Page 22 of Luke

Her mood soured as she thought of what could happen in those four weeks. Forget herself; there were a lot of other people depending on the resort for a job and a place to live should Luke decide to sell.

"So, have you had enough coffee to take the edge off?" Shari asked, looking over at her with a knowing smile. "Because I want to know who Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is and why you felt it necessary to give him a personal tour of the resort when there are a hundred other things to get done before the holiday weekend."

"Who told you?"

"Tina mentioned you went off with a very attractive man."

She took another sip. "Yes. Luke Brannigan. He's one of Colin's sons." While she hadn't wanted to tell the story a dozen times, she needed to talk to her closest friend before she shared the news with the rest of the staff. "I have some bad news, Shari."

"What's that?" Shari asked worriedly.

"Colin died last week. He left the resort to Luke. That's why he's here, and why I gave him a tour. He's not sure what he wants to do with his legacy. He's considering selling out."

Shari set down her knife. "Okay, wait a second, back up. Colin is dead? How?" She wiped her hands on a towel.

"Cancer. Luke said it was fast, and that Colin didn't want anyone to know. He didn't even tell his kids. He certainly never said anything to me when I spoke to him a few weeks ago. It's sad. He wasn't that old."

"That is sad," Shari agreed. "And his son now wants to sell this place?"

She nodded. "Luke told me that was his first thought, but he decided to come and see it first. We have to convince him to let us keep things running, that this could be a good investment for him. I just don’t know how easy that will be. He's a complicated man."

Shari's gaze narrowed. "What aren't you telling me? How do you know so much about a guy who showed up a few hours ago?"

"Because he showed up in my life a long time ago. I told you that I had a personal connection to Colin; that's why he gave me the job when I was so clearly lacking in experience. Well, that personal connection was Luke. He was my college boyfriend. We dated for two years. We were madly in love, but we had a bad ending. Luke hasn't forgotten…or forgiven me."

"Did you cheat on him?"

"No, of course not. I wouldn't do that."

"Then what was so unforgiveable?"

"It's a long story."

"Give me the short version. I need to know what we're dealing with."

She let out a sigh. "Okay. Luke hated college. He thought he was just marking time on the way to his real life. After junior year, he decided to quit. He asked me to go with him for the summer. He was going to travel and start shooting film for the documentary series he eventually wanted to produce. At first, I said yes. It sounded romantic and fun to travel the world with him, but as the time grew closer to leaving, I panicked. I was so in love with him, I was afraid the summer wouldn't be enough, that I wouldn't come back, that I wouldn't finish school and have a chance to be the musician I wanted to be. So at the last second, I bailed. I didn't show up at the airport. I didn’t tell him. I didn't answer his texts or his calls. I was a coward, and he was justifiably angry. Eventually, months later, we had a short communication, and I said it was over, and he said he knew that, and that was it. We haven't talked for ten years—until today."

Shari leaned against the counter. "Well, that's something. You didn't go with him to protect your future, and now he holds your future in his hands."

"I'm not unaware of the irony. Neither is he. There's a good chance he'll sell this place just to punish me."

"Is he that vengeful?"

She thought for a moment, thinking that the word really didn't describe Luke. "He didn't used to be. I don't know him anymore."

"You're going to need to get to know him again."

She took another sip of her coffee. "I don't know if he'll be here that long. I made a good pitch, Shari. I put all my personal feelings aside. I even showed him the tree that his parents carved their initials on. I tried to play on his sentimental side, on his love for his mom. And I told him that Kaitlyn needs this place and so do I. But I don't know if any of that will matter in the end. He's an adventurer, a wanderer. He travels light."

"What about money? Does he have the money to invest in this place? Does he need the cash? Is selling going to be his only alternative?"

"I don't know. He didn't say. Colin Brannigan was very wealthy. I assume some money is coming Luke's way. He didn't say that he had to sell it, only that he probably would."

"If he does have the money, then that gives us some hope. He could keep the resort going if he wants to."

"I think so. But Luke rarely does anything he doesn't want to do. And he's never wanted roots. I have a feeling this place looks like a huge weight to him."

"He doesn't have to live here."

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