Page 84 of Dandelion Sighs

“You aren’t getting benefits. I wouldn’t have let you accept that, but I was desperate.”

“The biggest benefit is you. Besides, there’s nothing I like more than desperate women.”

She laughed, the lightness back in her eyes. “And for a while, we were compatible, but I may very well be desperate again soon.”

“We’re more than compatible. I’m waiting for one more date to remind you.”

“I’ll wait for then to tell you I’m basically homeless.” Her laugh fell flat.

“The office is a roof over your head.” I considered the way she shut down again when she made that joke. “It’s bothering you?”

“It is. The staff is so accepting, but I’m sleeping on a cot.” She shrugged. “I’m living out of a suitcase, and while that’s not much different than what I was doing in my mom’s place, it seems like a downgrade.” More shadows flickered in her gaze. “It’s what made me start questioning what I’m doing.”

“But you weren’t before.”

“Before I was trying to prove something—to Constance, to my brothers, to my ex, who, trust me, does not care and probably can’t remember my full name.”

Sheridan Frances Bishop. “You finally realized that you don’t have to prove anything to yourself?”

“I have to take care of the employees, and I’m no longer sure I’m the best one for the job.”

So the decision wasn’t about her. She wanted to do right by everyone else.

I wanted to be the one to do right by her.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Sheridan

I flipped REG’s business card over. Then over again. When did I call them? When did I throw in the towel? Jasper would cheer me on to keep going. He had more faith in me than anyone in my life. My chest grew tight. I appreciated that more than he’d ever know. But I had to make the best decision for everyone and not just myself.

My gaze lifted to the corner where my cot was folded and leaning against the wall, and my bedding was on a chair. The suitcase sat next to it. I had just removed a load of my laundry from the industrial dryer in the housekeeping room. I’d snuck in a wash during a time that’d ensure Landon didn’t remove the load and find my underwear in his hands.

Yeah, I needed to call them. The resort’s numbers were better in the last month thanks to the popularity of the house rental, but they weren’t strong enough to justify my own apartment. The pros and cons list sat in front of me, and the cons side was longer. Cost. Underpaid employees. No room to grow. Aging facilities. Limited rentals.

I had to finally admit that I wasn’t paying myself. Not only was I afraid the other employees weren’t getting treated as well as they deserved, but I couldn’t give myself a raise that was large enough to support a place to live.

Shit.

I grabbed my phone and paused. I could not bring myself to dial. I’d bought and sold houses, but none of them were mine. I’d done the research and the paperwork, but I hadn’t said, “Here’s my family’s legacy. It’s failing; I’m failing, but I think you’re a winner. Can you not screw over the staff for me, please?”

The time on the screen caught my eye. I could wait to have that conversation. I had a date to get ready for. A third date.

A smile played over my lips. He wanted to take me to the brewery again. We’d have a drink, but we’d go back to his place for the meal. And maybe for more. Most likely for more, and I couldn’t wait.

Yet I couldn’t shake the sense of a countdown. He wanted to start his own business, and he’d do it right here in Coal Haven. His reputation would grow, and he’d have full-time projects immediately. He’d be close to his family and be his own boss. No more getting laid off.

What would I do? I had nowhere to go. Neither of my brothers would take me in, or they would and I would be their housekeeper, chef, and landscaper.

I took my master key to an empty room along with a change of clothes and some cleaning products to make it seem like I hadn’t even been there once I was done. I wore the same clothes I wore at the street dance. I had thought of buying a sundress, something that would make it look like I was ready to date, but I hadn’t gotten to town, and I couldn’t justify the expense.

Oh well, I hadn’t scared Jasper away yet.

I exited the room and ran into Maria. Her face was drawn, and she was wringing her hands.

Oh no. Is there a leak? A break? Angry customer? “Hey. You looking for me?”

She nodded, her eyes fraught. “I’m really sorry. There’s no good time to drop this on you, but I’m putting in my notice.”