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“Sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that Lilian had dreams for this place. I want it to live on for her, but I’m afraid it will become a burden for Mia. I don’t want to box her in.”
“That makes sense. She seems like a very strong girl, though. I bet that once she’s old enough, she’ll be the kind to go after what she wants.”
“But on the other hand, I feel the pressure to make this place something special to pass on to her. If she is going to stay, I want to ensure she’s well taken care of. I don’t want her to have to do all this work and still worry about money.”
“Are you worried about money?”
“This place is one catastrophe away from going belly up. And we seem to be having catastrophes every day.”
12
TRAVIS
Ican’t believe how late it is. I never stay up this late. I’m going to regret it tomorrow. I’d forgotten how nice sitting on the porch at night is. It’s nice having someone to talk to. I stopped sitting out on the porch in the evenings. It highlights that I don’t have anyone to sit with—no one to talk to. Sure, I have Roberta, but she has Kenny. Mia’s just a kid, and she’s so sensitive. I don’t want her worrying more about me than she already does. Plus, sometimes adults just need other adults to talk to.
I hope I didn’t say anything I’ll regret. Ava is so easy to talk to that I almost forgot talking to me is part of her job. I need this story to be a hit. I know Ryder wouldn’t publish anything negative, but I want the story to blow us out of the water.
“It’s getting pretty late. We should probably get to bed–I mean, I should probably get to bed. Not us together. You can do whatever you want.” Good grief. Why do I have to be so awkward?
“Yeah, I should, too. I’m not usually a night owl! Are you sure you don’t want your bed? I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.”
“I’m sure. Come on, I’ll lead the way.”
I delivered Ava to my bedroom and said good night. I changed into athletic shorts. Sleeping in just boxers, as I usually do, would probably be inappropriate. Lying on the couch, I settled in and tried to get comfortable.
The last time I slept on this couch, Mia was 7. She had a few episodes of sleepwalking, and I was terrified I wouldn’t hear her from my room. After a week, I could hardly stand up straight. I decided to set up motion sensors instead. Yep—I have to make Pony Cottage livable tomorrow.
“Dad! Time to wake up.” I open my eyes to see Mia dressed and ready for school. Usually, I have to drag her out of bed and rush her out the door.
“Morning. What time is it?” I sit up. The scent of coffee fills my nose.
“Seven. How’d ya sleep?”
“Great. How did you sleep? Why are you up so early?”
“Just excited for the day! I know you like to be up early, so I thought I’d wake you. Barb is already looking for you. I forgot to tell you that she asked for you last night.”
“Morning.” The door from my room creaks open, and Ava steps out.
“Morning. Hope we didn’t wake you!” Mia says.
“No, not at all. Over the years, I’ve become unable to sleep in, no matter how late I’m up. It’s very annoying.”
“I hope that doesn’t happen to me when I grow up,” Mia says. “But does that mean you two were up late last night?”
“Yes, working. The days are so busy, it’s hard to find time to talk,” I say. I don’t want Mia to get the wrong idea.
“Mmm-hmmm. Working. Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
“Come on, Mia. You know Ava is writing a story on us.” I give her what she’s named “the Dad eyes.”
“I know. I’m just joking, Dad. Chill.” Mia has got the teenage attitude down perfectly. “You can interview me!” she says sweetly to Ava.
“Sure, I’d love to talk to you about Whispering Meadows. As long as your dad is ok with it?” Ava looks to me for confirmation.
“Sure, as long as it doesn’t interfere with school.”
