Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Maisie tore her hand away from Finn’s and took a deliberate step back, regret stabbing at her chest.
“Mrs. Waterstone,” Finn greeted, his voice level and steady.
“I knew it,” the woman repeated, wagging a finger in their direction. “I knew something was going on between you two.”
Maisie glanced at Finn, but he kept his eyes on Mrs. Waterstone.
“I’m writing you up for this,” she continued. “It’s absolutely disgraceful.”
Maisie’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Wait, don’t…” But her words trailed off as Finn gave a subtle shake of his head.
Obviously, he had experience dealing with these sorts of passengers, but still, Maisie wanted to defend him, to make the woman change her mind.
“Writin’ us up for what, exactly?” Finn asked calmly.
Her beady eyes narrowed further. “For the relationship you’ve been carrying on between each other. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Maisie’s thoughts spiraled. Mrs. Waterstone would send in a formal complaint, Finn would lose his bonus—maybe even lose his job. Then what? Maisie would be responsible for forcing his family out of their home—that loved-so-deeply home.
She couldn’t allow that to happen.
“With all due respect, ma’am,” Finn said, taking a step forward so he slightly shielded Maisie with his shoulder. “This really is none of your concern.”
“It’s my concern when it affects me,” she snapped back. “You’ve been showing her more attention than anyone else on the tour, even though we all paid as much as she did.” She tossed her head toward Maisie. “Now you’re spending the weekend together?”
“We didn’t spend the weekend together,” Maisie said.
Mrs. Waterstone sniffed, folding her thin arms across her chest. “I saw him walk you to the hotel last night, and now you’re coming home in a car together? Where exactly have you both been, huh?”
Maisie could hardly believe this was even happening. Were they really having to explain their actions to an unhappy woman who knew next to nothing of what had transpired between them? Why did she even care?
The moment on the bus waiting for traffic to disperse filled Maisie’s memory, and suddenly, she knew. Mrs. Waterstone was upset with Finn for allowing the dog to stay on board, and she was upset with Maisie for telling her to eat chocolate to deal with poor Greta Dünser’s cries.
Why hadn’t Maisie kept her mouth shut? She’d already helped the Dünsers at that point, but her final comments had obviously pushed the woman to hold a vendetta against them both. Maisie hardly cared if Mrs. Waterstone liked her, but now that Finn was affected and his family? She couldn’t bear it.
“This is just so unprofessional,” Mrs. Waterstone continued. “You can bet your boss will be hearing from me immediately.”
She shook her head at them both, then whirled around on her heel and disappeared into the hotel .
Maisie took a step after her, desperate to help the O’Meara’s, but Finn’s soft hand on her arm stopped her.
“Let her go,” he said. “There’s nothin’ we can do now.”
Maisie stared helplessly at the closing doors, though she knew Finn was right. Mrs. Waterstone had accused them of lies. They hadn’t spent the weekend together in the way the woman thought. But they had kissed. Would that warrant Finn losing his job?
She chewed on her lower lip, regret overcoming her. If only she hadn’t allowed Finn to bring her back. If only Maisie had thought of Mrs. Waterstone being in the same hotel. If only Maisie hadn’t?—
“What’s done is done,” Finn said, interrupting her thoughts, as if he knew where they were headed.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, turning to look up at him. “This is all my fault.”
“You know that isn’t true,” he said.
Still, Maisie couldn’t bear it. “What are we going to do?”
“There’s nothin’ to do but wait,” he said calmly. “She’s more bark than anythin’.”
“But what if she reports us?”
“Then I’ll tell me boss the truth. Simple as that.”
“And if you lose the bonus? Your job?” She swallowed. “Your family’s home?”
He shook his head. “I won’t. Worst case, I’ll be suspended. But me family’ll be alright.”
Maisie wasn’t convinced. “I could message Daphne tonight,” she offered, “let her know about your mom’s stew going on the menu. We could get an advance and set up a license agreement.”
“It wouldn’t be soon enough,” he said gently.
Maisie already knew he was right. Those sorts of things always took months to work out. But was there really nothing else she could do?
Finn must have seen her torment, as he looked down at her with softened eyes. “Don’t worry anymore ’bout it, love. I’m sure all this’ll blow over. Come Monday, things’ll be back to normal. You’ll see.”
Maisie wanted to believe him. But the slight waver in his tone, the small shadow behind his eyes, made her concern grow.
Soon after, Finn left, giving her a forced smile in departure. “I’ll see you Monday mornin’,” he stated firmly.
Maisie nodded half-heartedly, wandering back to her hotel room, half-tempted to find Mrs. Waterstone and give her a piece of her mind. But Finn was right. It wouldn’t do them any good.
The only thing she could do now was pray. Pray that Mrs. Waterstone would have compassion. And pray that Maisie hadn’t sealed the fate of Finn and his family.
Day Seven
On Sunday evening, Finn stood outside his flat, waiting with Cedric as his Uber pulled up to the pavement. Matthew, Winnie, and Graham had already left for home that afternoon after the four of them had spent the rest of the weekend together.
The night before, Finn had laid awake in his flat, his friends sleeping on rollaway beds and air mattresses nearby as he wondered if it would be one of the last nights he’d sleep there. He’d tossed and turned, longing to text Maisie but knowing he needed to put distance between them if he wanted any leg to stand on with Joshua.
His boss still hadn’t messaged him. Whether that was good or bad news, Finn couldn’t say.
“Well, thanks for the stay, Finn,” Cedric said, opening the back door of the car and tossing his luggage inside. “And for plannin’ the run.”
“No problem. Hope it wasn’t too hard for you,” Finn joked .
“It was just the warm-up we needed before I make you run across Tryfan next year.”
“They’ll be takin’ me down on a gurney, then.”
They shared a laugh, but the sound rang hollowly in Finn’s ears.
He’d arrived home the night before after leaving Maisie at the hotel, doing his best to keep his spirits up, but as everyone commented on how much they’d loved Maisie, all he could think of was how stupidly he’d handled his time with her.
“So,” Cedric began, turning away from the still-open car and looking at Finn expectantly.
“So, what?” Finn asked.
“Are you goin’ to tell me what happened between you and Maisie last night to put you in such a bad mood?”
Finn had hoped he’d done enough to hide his dampened spirits. He should’ve known Cedric would notice. He was the first to perceive Finn’s depression at Eton.
Still, Finn didn’t quite have the courage to open up about how he’d made yet another stupid decision—and how he’d screwed up any chance of things moving forward smoothly between him and Maisie.
“Nothin’,” he finally replied. “Nothin’ happened. We just decided not to pursue anythin’ ’til after the tour’s over.”
Cedric hardly looked convinced, though he nodded all the same. “Seems smart enough. Just don’t wait too long before you make your move. And…” He paused, sobering. “Keep us updated, mate. About her. About your family. About your work. We care about you. Don’t keep it all in if you can help it.”
Finn nodded, gratitude filling him, but all he could say was, “Thanks, Ced,” before they clapped each other on the back in a simple hug, and Cedric loaded into the Uber and drove away.
Remaining on the pavement, Finn watched the car disappear around the corner, already regretting that he’d kept his troubles from his friends.
Now, instead of hearing words of encouragement and advice, he was treated to his own critical thoughts—and to the pressure of having to ensure every future step he took was in the right place.
He had to fight harder to keep that bonus. He had to rally his defenses in case Mrs. Waterstone decided to destroy his life and complain to Joshua after all. And he had to keep his distance from Maisie for the next week—which would be the hardest thing of all.
Day Eight
By Monday morning, Finn had still received no call from Joshua. If Mrs. Waterstone had complained and the company had any concerns, they certainly would have contacted him by now.
That knowledge alone encouraged him to get to the bus depot early to collect Bob, if only to settle any further worries.
By the time he arrived, his patience was wearing thin, not only to get back on the tour but to see Maisie. He missed her. Even more than he thought he would. He couldn’t wait to see her.
However, as he went to his usual spot to pick up Bob, the bus was nowhere to be found. Figuring they were probably filling it up with diesel, Finn drew in deep breaths, but an uneasiness rushed toward him.
“Finn?”
Joshua.
Dread pressed on Finn’s mind. He turned around to face his boss. “’Bout ye. Where’s me bus?”
Joshua looked at him with an uncomfortable expression. He tossed his head toward the office he’d just walked out of. “Let’s have a chat.”
“Can it wait?” Finn attempted. “I’ve got passengers who need to be picked up. ”
All it took was one knowing look from Joshua to silence Finn.
So, Mrs. Waterstone had made good on her promise.
A few minutes later, Finn sat across from his boss.
“So,” Joshua said, lacing his fingers on the thin table he used for a desk, “I’m sure you know why I’ve brought you in here.”
Finn contemplated acting stupid but set that notion aside straightaway. If he had any chance of keeping his bonus, of staying in his flat for another month or two instead of living with his parents, he needed to be honest.
“I’ve an inklin’,” he stated, fighting through his roiling stomach.
Joshua nodded. “We’ve received some concernin’ feedback from someone on your bus. Seems she believes you’ve struck up a romantic relationship with a female passenger.”
Finn stared. “And?”
“Is it true?” Joshua asked.
Finn drew a settling breath. “Yes. I have.”
Joshua’s shoulders visibly lowered. “I was afraid o’ that.”
“But it’s not what you think.” Finn went on as calmly as possible. “Maisie King and I haven’t broken a single rule other than striking up a relationship, but it wasn’t on company time.”
Joshua narrowed his eyes. “You haven’t been spendin’ nights with each other? Sneakin’ away alone at different sites to be together?”
Finn let out a mirthless laugh. “That’s ridiculous. Mrs. Waterstone’s not happy with her own life, so she’s doin’ whatever she can to distract herself from it.”
Joshua stared at the mention of her name.
“Yes, I know it’s her who lodged the complaint,” Finn said.
Joshua rubbed his chin. “Well, her report is concernin’. I’d like to hear your side o’ the story, though.”
Finn, grateful that his boss wasn’t entirely taking the woman’s side, explained all that had occurred over the last week, including, embarrassingly enough, his kiss with Maisie, and ending with Mrs. Waterstone’s accusations .
“I haven’t been in contact with Maisie since,” he ended. “And we weren’t plannin’ on seein’ each other outside o’ tour hours until the end of Friday.”
Joshua nodded, clearly considering the information.
“So,” Finn asked after a couple moments in silence, “there you have it. Can you slap me hand now so we can move on? I’ve got a tour to see to.”
He made to stand, but Joshua raised a hand to stop him. “Unfortunately, that’s not goin’ to happen today, mate.”
Finn settled back in the chair, though he leaned forward, his brow pursed. “Why not?” he asked, though he already feared the answer.
“Thomas has already been sent out in your place,” Joshua said, regret in his eyes. “As of this mornin’, you’re suspended ’til further notice.”
Finn’s jaw flinched. Thomas. Of course it’d be him. “And the bonus? Me paychecks?”
“You’ll be paid what you’ve worked for, nothin’ more,” Joshua said, then his voice softened. “And I’m sorry, but there’s not a chance for that bonus now after what Mrs. Waterstone has said.”
Finn’s ears began to ring, his stress levels rising dangerously high.
Suspended. No further pay. Indefinitely.
“This is madness, Joshua,” he said, leaning back in his chair and running his fingers through his hair. “I know I broke the rules, but it was in the most harmless way imaginable—a consensual kiss when I was off-duty . The bonus I can understand, but bein’ suspended? Over a woman clearly lyin’?”
“Look,” Joshua began, lowering his voice, “You and I have been mates for a long time, Finn. If it were my choice, I’d have you drivin’ right now with double the pay. But the VP…” He broke off, shaking his head.
“He wants to make an example of me,” Finn finished. “Make sure no one else does anythin’ like this again.”
Joshua grimaced. “Exactly.”
Finn blew out a slow breath, shaking his head. How had it come to this? Of all things?
“He thinks Mrs. Waterstone is a force to be reckoned with,” Joshua continued. “She and her husband travel everywhere and leave well-followed reviews. If the wrong person got ahold of the story, well, then we’d be done.”
Finn nodded. He understood it. Really, he did. First and foremost, it was a business. It wasn’t a family.
“I want you to know I’m goin’ to defend you, though,” Joshua said. “I’ll do everythin’ I can to help settle this, alright? And quickly, too.”
Finn nodded, that numbness creeping over him again.
“Meanwhile,” Joshua continued, “just lie low. Be patient. I have to corroborate stories, so I must advise you not to see or contact Miss King until that happens, otherwise, your testimony—and hers—might be seen as bein’ influenced by each other.”
Finn pressed a hand over his eyes. “Can’t we leave her out of this? She’s innocent in it all.”
“She’ll provide a valuable insight, mate,” Joshua said.
Finn dropped his hand, then looked down at the desk, defeated. Maisie. Now he couldn’t even message her? Was he really going to have to wait until Friday to see her again?
“And,” Joshua continued, clearly hesitating, “I might also advise that you cut ties with the woman completely. If you do, it might prove to the VP that you’re serious ’bout keepin’ your job here.”
Finn stared hard at Joshua. He was suggesting Finn never see her again—never message her again?
Last Monday, before that blonde straggler had boarded his bus, Finn might have agreed to this suggestion. But now, after the week he’d had with Maisie and the kiss they’d shared, how could he even comprehend doing that?
“I’ll keep you updated the minute anythin’ changes,” Joshua said .
Finn mutely nodded.
“I’m sorry about this,” Joshua said again. “Really, I am.”
Finn didn’t respond.
“Before you leave, I just need you to fill out a few forms with your statement on it,” Joshua said, sliding a packet toward Finn, who took them in a stupor.
He felt like a thirteen-year-old boy again, caught in trouble, being expelled from Eton once more for breaking the rules. How was this happening? How could he still not be thinking about his family and what was best for them, instead only thinking about what was best for him ?
Now, he was just proving that he hadn’t even been thinking about Maisie. He could only pray now that this wouldn’t ruin the rest of the holiday she’d waited to go on for years.
When would he ever learn?