Chapter 45
HENRY
“You want me to work for you?” I stare at Miles, dumbfounded.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now and not only would being the bookkeeper for the Inn allow you to find a job with your expertise, but it would allow you to stay here in Ruby Lake… to be with Maisie.”
“Where am I going to stay?”
“Unless you hate living with me, I was hoping you’d want to continue being roommates.” He nervously laughs. “Don’t let it get to your head but I like having you around, it’s nice not being alone all the time.”
“No, I want to, I just—” I pause, still in shock. “This just feels too good to be true.”
“You helped bring this place back to life,” he looks around his office we’re sitting in at the Inn, “why wouldn’t I want you to stay?
I honestly didn’t expect you to want to, which is why I never offered it in the beginning.
I won’t lie, I thought what you had with Maisie was a fling but then I saw you two together and knew I might as well ask if this is something you wanted. ”
“I do,” I answer without hesitation. “I want this. I want to stay and help you.”
“And be with Maisie.” He smirks. “Also, since you put in a lot of work here, I actually had another question.”
I quirk an eyebrow at him in response.
“I was wondering if you wanted to put your name on the lease… making you a co-owner with me.”
“What?” I choke. “You’re joking.”
“Not joking. I talked to my lawyer about it—not that I don’t trust you, I do—he agreed it’d be a good decision if you wanted to,” he says.
“I know you’ve been going back and forth about actually wanting to work in what you went to college for, but I hope that maybe working with me and getting out of the city would be enough to make you want to own this place with me. ”
“Yes, absolutely,” I scoff. “I would love to co-own with you… holy shit. Can I hug you?”
He laughs and opens his arms. “Come here, you big sap.”
“God forbid a man has emotions and likes to let his family know he loves them.” I laugh into Miles' shoulder when I give him a hug. “Dude we’re gonna be the male versions of Lorelai from Gilmore Girls.”
Breaking away from the hug, he looks at me confused. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“The second I feel a breeze in the air, we’re taking the day off and watching season one.”
Miles suggested we go out to eat as a celebratory dinner which is how we ended up a Ruby’s Diner.
Unfortunately my favorite waitress is off for the night. Miles told me I could invite her but I want her to find out I’m staying in a more special way.
“Hey, Bellwood Boys, what brings you in tonight?” Wren greets us as she sets down our menus.
I eye Miles wondering if I should tell Wren and he responds with a nod knowing exactly what I’m asking.
“What the hell was that look for?” Wren speaks before I can, looking between us both.
“Actually, I have some news,” I say. “I want to tell Maisie myself so please don’t say anything.”
“Okayyyy,” she draws out the word and eyes me suspiciously. “Whether or not I tell Maisie depends on what you’re about to tell me lover boy. Is it good news?”
“Oh yes, great news actually. I got a job,” I beam. “Here. In Ruby Lake.”
“Shut up!” She squeals. “Henry!” She leans over the booth and gives me a hug. “That’s so exciting! Where at?”
“He’s going to be the bookkeeper at the Inn,” Miles interjects. “Also you’re hugging the new co-owner of the Dew Drop Inn.”
“You’re joking!” Her smile is so bright it makes me excited to see Maisie’s reaction. “When are you going to tell Maisie? She’s been pretty distraught about you leaving.” Her eyes turn glassy as she pulls a napkin out of her apron and wipes a tear that’s forming.
“I’m hoping as soon as possible.” I clear my throat. “I’m wanting to ask her to be my girlfriend now that I know I’m staying, but I want to talk to Elaine first.”
“Henry,” Wren tears up more as she speaks. “I’m so happy you’re staying. You make my best friend so happy. I’ve never seen her shine as bright as she has since you showed up.”
“I really do love that girl.”
“You better be talking about my little girl there, Henry.” Elaine pops out of the kitchen and greets us.
“You need to tell her!” Wren beams.
“Tell me what?”
I open my mouth to speak but Wren beats me to it.
“You’re taking too long.” She waves her hands in the air, barely giving me a chance to breathe. She turns to Elaine and spews, “Henry is staying!”
“Tell me that’s true!” Elaine clutches her chest.
“Would I ever lie to you?”
“Son, I hope not. I’ll have a heart attack if you’re lying to me right now.” Her eyes start to swell with tears.
“Miles offered me a position at the Inn as the bookkeeper as well as co-owner.”
Elaine wipes a tear from her eye. “Henry, that makes me so happy. I was ready to do just about anything to keep you here, to keep you with my Maisie.” She walks to the other side of the booth and gives Miles a hug. “Thank you.”
Miles smiles and gives her a hug back. “No one better to have around, right?”
“No one,” she agrees and looks to me. “Now when are you going to ask my girl to be your girlfriend? Y’all are practically dating already and I want a son in law.”
Miles and Wren erupt into laughter.
“Don’t you worry, Mom, that’s the plan. I just wanted to get your approval first but it seems like it’s a pretty solid yes.”
“Hell you can marry her right now if you want to. You have my permission.” She laughs.
“One day I promise to marry her but for now I need her to agree to date me first.”
“Oh don’t worry about that, she’s head over heels for you.” Wren rolls her eyes. “It’s sickening.”
“I’ll let you two be but please order whatever you’d like, it’s on us today.” Elaine wipes away the last of her tears. “It’s a congratulations and a welcome to the family to you both!”
“You heard the lady, whatever you want!” Wren pulls out her notepad to take down our orders.
“Wait, before that, can I get your advice?”
“Is it about blondie?”
I snort. “Yes. I have an idea…”
And that’s how Wren, Miles, and I spend the next hour conducting a plan to ask Maisie to be my girlfriend.