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“No, of course not. I just feel badly for the whole situation.” She wasn’t going to pretend she didn’t know what was going on. Clearly, Caleb was trying to get some assistance for Heath, who was struggling with a host of issues.
Caleb made a face. “Heath is in trouble, whether he realizes it or not. I think most of my family is in denial about it or hoping it passes.”
“And you don’t?” she asked, raising her brow.
“No, I don’t. He’s been to hell and back overseas.” He winced. “What he endured over there was horrific. And he has no way to process it. He’s always turned to his family or Bella, but he’s not doing that.” Caleb winced. “And he broke things off with Bella, which is troubling in itself. I know how much he loves her.”
“That’s terribly sad, Caleb. Maybe Bella could help you. If she really loves your brother, she’ll want to see him get better.”
Caleb shook his head. “I’m not sure. Bella is a wonderful woman, but Heath has really put her through the ringer lately. I don’t know how many times a person can keep coming back to try and help someone. Heath may have burned that bridge.”
Addie could hear the worry laced in Caleb’s voice. She loved his huge heart and his unwavering commitment to the Donahue family. It was awe inspiring. What she wouldn’t give to have Tabitha back. Sometimes it hurt so badly to miss her. When Tabitha had gotten sick, Addie had done everything she could to help Tab get better. She’d been tested as a bone marrow donor. Although she had been a match, the doctors had determined that Addie was too close of a match to be a donor. Addie’s heart had been broken. By then, Tabitha’s condition had taken a turn for the worse and she had been unable to accept a bone marrow donation from a successful match that had turned up on the registry.
She didn’t blame Caleb for going to any lengths to help Heath. Depression could be a matter of life and death. She knew firsthand how devastating it was to lose a sibling.
Suddenly, the door to the office opened. Rita, one of the hostesses, was standing in the doorway with wide eyes. With her bright red hair and green eyes, she was a pretty young woman. At the moment she seemed as if she was about to jump out of her skin.
“We have a visitor,” she said, her voice quivering with nervousness.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Caleb said with a frown.
“What’s wrong, Rita?” Addie asked, hoping nothing bad had happened. Everything had been going smoothly so far.
“It’s a VIP,” Rita said in a shocked tone. “Addie, it’s your father, Sebastian Fontaine.”
**
Caleb watched some of the color bleach out of Addie’s warm brown skin. She bit her lip. Her beautiful eyes were blinking like an owl.
“Tell him I’ll be right out,” Addie said in a low voice.
Rita nodded. “Sure thing, Addie.” She turned and left the kitchen, leaving Caleb and Addie by themselves. Caleb turned toward Addie. “What’s going on? You look scared.”
She ran a trembling hand through her hair and let out a huge sigh. “Let’s just say my father makes me incredibly nervous.”
“Why?” Caleb asked. “Don’t the two of you get along?”
Addie bit her lip. “Yes. I guess we get along. We don’t argue if that’s what you’re asking. But I never go against him. He’s not exactly the type of man you can say no to.”
He nodded. The few times he had met Sebastian Fontaine, Caleb had gotten an intense vibe from the man. But, that wasn’t unusual for men who were rich and powerful like Addie’s father.
“I understand that,” he said. “Take a deep breath. You look like you’re going to fall apart.”
“Old habits die hard,” she said, inhaling a deep breath. He watched her breath in and out as if seeking some calm. “I better go see him.”
“I’d like to say hello to him myself,” Caleb said, following behind Addie. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.” It had been well over a year since Caleb had taken out the loan that had linked the Blue Bayou with Sebastian Fontaine. Although at the time it had been a means to an end, he now wished he’d stuck it out on his own. Although he liked Addie, he still wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea of a partnership. After all, he wasn’t quite certain what the future held for his bistro.
As Caleb walked behind Addie he immediately noticed her posture had changed. Her shoulders were slightly slumped and she was walking with hesitation. He had the feeling it had everything to do with her father’s unexpected appearance at the bistro. As Caleb watched, Sebastian stuck out his hand to Addie. He let out a shocked breath as they shook hands instead of embracing. As a member of the Donahue clan, Caleb was used to touching, hugging and making physical contact with his loved ones.
“Caleb. Nice to see you again.” Sebastian Fontaine nodded his head in Caleb’s direction. He was an impeccably dressed man. Caleb imagined his suits cost more than he made in a week.
“What brings you here, Daddy?” Addie asked, shifting from one foot to the other.
“I’ve been meaning to come by to check on you, Addie. I’ve been hearing great things about the place.” Sebastian wasn’t even looking at Addie. He was way too busy checking
out the place. His dark eyes were filled with curiosity. Caleb had a funny feeling as he gazed at Sebastian. He wasn’t a man who seemed very interested in his daughter, nor had he ever had more than a passing interest in the Blue Bayou. Caleb’s instincts told him Sebastian wanted something. He hoped it was something Addie didn’t mind giving him.
Addie grinned at her father. “It’s doing really well.” She cast a quick glance in Caleb’s direction. “Not that it wasn’t before I came on board, but we’ve managed to put our heads together and come up with a few new ways of doing things, such as tweaking the hours and hosting special events.”
