“Gramps—”
Walter grunted. “You did the right thing. People need to pull their weight. Élise cooks like an angel. She was a find, that’s for sure.”
It was the first word of praise his grandfather had given him. The first time he’d shown any indication that any of the changes Jackson had made were making a difference.
“I didn’t expect Darren to leave.”
“Things happen. You dealt with it. That’s all you can do in life. Things are changing around here. If people can’t change along with us, they’d be happier somewhere else. It’s important to keep these logs dry.” He spoke to Kayla. “We deliver dry logs to the cabins every day. Sure, only a couple of them are occupied right now, but I’m sure that’ll change now you’re here. Think you can get us on the front page of the New York Times?” His eyes twinkled and Kayla grinned back at him.
“Doubtful. You’re hot, Walter, but even you’re not hot enough for the front page. But I can get you in other places. If I arrange for a journalist to interview you, do you promise not to eat him in one mouthful?”
Walter rested his foot on the log. “I’m not allowed to be myself?”
“I want you to be yourself. I’m relying on it.”
He put the ax down. “Just tell me who you want me to talk to.”
“I’ll make some calls.”
Jackson frowned. “This close to Christmas?”
“There are people still working, and some of them are looking for stories that don’t include suggestions for cooking turkey or tips on dieting. I’ll get right onto it.” She zipped up her jacket, still not looking at him.
“I’m taking you skiing this morning. We’re meeting up with Tyler and Jess. Your gear is in the back of my car.”
“These are two people whose idea of fun is to bomb down a sheer vertical cliff. I’m sure they’re just dying to spend time on a flat slope with someone who can’t stay upright for more than five seconds.” Her voice was falsely bright. “I’m glad they’re bonding, but I need to get back to the cabin and work. I’m starting to get a clear picture of how we can sell Snow Crystal to the press and the public.”
He was starting to get a clear picture of the reason she blocked people out of her life. “You can tell me about it as we drive.” He took her arm. “Car’s parked just over there. See you later, Gramps.”
“I guess you will.” Walter gave them both a long look but Jackson kept walking. Fortunately Kayla did, too, presumably because she didn’t want a scene.
“I had a frank discussion with your grandfather.”
“Good. A frank discussion is definitely needed. And not just between you and my grandfather.” He heard her sharp intake of breath.
“Jackson—”
“Get in the car, Kayla.” They were the same words he’d spoken to her a few nights earlier when she’d fled from the meeting, only this time he understood more about why she’d fled. He hoped she wasn’t going to argue, because he was ready to flatten her to the side of his SUV and kiss her until she stopped arguing, which would give Walter something to stare at other than his log pile.
“You employed me to do a job.”
“I’m not stopping you doing that job. I’d like an update, and I’d like that update with strong coffee to make up for the amount we didn’t sleep last night. Right now we’re going to use this private time to have that conversation you’ve been avoiding.”
She climbed into the car. “I had things to do this morning.”
“Things that required you to creep out like a burglar?”
“I was trying not to wake you.”
“Yeah, I got that part. Question is, why? Am I that scary?”
“I was busy. I spoke to your mother. I had a conversation with Élise and Brenna. I had a lovely chat with Walter.” She fastened her seat belt. “That was what we agreed, wasn’t it? That I’d talk to people?”
“Seems you’ve talked to just about everyone except me so far today.”
She took a deep breath. “It was one night, Jackson. Just one night.”
“In that case you owe me a couple of hours because you walked out before it was finished.” He waited for her to come back with a smart reply.
What she did was turn the conversation back to work.
“I’ve decided to go for some feature placements and national TV. People like a human story.”
He reined in frustration. “Human story?”
“You gave up your own dream to come home and save the family business.”