Three
Natalia
I never thought much about my boisterous nature.
Working where I did, being surrounded by those I was, it would’ve been impossible to be sluggish. I enjoyed the work I did, found extra to do when I could, and felt grateful for the opportunity to make a place like this run well.
So, I didn’t think twice when it was late Tuesday morning, and I’d found myself needing to make a trip to Barrett’s office.
I knew he wouldn’t be in it, but I suspected Reid had returned today in his father’s place.
And while our initial meeting hadn’t been terribly unpleasant yesterday, it certainly left a lot to be desired.
Despite that, I had a job to do.
Reid had a job to do.
We had no choice but to do what was necessary to keep the place running smoothly in Barrett’s absence.
In fact, over the last week or so, I’d been coming in a little earlier and offering a hand wherever I could to other members of the staff—the way I’d seen Barrett do many times before—just to pick up the slack and ease the burden of his absence.
While it was possible for everyone to still get their jobs done, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that nearly all the members of the staff missed Barrett’s presence.
The place just felt more alive when he was around.
Being an energetic woman myself, I didn’t hesitate to kick things up a notch. I’d do anything to keep things running with as much care as I always had.
So, I grabbed the stack of papers from the corner of my desk, stood, and made my way to the office where I hoped to find Reid.
I knocked lightly on the closed door, waited until I heard what I assumed was permission to enter—the voice was so muffled—and stepped inside.
Finding Reid sitting behind the desk, I smiled brightly at him.
“Good morning, Reid. I apologize for interrupting you this morning, but I’ve got a few vendor agreements that need to be signed. ”
Reid stared at me, looking a bit bleary-eyed. It was nearly eleven o’clock, and although I was aware it wasn’t the case, he looked as though he’d just rolled out of bed. Given how he’d been yesterday morning, I could only draw one conclusion. Perhaps Reid just wasn’t a morning person.
Without a word, he reached his hand out for the papers.
I crossed the room and explained, “These normally would’ve been taken care of last week, but with Barrett not around and spending nearly every moment at the hospital, it couldn’t be done.
” I handed him the papers, and he dropped his gaze to review them.
“Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about these being signed later than they usually would have been.
All the vendors have been very understanding.
It’d probably be okay to wait even a few more days, but I figured it was best to just get them squared away now.
I would have brought them in with me yesterday when I came to the office, but I wasn’t sure how much your father would be up to with all that’s been going on. ”
“I don’t doubt Barrett would’ve had no issues with getting these signed for you yesterday, regardless of whatever else is going on in his life,” Reid replied.
He still hadn’t lifted his attention from the papers.
After carefully reviewing one, he moved to the next.
I didn’t know whether he thought I’d try to get him to sign things he shouldn’t be signing or if he genuinely wanted to be sure to inspect everything to be thorough and diligent about the job he was doing.
Either way, I guess it didn’t matter. And that was why I was content waiting. But I didn’t maintain the silence.
“I guess I can’t argue with that,” I returned. “I probably should’ve brought them over after I met you yesterday, but I figured you both had enough on your plate. Not, of course, that I don’t think you have even more to contend with now. How is Sylvia, by the way?”
Reid kept his eyes on the papers in his hands, the muscle in his jaw feathering. “She’s home from the hospital now.”
Not exactly an answer.
“And she’s doing better?” I pressed.
He clenched his jaw harder. “I can only assume that’s why the hospital staff allowed her to leave.”
Naturally…
So, it was clear Reid wasn’t interested in discussing his mother’s health with me. Fair enough. He didn’t know a thing about me, and I couldn’t assume he’d want to talk to me as openly as Barrett or anyone else who worked here with me for months or years.
But I didn’t think I’d been asking anything particularly private.
Certainly nothing I would’ve expected he’d respond so defensively to.
Unless the whole situation just made him feel so awful that he couldn’t bear to think about it.
I mean, something terrible had happened to his mom, and it could have been so much worse.
Deciding it was best to steer clear of that conversation, I thought some praise would work instead. “Right. Well, it’s so great that you were willing and able to return to help out here. I still think it’s crazy I’ve been here for so long, and we only just met yesterday.”
For the first time since he’d taken the papers from my hand, Reid lifted his chin and met my stare. “I don’t live here, so it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise.”
Gosh. Tough crowd.
I forced myself to remain the perfect picture of unaffected and continued to smile at him.
“I’m aware you don’t live here. Barrett has mentioned that a handful of times over the years.
I was merely making an observation now that we’ve met.
Anyway, is everything going okay today? Are you managing alright? ”
“I’m fine.”
“Should that change, as I said yesterday, I’m more than happy to help you out in any way I can. If you have any questions about anything that goes on here, I’ll likely have an answer for you.”
He sighed deeply. “I’m not quite sure what my father told you as it pertains to my level of competence, but it seems I should tell you I’m quite capable of figuring things out.”
I was beginning to wonder if this man was really Barrett’s son. They couldn’t have been more different from one another if they tried.
“I’m glad to hear that.” I gestured at the papers in his hands. “Well, when you get to the bottom of that stack, you’ll find more than just those I need signed.”
His brows pulled together. “What else is here?”
I licked my lips, wondering if this would be just one more thing that might piss him off more than he already seemed to be. “I thought I’d be nice, so I took the liberty of printing off some copies of the schedule of events for the month.”
Reid squinted at me as though trying to solve some mysterious puzzle. When he didn’t get the answer that he was seeking, he shared, “Barrett made no mention of the schedule of events.”
Laughter spilled out of me. “Of course, he didn’t. After all these years, he just knows where to be and when.”
“Seems like telling me about where I’d need to be would’ve been a prudent part of the conversation, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but I guess he wasn’t thinking about the extras.”
“Extras?”
I gestured to the papers again. “The schedule of events isn’t something that you’d have to take part in or be particularly concerned about as it relates to the work that you do.
It’s just that your dad always made sure to be around, to not just own this place but also to immerse himself in it with both the staff and the guests. ”
A look I couldn’t quite read washed over his expression. “Yeah, that sounds like him.”
“He’s such a great man. You’re lucky to have him.
” I beamed at Reid. “Anyway, I just wanted you to have a copy of the schedule, so you’d be aware of what’s happening and can participate as you wish.
Quite frankly, even though the reason you’re working here now is an awful one—I really do hope Sylvia is on the mend—the timing is perfect.
Because while a lot of the outdoor activities take a backseat as the weather gets colder, I think the way we enjoy the holiday season here more than makes up for it. You’re in for a real treat, Reid.”
The man stared at me for a few beats, remaining silent, before he flipped through the documents I’d brought to be signed, so he could get to the schedule. He scrutinized the calendar for a few moments before he asked, “My dad participated in this stuff?”
It was difficult to determine whether Reid was surprised and proud to learn what Barrett did over the years—something I believed Reid should’ve been—or if he was shocked and appalled by the information.
Without getting an invitation to do so, but believing it’d be worth taking the time to give Reid all the answers he might want, I lowered myself onto one of the chairs on the opposite side of the desk from him, crossing my legs after I’d done so.
“He did. Barrett rarely missed out on the fun. And I can’t tell you how lucky we all are.
I feel so fortunate to be part of this place, and I know I’m not alone in that.
Your father has built something extraordinary here, and it has become a haven for so many people.
I’m beyond grateful to your dad for his work. ”
I’d hoped my words would’ve been met with a look filled with pride or a puffed-up chest and satisfied smile. Instead, Reid maintained the same strange mood. He just seemed irritated, or angry, or annoyed.
It didn’t make sense for anything I was sharing to put him in a bad mood, so I figured this was just who he was.
Being the opposite of him when it came to talking and interacting with others, perhaps it made the difference between us seem so extreme.
I rarely held back any thoughts, and Reid seemed to struggle to share any.
“Though he found the time to indulge in all of it, Barrett especially loves fishing,” I shared.
“Personally, I’m partial to stargazing. I enjoy sitting by the firepit and just looking up at the clear skies, even when the weather gets cold.
And I think for all of us, it’s a bit difficult to pick just one thing we love when it comes to celebrating throughout the holiday season. ”
“I see.”
I offered another friendly smile. “You might think it’s crazy, but even preparing for the fun is enjoyable. The staff is great here. I’ve met my dearest friend here at Sandstone Heart.”
“Right.” He wore such a stony expression. “While I’m sure Barrett was more than willing to chat and entertain everyone who dared to cross his path here, I’m afraid I’m not quite the same. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so I’m sorry, Natalie, but I’m going to need to get back to work.”
For the first time since I’d entered the room, I felt the color drain from my face. Natalie? I’d been rambling on and on, trying to be nice and make Reid feel welcome and comfortable, and he didn’t even know my name.
“It’s Natalia.”
“Pardon?”
“You called me Natalie, but my name is Natalia.”
He pressed his lips together in a thin line. “Okay, well, either way, I do need to get back to work.”
So, he was kicking me out.
“Sure. I understand. If you want to sign those papers for me, I’ll be out of your hair.”
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d actually like to take some time to review these before signing them.” He shrugged. “I just want to do my due diligence.”
I got the distinct feeling either Reid didn’t trust me, or he was just trying to be difficult on purpose. Only time would tell.
Refusing to let that get me down, I stood and allowed the corners of my mouth to tip up with a smile. “Of course. I can stop by later this week to pick them up.”
“I’ll call you when I have them ready.”
Evidently, he was kicking me out and didn’t want me to return.
Twisting my hands, palms out, I continued to smile. “That works, too. I’m going to get going, but as I said before, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions for me.” I turned and moved to the door. Looking back at him, I offered my parting shot. “Have a lovely day, Reid.”
Without waiting for him to respond—I didn’t think it’d be anything pleasant anyway—I stepped out and closed the door behind me.
Nothing had gone like I’d imagined it would when I’d decided to make the visit to see Reid this morning.
While I believed it was possible that he wasn’t a talkative person—it was difficult to find anyone who was as extroverted as me—I didn’t expect him to be so rude.
It was as though he was allergic to happiness and sunshine and simply being pleasant.
But I wouldn’t let that get me down. I wouldn’t allow him to ruin my mood or change me.
I’d go about my days being exactly who I was, and if he ever reached out, needing my help, I’d help just as I said I would.
I’d even continue to do nice things for him like I’d done today with giving him the schedule of events for the month, because that was the kind of person I was.
Reid wouldn’t change me. This place was my little sliver of happiness in the world, and I’d be damned if I allowed Reid, in all his misery, to take that away from me.
Six months.
I had a measly six months of enduring Reid before Barrett came back.
And for all that man had done for me, I’d endure just about anything he needed me to.