Page 20 of Passion and Privilege

“It’s not about right or wrong,” Bennet replied. “But Catherine doesn’t deserve to bear the brunt of your mood. She’s not Regina.”

I knew he was right. It wasn’t fair to take out my frustrations on Catherine. She was simply trying to do her job, a job she obviously loved and took great pride in.

“I’ll apologize.” I sighed, rubbing a weary hand over my face. “I just need some time alone.”

Bennet nodded sympathetically. “I understand. Should I call the furniture store and move up the delivery of the bedroom stuff for Paisley?”

“Yes,” I said, nodding.

“I’ll handle it,” Bennet said. “Do you have her flight information?”

I scoffed. “No. Regina couldn’t be bothered. She’ll have Paisley land and I’m supposed to just figure out when and what airport. You would think she would care about her kid a little more than that.”

“She’s punishing her for the car,” Bennet said matter-of-factly.

“Damn, I wish someone would have told me not to marry her,” I muttered.

“Me too,” he said before stepping out and leaving me alone.

I walked up the stairs, catching sight of the intricate designs Catherine had been working on. The craftsmanship was truly remarkable. It made me appreciate her more. I ran my hand over the polished wood, thinking about my harsh words to her. I owed her an apology.

I found myself sitting in Paisley’s room. It was still empty, but I had no doubt Bennet would have the room ready before Paisley got here. For Paisley’s sake, I hoped she could get her feet under her. She was on a bad path. I had to be the father she needed.

“She’ll love this,” I muttered to myself. “She has to.”

Chapter Ten

Catherine

I LEFT THE MANSION, feeling a little unsettled after Timothy’s rudeness. He had never been overly friendly, but he hadn’t been outright rude. I took a long, calming breath as I stepped outside into the cool evening air. It was a lot better than the stifling heat inside the house.

As my truck sped down the long driveway away from Timothy’s house, I tried to think of what I could have done to piss him off. Or maybe that was just him. Maybe he was just an asshole.

I drove back to my dad’s shop with the intention of checking on the pieces he was working on. I heard the machinery the moment I got out of the truck. I wasn’t surprised he was still working. He was hunched over one of the pieces from the house, giving it every ounce of his attention.

He looked up and saw me, turning off the sander. “Hey,” he said, smiling. “I wasn’t expecting you to come by tonight.”

“I thought I would stop by and see how things were coming along.”

“Good,” he said, nodding. “I finished that door earlier. I’m working on the trim and the molding now. I should be finishing up tomorrow.” He wiped his brow, covered in wood dust and sweat.

“That’s quick,” I said with a raised eyebrow.

“I want to stay on task. The last thing we need is me falling behind.”

I gave him a small smile, appreciating his dedication. “You’re doing great work, Dad.”

He just shrugged, brushing off my praise. “It’s what I do.”

“I know,” I said, smiling.

He looked at me in that way that said he knew something was wrong. “How’s everything going up there?” he asked.

I sighed, really not wanting to complain about the client, but he was going to keep pushing.

“It’s fine,” I replied, my tone betraying the frustration.

His expression softened. “Something’s off. What happened?” He put down the wood and gave me his full attention. This was how it had always been. When I was a little girl and had a bad day at school, he always stopped whatever he was doing to listen to me. He knew just how to make me feel better.