Lying back on my bed, I stare up at the pretty bulbs emitting soft,colorful light over my head, and I’ve never been more grateful for my friend. She’s truly one in a million.
But I meant what I said. I’ve been in people-pleasing mode for so long with Roger, I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself. I need to get that back. And the only way to do that is to prove I can stand on my own two feet.
I only hope Caroline is right and Remington Hale doesn’t remember me from that night seven years ago. Because I desperately need this job.
At least I have a week to come to terms with this new development.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Wait, Mindy is who?
Remington
“You look so good, Dad,”I tell my father. As I’ve done for the past hour and a half since I’ve been here, I allow my eyes to catalog everything about him. His color appears healthy and tan, likely from spending weekends on the golf course all summer. And there seem to be no lasting effects on his limbs from the stroke.
In fact, he’d insisted on putting on his robe and heading down to the little garden behind the hospital after breakfast. One of Dad’s bodyguards stands on one side of the area, and Antonio is near the door, both of them managing to be inconspicuous despite their size.
“I feel great, like I’ve got a new lease on life.” His voice is rich and robust, just like the old Dad.
“You do have a new lease on life,” I agree.
“How is everything going with the move? I hated to spring this on you so suddenly, but I’ll still be around for anything you might need.”
Not wanting him to stress himself with work shit, I shake my head. “I’m ready, Dad. I worked beside you for years, remember? I know how to do the job. And I hired a company to handle packing and shipping all my stuff, so it’s fine.”
He pats my hand, his expression one of pride. “I have all the faith in the world in you, Remington. You were born to do this.”
I can’t stop myself. I reach for my father and hug him tightly. He returns the embrace with equal strength, which takes a bit of the edge off the nerves that have been sizzling inside me since I received that phone call. He feels so… normal.
Except he’s not. Dad is getting older, and I feel a sense of rightness that I made the correct decision about moving back to the States. I need to do this for him. I need to be closer to my family.
Mom hasn’t had any major health issues, but she’s not getting any younger either. This is exactly where I need to be. As the oldest Hale sibling, it’s my responsibility to be here for them.
Dad releases me and pats my face. “I love you, son.”
The words are so simple and yet so profound, and my lips press hard together as I nod and try to gather my emotions. “I love you too, Dad. And don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take care of everything.”
“I know you will.” He sits up and adjusts his lightweight navy robe. “Now, why don’t you go get some rest. You traveled all through the night and came immediately to the hospital from the airport. The sun was barely up when you arrived.”
“I can stay here,” I argue, but he dismisses me with an almost regal wave of his hand.
“No, you go on. I’m being released in a couple hours, and I think I’d like to go home and get settled for a bit.” When I start to argue, he levels me with a stern look that has my mouth snapping closed. “In peace. You can all come over for dinner this evening.”
“Okay, if that’s what you want,” I relent. “Though I’m going to try and stay awake all day so I can start getting adjusted to this time zone. I think I’ll go by the office for a bit. Say hello to everyone and introduce myself to any new people.” I glance down at myself, deciding I look fine for an informal visit. I’d changed into a royal-blue button-down shirt and black pants on the plane.
Dad’s face beams with pride. “We don’t have a lot of new employees since Hale Cosmetics has the best employee retention rate in the industry.” He points a finger at me. “Tell me why that is, Remington.”
I smile. My father has drilled this into my head since I was old enough to understand. “Because we treat our people well, Dad. Weremember they are human beings and not simply people who show up to do a job.”
He looks pleased. “That’s exactly right. When they come to work for us, they effectively become part of our family. If you’re loyal to them, they will be loyal to you.”
Helix and Phoenix emerge from the hospital into the lush garden area filled with blooming bushes and Bradford pear trees. They both come over and hug me before kissing Dad on top of his gray hair.
“How’s everything going today?” Helix asks, sitting on the other side of Dad. He’s dressed in his customary white dress shirt and suspenders.
“Remi was just about to help me break out of this joint. Do you, by chance, have any ropes in your car?” our dad asks with mischief.
“No, I leave all my kinky shit in my other truck,” Phoenix shoots back with a straight face, making us all guffaw.
