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“No, you don’t even have to try. That’s just it. It’s who you are. I see that now. I was wrong to ever judge you in the beginning. Your intentions have always been pure.”
“Well, thank you.”
“No need to thank me. Just stating a fact.” He rolled his eyes. “Your sister, on the other hand… She deserves a wedgie. She’s the opposite of you, nothing but self-serving.”
“I’m glad you got to see her in action.”
“I did, and I didn’t like it one bit.”
I sighed and closed my eyes, listening to the sound of crickets. “You said now you see my intentions are pure. Time has taught me that you were never the judgmental prick I thought you were. You were just scared and protecting everyone involved from getting in over their head.”
“All that, only to get in over our heads anyway, right?” He winked.
“Everything is going to turn out okay. I don’t know how I know that. I just do.” I looked up at the night sky. “I’m glad I got to show you the store today.”
“Me, too.”
“Being back there reminded me of my childhood. It always does. Warm summer days, people strolling in smelling like salt and coconut sunscreen. And of course, it reminded me of my mother.” I turned to him. “Lately, though, I’ve been having doubts about whether reopening it is the right decision.”
“You hadn’t mentioned that. How do you mean?”
“I have to wonder if I’m doing it out of nostalgia and guilt or because it’s a good business decision. The bulk of the business is seasonal, but we have to pay rent year-round. I’m not sure it makes financial sense long term. Back when my grandmother opened it, there was less competition. Since then, so many other stores like it have popped up around here. And it would also bind me to Rhode Island. Being in England has helped me see that there’s a whole world out there I’d be missing if I committed to running the store. I have a lot to think about.”
He put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “You want my advice?”
“Well, youareanoldand wise man,” I teased.
“You’re young. I think you should experience life and not be tied down. I don’t think your mother or grandmother would want that. The only reason you should be running that store is if it’s your passion.”
A hard truth rose to the surface in that moment. “I don’t think it is.”
“Well, that’s your answer.”
“I couldn’t tell you what my passion is, though. How do we even know?”
“I suppose a passion is something you’d rather do with your free time than anything else. And when we can somehow turn it into our life’s work, even better.”
“I don’t suppose being operations manager at Covington is your passion?”
“You’re right, but why would you think that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Because you’re kind of grumpy at work. I don’t get the impression you’re overly passionate about managing everything, even though you’re good at your job.”
“Well, you’re correct. My job is not my passion, although, yes, I am excellent at it and grateful for it. I acknowledge the fact that pure nepotism got me there, but it wouldn’t keep me there if I fucked things up. Revenue has quadrupled since I took over. I’m very proud of that.” He looked out at the water. “But as far as a passion? I don’t think I have one.”
“Maybe it’s yet to come.” I smiled.Maybe it’s your son or daughter.
“There are small things I enjoy, like cooking, getting lost in that process.” He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “And don’t tell her this, but I like lazy weekends at the inn with Lavinia far more than partying in London. Helping her keep the inn up and running was definitely a highlight of the past few otherwise miserable years for me. It was a good distraction.”
“Maybe the small things are enough.” I smiled. “And I can totally relate to loving the inn. There’s a certain peace there that I don’t find anywhere else. I know I can’t stay forever, but I’ll always cherish my time in Westfordshire with her.”
He scratched his chin. “You should see more of Europe while you’re there, though.” His eyes seemed to shine. “You know what? We should travel before you’re too far along.”
We?Of everything he’d ever said to me, that suggestion came as the biggest surprise. “You want to travel with me?”
His smile nearly melted me. “Call me crazy, but I do.”
“Had you thought about this before now?”
