Loving Lies(46)
I’m stunned and speechless. “Really?”
“Oh yeah, we like your ideas and you see things we don’t see. That’s why new blood is essential. Plus I think Stone Cliff Resort has changed you.”
“You’re right on that score.”
“See, I told you,” says Mrs. McCaid. “When we first came here we felt the exact same thing. We didn’t come here thinking we’d create this resort but it was like the land talked to us and our heart got snagged along the way. We take great pride in our place and being able to hire so many locals and seasonal workers. All of that brings much needed cash to Deerfield.”
I got that instantly when I came here and I’d probably say that, but I’m blown away by their offer. “You sure about this?”
“Yes. We want you as a partner. We’ll move you into a better cabin and get you settled in as manager in training. So what’s it going to be?”
I look at them long and hard and smile so wide I know I probably look like a fool. “Hell yes. I love it here and I’m overwhelmed with your offer. But I’m not moving from my cabin.”
“Thought you might say that,” says Mr. McCaid, with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
“I’ll give the lawyer a call and we’ll get the papers arranged and all I have to say now son, is welcome to Stone Cliff Resort.”
I get engulfed in two big bear hugs and I love it. A knock on the door has us separating and the next thing I know in walks Donald.
“So I take it you agreed?” he asks.
“You bet.”
Donald walks over and shakes my hand. “So glad you said yes. I’ve got some great ideas I’d like to talk with you about,” he says and just like that we’re all laughing because this is so far from what I expected I’m letting that happy feeling take hold.
I walk out of the office feeling almost light-headed. Alyssa’s waiting for me at the front counter. She’s got a smile on her face. I grab her hand and we shuffle quickly out the door.
“So how did things go with your father?”
“At first it was really weird and awkward. We both basically said nothing while we downed a cup of coffee, but then we gradually started to talk. God I can’t believe we talked. I don’t think we ever really talked before.”
“He’s missed you,” I say.
“I know that now and I sort of feel guilty.”
“You did what you thought was right,” I say, trying to reassure her.
“I think running away was easier than staying to try to deal with him, but Blake, he’s changed.”
“Alyssa, you made him change. He was probably worried sick about you and knew he was in the wrong.”
She gives a small laugh. “Oh, trust me he didn’t admit to being wrong. At first he politely told me I was a spoiled rich girl who should have called so he wouldn’t have worried.”
“And?” I say.
“And I told him that calling wasn’t an option because he’d have people take me back home which is what he tried to do last night. Well, after saying that, things changed. We talked about things back home and he told me he gets why I’m staying and he’s even offered to help me with my photography.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, but I told him no way. I need to do this all on my own. I think when I told him that he smiled for real.”
I haul Alyssa in for a hug. “This morning has turned out to be great for both of us. The McCaids want me to join them as a partner.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yup. We’ll work out all the details tomorrow, but I’m going to go for it.”
“Oh my god, Blake, that’s great.”
“Will you stay here?”
“You mean like after this summer’s over?”
I can’t resist her lips any longer so I lean in to claim them. Only after I’ve given her a thorough kiss do I answer her. “Stay. Work on your photography and we’ll take long winter hikes. I promise to make it worth your while.”
She thinks about my offer for a minute. “And what exactly are you offering?”
I smile. “Me.”
And just like that she laughs and I know I’ve sealed the best deal I’ll ever make in my life.