Chapter 16
— chapter sixteen
Fanny considered it her job to fix things for Nelson.
He would probably disagree, since her job title was officially administrative assistant and not fix-it girl.
But that didn’t matter to her. Over the years, she’d taken on a lot of other jobs at the mill that Nelson Harper was likely not even aware existed.
She was often Nelson’s gatekeeper, counselor, errand runner, and dietician. She made sure nobody wandered into his office to talk about things that didn’t matter and that he didn’t drink coffee or energy drinks all afternoon.
Half the time Nelson was both a little bemused and frightened about how much she knew about the company and his personal habits.
Fanny didn’t care what he thought. All that mattered to her was that she was his cousin and she was good at the many jobs she did for him. Besides, she owed him.
She owed him everything.
What most people outside of the family didn’t know was that she’d briefly been married when she was just a teenager. Kevin had been the bad boy in her high school class and the opposite of her studious, student-council-member self. Against her parents’ wishes, she’d started dating him.
And then against her better judgment, she’d married him one weekend in Vegas. She was so sure that she could fix him, that they were wildly in love, and that everything was going to be wonderful.
It wasn’t.
It was actually very far from that. Her parents refused to see her, and Kevin had no money, no goals, and a giant chip on his shoulder. She soon learned that he didn’t want her to have anything to do with her family.
Within the year, it was apparent that he also didn’t want to have anything to do with her.
Eventually, she snuck over to see Nelson and shared her whole embarrassing story.
Instead of pointing out how foolish she’d been, he gave her a hug, sat her down on his living room couch, and asked how he could help.
When she tearfully admitted that she wanted either an annulment or a divorce, he nodded and called a lawyer.
When Kevin lashed out, Nelson moved her in with him, contacted the police, and made sure she got that divorce as quickly as possible.
At nineteen, she was divorced, working at a grocery store, and living in a little loft apartment in Wooster.
Her parents eventually came around. She appreciated it, but to her, the damage had been done. As far as Fanny was concerned, if they hadn’t been there for her during her lowest point, she didn’t want to depend on them now.
Nelson used to look annoyed whenever she mentioned that she was saving up to get a new pair of tennis shoes or something. She’d tease him, saying not everyone ran a successful lumber mill like he did. His response was always that if she ever needed something, she could call him. No matter what.
Fanny had shrugged that off, thinking he was merely being kind and said it to everyone. Usually, she’d even forget about it because they would only see each other once or twice a year.
A year after that, she received word that Kevin had died while swimming in Lake Erie.
He’d ignored the red flag warnings, gone out, got caught in the riptide, and drowned.
Around that time, Nelson asked if she’d consider becoming his new PA since his current assistant was moving to Florida.
Fanny had stepped into that position with as much hope in her heart as nervousness.
It turned out to be the best decision she’d ever made.
Unfortunately, at the moment, Fanny had no idea how she was ever going to help Nelson.
He looked really torn up by the latest letter from Jimmy’s parents.
Usually, she tried to add a little bit of levity when mentioning them, even going so far as to refer to Peter and Mary Graber as the parents who shall not be named.
Unfortunately, an hour after he’d taken the envelope, new stress lines seemed to be etched around his eyes.
Whatever was in that letter had been bad. Maybe worse than usual.
Sitting across from his desk now, she crossed her legs and tried to think of a way that she could broach the subject without making things worse.
She couldn’t think of a single way to do that.
“I didn’t hear your answer, Fan. I know you were there last week, but would you have time to stop by Hank’s house again on your way home?
Big John’s been out there working hard, and I think he’s got two other guys there too.
John told me that he’s pleased, but I want to make sure Hank feels the same way. ”
Hank Arias’s house was in the opposite direction of her apartment. Nelson knew that. “Of course,” she said.
“Okay, thanks.” He glanced at his phone. “Since it’s already after five, I better walk around the plant and make sure things are good. You can take off now if you want.”
“Will do.” She took a deep breath and stood. “Look, I’m just going to ask this. What was in that letter?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
“Stop saying that. I am going to worry.” She propped her hands on her hips. “Nelson, I’m not just your PA, I’m your cousin. And . . . I’m not just your cousin, I’m your PA.”
His lips twitched. “Is that right?”
“Oh, stop. What I’m trying to say is that you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried because I’m intertwined in almost every bit of your life.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Whatever. What did that letter say?”
He studied her face. Took a sip of coffee from a mug that had been likely sitting on his desk for the last hour. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope.”
“Fine. It was bad news, Fan. Mary and Peter have hired a lawyer.”
She couldn’t believe it. “For real?”
He chuckled, but it wasn’t a happy sound. Instead, it was filled with bitterness. “They’re unhappy with how the accident was handled.”
She threw up her hands. “How would Mary or Peter have handled it? What would they have done that no one here did?”
“I . . . I could be wrong, but I’m starting to think that maybe they are wanting some money.”
A ball of ice formed in her belly. Money. Of course it was about money. She should have guessed. “For whom? Jenna and Katie?”
As always, Nelson’s expression tightened every time one of their names was mentioned. He never said how protective he was over the pair, but he didn’t need to. She was both his PA and his cousin. And she cared about him. She already knew how important they were to him.
“I don’t know,” he finally answered. “Like I said, I don’t know for sure about the money thing. I could be wrong.”
“Or you could be right. And let me guess, you don’t think that, if they are after money, it’s for Jimmy’s widow and daughter.”
His lips pursed but he stayed silent.
As far as Fanny was concerned, that was answer enough. She also knew that she wasn’t going to get any more information than that. She picked up both her cell phone and her tablet, which she usually wrote her to-do list on. “Okay, I’m going to take off and visit Mr. Arias. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Call me if he’s got a problem.”
“Will do.” She smiled at him before exiting his office and shutting down her computer. But she was still thinking about him. No, still thinking about his situation with the parents who shall not be named.
While she drove, she stewed on the possibility of the Grabers suing Nelson and the mill. Unable to stop herself, Fanny allowed her imagination to get the best of her and started playing a variety of worst-case scenarios in her head.
By the time she pulled into Hank’s driveway, she’d gotten herself into a bit of a frenzy.
So much so, when Fanny climbed out of her SUV, she’d almost forgotten what she was supposed to be doing at Hank’s house.
When she rang the doorbell, the answer hit her hard.
Oh yeah! She was supposed to make sure their most important client was happy.
She needed to put on a smile and push aside her worries for the next fifteen minutes.
“Fanny, hey,” Hank said when he answered the door.
“You look surprised. Did Nelson not warn you that I was stopping by?”
“He texted that he or someone would. I thought it would be him or Big John.”
“Sorry, but it’s just me again,” she joked. “Okay if I come in and see how everything looks?”
“Of course.” Hank stepped back, looking his usual handsome, Western self in Wrangler jeans and boots. When he closed the door behind her, he touched her arm. “It is good to see you. Thanks for stopping by.”
“It’s not a problem. Where would you like to start?”
“The library?”
“Lead the way.” Remembering this wasn’t a date and they weren’t even friends, she felt herself blush. “Or, if you don’t mind, I could head there on my own. You know, if you have something else to do.”
“I’m good. Besides, I wanted to ask your opinion about something.”
“Oh! I’m sorry. I forgot my tablet. Let me go get it so I can take notes.”
“I don’t think you’ll need it. It’s more like I was just wondering how you felt about something.” He flashed a smile. “I’m seeking your opinion, not pointing out a problem.”
“Understood.” When his blue eyes warmed, she pretended not to notice. When they entered the library, she noticed that Big John had been busy. “Oh, wow. It’s really coming together in here.”
“I agree. John does amazing work.”
She smiled at him. “He always does.”
Hank folded his arms across his chest. “Has he worked for Alliance for a while? Every time I’ve tried to talk with him, he looks uncomfortable.”
She laughed, totally able to picture how the interaction between the two would go. “He’s not one for small talk.”
“Or any talk,” he said with a grin. “I offered to take him out to lunch the other day. He refused, saying he preferred to eat the food he brought from home.”
“That’s John, without a doubt. Don’t take it personally. I think he’s such a good craftsman because he focuses on one thing at a time. Whenever he is working on a project in the shop, everyone knows to leave him alone. He won’t thank anyone for interrupting his concentration.”
“That’s a relief. I was starting to worry that he hated working here.” Looking more unsure, he added, “Or that maybe it was an Amish thing.”
“It’s not as much an Amish thing as a Big John thing. We’re all pretty used to it. I imagine you’ll get used to his ways too.” She ran a hand along one of the bookshelves. “All that matters is that you’re satisfied with his work.”
“I am. More than satisfied.”
“That’s great. I’ll pass that on to Nelson.”
“Ready to see the next room?”
“Yep. That’s why I’m here.”
He nodded. “Of course.”
Something flickered in Hank’s eyes. Almost as if he was disappointed that she had only been happy to see him because he was a client.
Which was ridiculous. He was so handsome. Plus, he was wealthy and had an air about him that was mesmerizing. He probably was used to women flirting with him all the time.
They walked down the hall to the next room. One of John’s apprentices had already nailed in the framework. It was waiting for Big John’s finishing touches.
“You’ll see real progress in here when the library is done,” she added, mainly for something to say.
Hank nodded. “I understand.”
The last room was much the same. A skeleton framework had been put in. This one, however, would likely take John a day or two to complete. “Everything looks like I’d hoped. Thanks for letting me stop by.”
“I’m glad I was home. Would you like something to drink? Iced tea? Lemonade? A Sprite or something?”
“I’d love a glass of water.”
“Come on in the kitchen and I’ll get it for you.” He poured two glasses and sat at a barstool. She sat next to him. “Do you have another house to visit tonight?”
“Nope. I get to go home after this.”
“Who’s there waiting for you?”
“Excuse me?” That question had come out of the blue . . . hadn’t it?
He lifted a hand in mock surrender. “Is that too personal?”
“It’s not too personal. I was just surprised by the question.” She swallowed. “There’s no one at home waiting on me.”
“I’m surprised nobody’s snapped you up.”
“Oh, I’ve been snapped.” Her mouth felt dry as she forced herself to continue.
“I was married. But, ah, it didn’t work out.
We got divorced. It all happened a while ago.
” She averted her eyes, not wanting to meet Hank’s.
Sure, she could blame her brief love affair and marriage to Kevin on being young and dumb, but the memories still stung.
“Wow. You’re so young.”
“I know.” Used to people saying that, she shrugged. “I’m the poster child for going crazy in Vegas.”
His blue eyes lit up. “You got married in Vegas?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Hey, I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. I’m not going to lie, there were some really bad moments, but the whole thing only lasted about a year.”
“I feel terrible for bringing it up.” He paused, then added, “Do you ever see him now?”
“No. He died when I was twenty.”
Hank’s eyes widened before he seemed to get a grip on himself. It was obvious he wanted to ask her more but didn’t want to impose. “All I can say is that I’m really sorry. Both for your loss and for bringing it up. Usually, I am better than that.”
“There’s nothing to apologize about. You didn’t know.” She exhaled. “And, like I said, it was a long time ago.”
“Let me walk you out.”
“All right.” Feeling grateful, she shot him a smile. “Thanks.”
Hank not only walked her to the front door, he opened it and stayed by her side until they reached her vehicle. “Fanny, is there any chance I could have your number?”
“Why?”
“I thought . . . well, maybe we could text.”
“You want to text me about the job?”
“Yeah. But maybe because we’re becoming friends.” He looked down at the floor, as if he was embarrassed about how awkward things were between them.
Fanny blinked, clumsily attempting to process what he was saying.
“I think the two of us being text buddies would be good. I mean, I’d like that.”
“Great.” He held out his phone. They exchanged numbers, and he looked pleased. “When I text you later, don’t get freaked out.”
“I won’t.”
“If you get freaked out and don’t tell me, I’m going to be pretty bummed.”
“I won’t get freaked out.” Opening the driver’s side door, she climbed in. “I’ll tell Nelson and John that everything looks good and that you’re pleased.”
“I’d appreciate that. Thanks.”
“Night.”
“Yeah. Good night, Fanny.”
When she was driving home, for the first time in a long while, Fanny realized that she wasn’t looking forward to a quiet night in front of the TV. She had something new to expect.
She couldn’t wait to see what he had to say.