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Chapter Seven
Anne
“You’re still not speaking to me?” Trixi asked.
“I’m not giving you the silent treatment,” I said. I just don’t have anything to say that you want to hear.
“Then I guess you’re going to have to just listen then, because I can’t take it another second,” she huffed. “Now, Andrew should be here any minute. What do you think about his proposition?”
“It doesn’t matter. You know damn well what the will said. I have to keep The Treasured Chest in the black for one year or you and my parents get nothing. Do you want to see that happen?” Didn’t anyone get that I was putting my life on hold so they would have a stable future?
“I can’t believe Carl did this. What was he thinking? I mean, it’s not about the money, it’s about putting you in the position that it all falls on your shoulders. I know how you are - you will do it for us, and not even think twice about what you’re giving up,” Trixi said.
Oh I think about it.“I’m not a saint, Aunt Trixi. But you all have loved and supported me my whole life. Hell, if it wasn’t for you guys, I never would’ve been able to go to college. One year of my life is nothing compared to what you’ve all given me.” I meant that, too. Granted I had to work while going to college, but not full time. I had a support system who cheered me on every step of the way.
“Hey, you’re the one who did all the work. I can’t even think about taking one college course. It’s like I get to live my life vicariously through you. Which by the way, you’re really slacking.”
“Me? How?” I asked.
“When was the last time you went out on a date?” she asked.
I crossed my arms and said, “Please. Who has time for a love life?”
“You do. You’re twenty-six years old. This is when you’re supposed to be having the time of your life.”
“In Bermoose?” I asked.
She nodded. “See, that’s why I’m worried about you. I mean, you’re so…serious that you’re not having any fun. At your age, Carl and I would…well, let’s just say we weren’t spending our nights balancing the books. We were married, we didn’t even have a television. Not because we couldn’t afford it, but we didn’t need it,” she winked.
“Aunt Trixi, I don’t want to hear about your…personal life.”
“It’s called sex. Sex. SEX!” Trixi yelled. “And you need some,” she said. “And that’s why I’m taking a vacation.”
“Wait. What are you talking about?” Trixi had to have lost her mind. “You said you’d help me run the club.”
“I will. In a week. But I’m taking a vacation starting now,” she said.
My heart started racing. There was so much I didn’t know about the club. I probably could pull it off, but it’d be a lot harder doing it by myself. “Aunt Trixi, please, I need you here.”
“No, you don’t. You just want me here. There’s a difference and you know it. Besides, you won’t be alone,” she said.
Oh, God. Andrew.“You have to call him and tell him he can’t stay here.” The last thing I needed was more stress, and staying under the same roof with him was going to be more than I could handle.
“No way. You need time to talk and get to know each other.”
“There’s nothing to know except that he wants the land that The Treasure Chest sits on and I’m not going to sell. It’s cut and dry. So if you think leaving us alone is going to make some magical connection between us appear, you’re dead wrong.”
“So you don’t find him handsome at all?”
“No, I don’t.” Drop-dead gorgeous would be more accurate. Thoughts like this are exactly why I needed Trixi to stay. She was supposed to be my buffer so I don’t get myself in trouble. Of course, she also might be what gets me in hot water, too. After all, she was the one who invited Andrew to stay with us and was now conveniently leaving.
“Wow, that’s a shame, because that man was checking you out so much I thought his eyes would fall out.”
“He was not.” Of course, it would be hard for me to know because I spent most of the time trying to avoid eye contact with him. Not because I was worried what I’d see, but more what I’d reveal. Yes, I’m attracted to him, but that was just a hormonal reaction. I can take care of my own physical needs if I have to. “I’m not about to jump into bed with the enemy.”
“What makes him the enemy? He’s just a man who is interested in purchasing your property. I do not believe he threatened you, unless I missed something?” she asked.
“No. He hasn’t. But I have a feeling he’s not used to hearing no.”
