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Eli’s voice was soft when he said, “I’m happy for you.”
Sterling scraped a hand over his cheek. “Might be a bit early for that, but thanks. What I called to say is, I’m cashing in my leave. All of it.”
“You’re leaving the company.”
It was a statement, not a question, and Sterling respected Eli enough to give him the truth. “Most likely. It’s not certain yet, but I’m investigating my options.”
Eli sighed. “I’m disappointed to hear that, but I’m not surprised. I’ve always thought you had too much potential to stay as my 2IC when you could be doing your own thing. Frankly, I didn’t expect it to take so long for you to reach the same conclusion.”
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had at Lockwood’s.”
His friend snorted. “Don’t act like I did you a favor, Sterling. You’ve always been more like my business partner than my employee. If you decide to strike out on your own, you’ll be damned successful.”
“Thanks.” Sterling swallowed, humbled by Eli’s belief in him. “I’ll help you find a replacement.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
He hesitated. There was one more thing he wanted from Eli. Advice. But asking for help wasn’t exactly in his nature.
“There’s something else?” Eli asked. “You’re thinking so loudly I can hear you all the way from Itirangi.”
How to phrase this? “When Aria was pregnant and didn’t want anything to do with you—” His voice cracked. “How did you get through it?”
“Oh, man. Are you doing all right?”
“I will be. Eventually.” A couple of men in their sixties entered the pub and Sterling turned to the corner for privacy. “It’s just a rough patch. I’m waiting her out.”
“What’s her name?”
“Kat.” Even to his own ears, his voice sounded different when he said her name. Warmer. She brought that out in him. Brought out the best side, the one he hadn’t known he possessed. “You’re going to laugh so hard when you meet her. She’s not the type of woman I thought I’d end up with.”
“Isn’t that always the way? Who’d have thought I’d end up with a nosey journalist, or that Mark would make an honest man of himself with someone in the wedding business?”
“Mark’s lucky.” Sterling had a lot of admiration for his live-in girlfriend, Clarissa. “So are you.” He gazed out the window, at the surfer statue, and a memory drifted into his mind. One of a similar phone call, not so long ago. “Remember when you said to keep an open heart? I didn’t know what you meant at the time, but I’m beginning to understand. I didn’t see any of this coming. Not Kat, or the way this place would change me, but somehow, I think it’s exactly what I’ve always needed.”
“That’s great,” Eli said. “And don’t worry, you’ll be as happy as me and Mark before long. You just need to get on with life and refuse to give up on her.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that. She needs time, but I’ll make sure I’m waiting when she’s ready. I appreciate your advice. I’ll call you when I can and let you know what my plans are.”
“Take as long as you need to think everything through. There’s no rush.”
They exchanged farewells and hung up.
“Logan,” Sterling called. The man had vanished into the back, leaving his customers unattended.
He stuck his head through the doorway. “Yeah?”
“Do you mind if I sleep on your sofa for a couple of nights, until I get my own place sorted?”
Logan grinned, and emerged fully into the bar. “I can do you one better. I have a spare room. You’re welcome to it.”
“Thanks.” He smiled back. Things were beginning to fall into place. “I’ll pay board.”
Logan shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ve already done several hours of unpaid work for me. I’m willing to bet your charge-out rate would be more than enough to cover it. Let’s call it even.”
Sterling hadn’t helped Logan because he wanted to get anything out of it for himself, and was about to protest, but the other man reached over and clapped him on the shoulder. “Tit for tat, that’s how we operate around here. If you’re staying, you’d best get used to it.”
So instead of arguing, he accepted the offer. Then he finished his drink and walked back to Sanctuary with renewed purpose. After packing his bag, he sought out Brooke. He found her sitting cross-legged on an armchair in the communal living area with a thick tome on her lap.
She glanced up when he approached, took a look at his bag, and asked, “You’re leaving?”
“Yeah. I’m moving into Logan’s spare room. Could you let Kat know I’m gone? She has my card details, and can charge whatever costs I’ve accumulated to it.”
“Oookay.” Brooke’s forehead wrinkled, and her brows drew together questioningly. “Is everything all right?”
“Never been better.” He shifted the bag and shuffled from foot to foot. “You’ll pass on the message?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” He lifted his hand. “I’ll see you around.”
