Chapter 38
NASH
Orange, red, and yellow flames sway together, funneling up to the moonlit sky. If I squint my eyes, the bonfire looks like it’s in the middle of Skaneateles Lake instead of on the edge of the Bradleys’ property.
I take another long and slow sip of my drink, letting the strong liquid burn my throat as it goes down. I’m not trying to get drunk, but I’m definitely trying to take away the constant, dull ache that’s been in my chest all night at the ball.
Who am I kidding?
That ache took residence in my heart the moment Sadie looked at me in the hospital with void and hollow eyes.
“I saw the fire out here and thought I’d come join you.” Jay pulls up a camp chair beside me. “That is, if it’s okay with you.”
“Of course.” I smile up at him. “It’s your house. I’m just enjoying the scenic view.”
He grunts as he lowers into the chair. “This has always been one of my favorite things to do. Nothing like a lakeside fire on a cold winter’s night.”
I lift my glass to him. “I wish I had a drink for you.”
“Nah, you need it more than I do.”
I sniff out a laugh, wondering if he saw the way Sadie looked at Stetson tonight too.
“You know, Lynette and I were talking on the way home from the ball about how you remind us of Mr. Fezziwig from A Christmas Carol. ”
My brows cinch together, not understanding.
“You remember his character, don’t you?”
I shake my head.
“He was Scrooge’s old boss and the complete opposite of him. Instead of being a Christmas crank, he was jolly, giving and full of life.”
I scoff as I watch the flames move in front of me. “I don’t feel very full of life tonight.”
“There’s a lot more to Fezziwig’s character than just liking Christmas more than Scrooge. You see, Mr. Fezziwig was his opposite in every way. He showed how a selfless and caring boss can create a sense of family and community in the workplace by being kind and generous. And in a lot of ways, that’s what you’ve taught me.”
My eyes shift to Jay, surprised by where the conversation is going.
“Especially when it comes to Sadie. I haven’t always believed in her like I should’ve. I did as a daughter, but as a formidable business partner, not as much. I wish I could’ve been more like you, not so worried about the bottom line and more accepting of new ideas and different methods of running a business.” His lips push into a sad frown. “I think if I would’ve been more like that —more like you —I wouldn’t have lost my daughter for so many years.”
“In some ways, I’m glad you weren’t like that, because then maybe she never would’ve stayed in Chicago with me.”
Jay chuckles. “I think she still would’ve. You two are meant to be together.” He shifts his gaze to me. “It might take her some time to realize that, but her heart will eventually find its way back home.”
He smiles at me, and for the first time in my life, I feel what it’s like to have a father look out for me and give me advice. I never knew until this moment how much I wanted that.
My eyes water over. “Jay, you’re a good man.”
“So are you. No matter what happens, you’ll always be part of our family.”
“I could use a little bit more family in my life.”
“Then it’s settled.” He stands, patting my shoulder before leaving to go inside.
I shift my gaze back to the fire, blinking away my tears.