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“We’re going to fix that.”
“I don’t think so.”
“If it doesn’t involve skis or hiking boots or zip lines, this one doesn’t see the point.”
Mick gave her a wink before they moseyed.
It surprised her to find both her ladies waiting when she got home.
“What are the two of you doing up? It’s nearly two in the morning.”
“First day as manager. We made a pot of tea with our new Vermont tea.” Audrey poured a third cup. “Sit down, have some tea, and tell us how it went.”
“I had to talk her out of coming into the bar, so be glad it’s just tea in the middle of the night.”
Morgan took the tea, then dropped down in a chair near the still-simmering fire. “It went great. I had the meeting with Ms. Jameson—Lydia Jameson—then met with Drea and Nell. Drea said to tell you she misses you at yoga and hopes to make it Wednesday.”
“So do we. Did they like the idea about the specialty drinks, the seasonal ones?”
“I got the go-ahead to try it out. Then I met Mr. Jameson—Mick—and Liam in the bar. So that only leaves out the second generation—Rory Jameson—and the oldest of the siblings, third-generation Miles.”
“The family’s done a great deal for the area.” Olivia sipped her tea. “We get a lot of business—and so does the rest of downtown Westridge—from people staying at the resort.”
“They always have ideas to share. Like you.” Audrey toasted with her teacup. “I definitely think the tea’s going to be a hit.”
“They certainly seem tight—a tight family. I really like working there. And since I am, and I’m drawing a paycheck—and damn good tips—I want to start paying rent.”
“Absolutely not. I said no,” Olivia continued as Morgan started to protest. “I will not take your money. Do I take yours, Audrey?”
“No.”
“And there you have it. I’d have been alone in this house without Audrey, and I likely couldn’t have kept it. Too much for a woman my age all alone, and too empty. Now I have you here as long as you want to stay. You’ll make your own home again one day, but for now it’s here. You want some other responsibilities, that’s different. You can make dinner once a month on your day off.”
“You want me to cook?”
“Your pork chop dinner was really good,” Audrey reminded her. “We didn’t have to lie. You can just stick with that or expand, whatever. Mom and I like to cook, but it’d be nice to have a meal we didn’t cook ourselves or bring home.”
“Preparing a meal teaches independence,” Olivia added. “I’m always surprised you don’t, since that’s your middle name.”
“My middle name’s Nash.”
“Exactly.” And Olivia smiled with it. “And you can start saving up to buy a car, one that doesn’t have your mother and me worried every time you drive off in it. We can be grateful to Nina’s family and still know that’s a breakdown waiting to happen. I can use peace of mind more than money.”
“All right.”
“We’ll be gardening soon, and can use your help there.”
“And, Jesus, child, stop snipping at your own hair.” Olivia rolledher eyes. “Go to the salon. Styling right down from the shop does good work.”
Morgan pushed a hand at her hair. “I thought I was doing okay with it.”
“No.” Audrey spoke definitely. “I know you’ve made a budget. That’s her second middle name,” she said to her mother. “Budget in hair. You meet the public every day now. You need to look your best.”
“A facial wouldn’t hurt.”
Now Morgan slapped both hands on her face. “My face!”
“Is beautiful.” Audrey smiled and soothed. “But you need some pampering. They do amazing facials at the resort, and you’d get an employee discount. You need to treat yourself. Now we should all treat ourselves to some beauty sleep.”
