Page 78 of True North

I must look like a desperate fool, but it’s not for the reasons most people would think. They say it can only take a moment for a person to realize where and what they want in life. I look around the restaurant as the silence between us grows. The Mancinis exchange another set of unreadable looks only they can interpret.

A warm hand slides over mine. I turn to Papa. He says, “How about this. Since our life’s work is going to have to support us in our retirement, we let you work here for a discounted buy-in. Then, in six months’ time when we make the move to a new life in Florida to be closer to family, you can buy out the remaining equity.”

I open my mouth to respond.

A buy-in.

They are letting me in?

Holy shit.

It’s more than I would have expected.

“Yes!” I jolt from my seat and wrap him in a hug. “Heavens, thank you.”

Mama hugs me from the side. Her fine hand squeezes my shoulder, and I turn to find her eyes lit up. “Bambina, you have much to learn. But we are thrilled to put our legacy into such capable, loving hands.”

“For a price, Mama.” Papa chuckles.

She slaps his shoulder. “Shush, you. The girl must do this the right way. Plus, this old lady comes with hefty retirement plans.”

I release them both and step back. “What are we talking for the buy-in?” I spent some of my savings on Harry’s ranch. I’m praying what’s left will be enough for the buy-in. I can keep working at the diner to sock away the rest. If worst comes to worst, I can ask the bank for a small loan to take over in six months.

“I think five thousand ought to be plenty. We can sort the rest out after your time.” Mama looks to Papa, as if confirming the fact.

He simply nods.

“You sure this is what you want, Louisa? That’s a lot of hours. The diner, then your nights spent here,” she says.

I know she means less time for Harry.

But I have finally found my direction, and I’m not losing it now. I still have Wednesday and Sunday off. That’s basically a weekend right there. It’s six months, not forever.

“I’m sure,” I finally say.

Mama wraps me in a tight hug. “This place has been waiting for somebody to come along and see it the way we do. I’m glad it is you, bambina.” With a peck to the cheek, she releases me. “Come on, amore mio, leave this young girl to her dreams. This old lady is dead on her feet.”

We bid goodnight after the Mancinis do a last cleaning sweep of the kitchen and lock up. I tread up the stairs, exhausted but excited at the same time. It’s the first time in a long time I have felt that expansion in my chest.

It’s something like hope.

ChapterTwenty

HARRY

Fencin’.

Because it’s the only thing that helps me get out of my head. After the other night with Lou and the damn chocolate cake, my mind’s been doin’ three-sixties on repeat.

Everything from dragging her home to the ranch and not letting her leave to granting her the space she asked for. And everything in between.

I strain the top wire like my life depends on it. Arms flexing, I ratchet the tension on the strainers, pumping the iron handle one more time to give the wire tension akin to a finely tuned instrument. The old wooden post to my right creaks a little.

Just right.

I’m mullin’ over where to go next with Lou. Tryin’ to grapple with the fact that the one woman I have ever loved, ever thought about, is still hesitating when it comes to us. To a life here in Lewistown, on this ranch with me.

I can’t say I blame her. Hell, I fought hard to secure mysomethingto spend my life workin’ on, and I know she is desperate to find that for herself.

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