today’s meeting to go.”

“I can imagine,” I answered.

“Give us some time with the information you provided.” Rhonda patted the piece of paper on her desk. “But please send in Marcy on your way out.” She paused. “You’re sure about this?”

“Positive. It’s what I need to do.” I stood up and slipped my bag over my shoulder.

Rhonda’s smile widened, and she stood up and walked around her desk to give me a hug.

“Big leaps happen from little steps,” she whispered, squeezing me once more before letting go.

I gave her a quick nod and waved at Gary. “Thank you for meeting with me and thank you for everything you’ve done for my family over the years. I know my dad will be in awe of your support.”

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

I turned around and opened the door, nearly running over Brad.

The little snot had been trying to eavesdrop.

“You’re lucky you have such wonderful in-laws,” I told him and turned to find Marcy.

It seemed that Mr. Hill was right about opportunity, and I couldn’t believe I’d actually handed the owners of Loxxy my business card. I liked this new Sophie.

It was the morning of the fundraiser, and I was still in shock with the recent developments from yesterday. I showed up to my dad’s house, and a car sat in the driveway that I didn’t recognize.

Turned out, my dad had decided to file for divorce, and the person parked in the driveway was his attorney, Larry Balters. Papers had been served on Cindy this fine Saturday morning, and word on the streets of Fireweed Island was that she wasn’t a happy camper, even though she was shacking up with someone else.

Too much drama for me.

My only hope was that she’d stay away from the festivities, but in case she didn’t, Mary and I both agreed on the unsaid. It was time for my dad to try the cane out in public. It was something he’d been trying to get us to let him do for the last couple of weeks, but I still made him stick with the walker when we were out for our walks and trips to the grocery store.

I’d spent the morning opening up a special bank account for any funds collected today for my dad’s care, but I didn’t feel right accepting much of anything. My life had turned around so completely that I honestly felt I would be able to pay off his bills myself in just a couple more months.

I walked into my dad’s bedroom and plopped down on his bed.

“Dad, I’m not sure about this fundraiser any longer. I know it’s for you and not me, but things have changed drastically.”

His brows furrowed.

“With the money I have coming in and the payment plans I have set up for your medical bills, I think things will be okay, and I don’t feel right taking the money.”

Mary walked into the bedroom behind me and sat next to me on the bed.

“They’ve worked so hard on this, and all the proceeds from the ticket sales are going to Charlie,” Mary reminded me.

“But I can keep taking care of him,” I told her.

My dad’s eyes locked with Mary’s and she smiled.

“And he appreciates that more than you’ll ever know, but it’s not your responsibility to put your life on hold any longer.”

“I’m not,” I objected, thinking back to the one day CJ came over to help with Dad. Well, maybe in comparison to him, it looked like I had put my life on hold, but CJ was purely inconsiderate. He never even responded about whether he was going to attend today’s event.

“Actually, you have, and your father recognizes that.” She grabbed my hand and held it. “And he doesn’t want that burden on his shoulders any longer.”

I glanced at my dad, who nodded.

“I know your pride’s getting in the way, but sometimes it’s okay to let people help. And they want to help your dad, and you need to let them help him.”

I shook my head.

“What happens if you spend the next six months paying off all his old bills while he accumulates new ones and money stops coming in? Let this community give back to your father the best way they know how. And start living your life.”

“Is this coming from you or my dad?” My brow arched.

“Your dad spends a lot of time talking to me and texting.”

My gaze flashed to his. “Since when did he start texting?”

“Since I gave him a phone a couple of weeks ago.”

I started laughing and stared at my dad. “And you’ve never once texted me?”

“You nag,” he told me.

“I do not,” I protested.

My dad smiled and nodded, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

I probably would be sending him endless texts asking him if he took his pills, if he had his shake, and if he’d rested enough. Had I really turned into that?

“He knows you well.” Mary grinned and held up her phone with the endless texts from me, asking those very questions.

“You might have a point.”

“So, my advice for you is to enjoy the love they’re showing for your dad and put your pride aside. This is for him. He wants you to try to keep your money for a rainy day.”

“I’ll try.” My phone buzzed, and it was a text from Anthony.

You coming or what?

“Looks like our performer is getting antsy.”

“Do you want to head over early?” Mary asked. “I’ll drive your dad.”

I glanced at my dad and had to hide my laughter. His eyes told me everything.

Scram!

“That would be great.” I gave her a quick hug and knelt over the bed to kiss my dad. “See ya there. Maybe text when you arrive.”

I walked out of my dad’s bedroom and texted back.

I can’t believe I get to see my boyfriend perform.

He texted back.

Boyfriend, huh?

I laughed and shook my head.

It’s only fair. If you can call me your girlfriend, I get to do the same.

Happiness filled me as I walked out to my car, and the last text came over from Anthony.

I couldn’t agree more. Text when you get here.

I hopped in my car and took off down the road. The event was being held at the park behind the library. It was a brisk day, but the sun was holding on, which was a miracle in itself in November—not that Washingtonians ever let a little dampness hold them back from a good time. I was trying not to let the fact that this was Anthony’s last day in town get me down. Tomorrow, he’d be getting on a plane, and our real life would be starting, with him living in California and me on Fireweed. To commemorate the moment, Crimson Strings played in my car as I drove into town, but when I took the final left onto the main street, shock filled me to the brim.

Traffic was at a standstill. Cars were parked on lawns, and people held up signs to offer their yards for parking for five bucks. As my car slowly crept along in the traffic, I saw local families from Fireweed, along with hundreds of people I didn’t recognize.