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Rylee’s bottomless stare renders me immobile. “His dreams don’t have to die with him.”
The sucker punch lands a direct hit to my gut. I narrow my eyes while wrestling with the accusations ready to be flung at her. “That’s a shitty thing to say. I’m allowed to grieve in my own way.”
She glares at the ceiling, her mouth forming silent words. Maybe to ask forgiveness—or for patience. “You are. I would never claim otherwise.”
“Sure about that?”
“Yes,” she snaps. “I didn’t come here to strike low blows. Besides, this shouldn’t be a battle.”
“Something we can agree on.”
“I’m not trying to cause problems for you,” she continues.
“Try harder,” I grunt.
It looks like she’s biting her tongue. “Shutting the bar down isn’t fair to his memory.”
“Good thing that’s not what I’m doing.”
“Fine, whatever.” She blows out a loud exhale. “Just let me share this burden with you.”
I’d be more willing to cooperate if she quit jabbing at me. “Why did I think this would be a pleasant negotiation?”
Rylee presses her mouth into a firm line. “There’s nothing to negotiate. Just let me take the lead. You can return to other investments that I’m sure take greater priority. We both win.”
Stubborn pride flexes my muscles. “That’s not happening. I’ll maintain my role in this business.”
“And that is…?”
“Owner, and a very involved one at that. I don’t just sit back and let others decide how my money should be spent.”
The slight curl in her upper lip suggests she wants to argue. “These principles extend to every pot your hand is dipped in?”
“Yes,” I clip.
“Great. Glad to have you on the team.” She wipes fake sweat from her brow. “But if it’s all right with you, I’d like to fulfill Trevor’s wishes.”
“Which are?”
Her smile wobbles at the edges. “To keep this place running in his absence.”
I yank at the loosened tie that’s suddenly too tight around my neck. “Dammit, I can’t fault you for that.”
“Exactly.” She sounds far too smug under the circumstances. But any positive boost in our situation is a win.
I recall a minor detail Trevor once told me. “Don’t you live on the east coast? Minnesota is a long way from home.”
“We actually moved to this ‘tiny town beyond the ‘burbs’ a few weeks ago.” Her brows lift as she recites my description from earlier. “I’m from this area originally, and always planned to return at some point. This is just sooner and far more tragic than anticipated.”
Not to mention barely the beginning.
“Well, I guess this makes us partners.” I extend my hand in a peace offering.
She nods while sliding her palm into mine for a quick shake. “Afraid you’re stuck with me, honey.”
Unlike her implication, I allow the endearment to bounce right off. “Should we seal the deal with a toast?”
“Looks like you started celebrating without me.” Her gaze flicks to behind me where two glasses rest on the wood bar. “Were you expecting company?”
