Page 20 of Marrying Chrissy

“She’s taking seven medications now, and most will be for the rest of her life. They just may be adjusted a little over time as Emma’s needs change.” Chrissy took another bite of her pizza and chewed thoughtfully. “She found out today that she lost her job at the vet’s office.”

Wyatt frowned with concern. “I’m sorry to hear that. Although it sounds like you weren’t surprised.”

“I’m not. And honestly, Emma will probably be healthier no longer working there. But she’s stressed about not contributing to the household income. And her meds…” Chrissy shrugged. “We’ll figure everything out. Just when we think we’ve reached our limits, God has something planned to remind us we’re not completely on our own. But it is a little overwhelming in the meanwhile.”

The worried look on Wyatt’s face was sweet. At the same time, the last thing Chrissy wanted was for him to feel sorry for her family. This was a rough situation; there was no doubt about it. But if they could get through waiting to see if Emma would get a transplant and wondering whether her body would reject the heart, they could make it through this.

He’d set down his piece of sausage pizza and was watching her thoughtfully. It was time she changed the subject.

“So, I’ve realized I’m a horrible conversationalist.”

That got his attention. He raised an amused eyebrow at her. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

“Because we’ve talked about your family, the reunion, and yet I’ve failed to ask you what it is you do for work. Obviously, you either drive by the coffee shop or work in the area.” She used a napkin to wipe the grease from her fingers. “You mentioned that you manage a place for your father. What business is it?”

She hadn’t expected the hesitation and momentary flash of uncertainty in his eyes. Chrissy chuckled. “What? Is your father a mortician? Because I do find that a little creepy, though I guess someone has to do it, right?”

She’d hoped her teasing might make him feel more at ease, but his expression hadn’t changed. What was it, then? Was his family part of the mob? Surely not. She hadn’t spoken to his parents much at the birthday party, but they seemed pretty normal. What was he so reluctant to tell her? Uncertainty hit her as she realized how little she knew about him. For every fact she’d learned over the last week or two, there had to be a hundred more that she had no clue about. Of course, the same was true for him and how little he knew about her as well. “Sorry, I thought it was just a normal question. You don’t have to tell me.”

“No, you’re right. It is a normal question.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I do manage my father’s business.” He paused. “My family owns the country club, among other things.”

Chrissy let that news sink in. She remembered reading an article in the newspaper about the country club and how the man who owned it was a multi-millionaire. Did that mean Wyatt was just as wealthy? Why hadn’t she paid attention to the names back then? She racked her brain trying to remember if there were details of the other businesses the Tabors owned and ran.

“Your family owns the fancy country club where your grandmother’s party was held? That’s what you manage?” She’d thought it was a strange place for a birthday party. But to celebrate ninety years, she figured they’d gone all out by renting the clubhouse or something. She’d had no idea… Wow.

No wonder he didn’t hesitate to pay her to go to Gran’s birthday party. His family probably dished that out for toilet paper at some fancy grocery store. And here she’d been talking about her financial woes. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment.

Things may be difficult, but she, Mom, and Emma had it under control. They’d been handling things on their own for a long time, and they didn’t need charity.

Wait, what if he thought she already knew and talking about their financial issues was a ploy to get money out of him? She used her fingers to rub her temples. “I had no idea. When I was talking about my sister’s medication, I promise I wasn’t trying to—”

Wyatt stopped her mid-sentence. “I never thought you were.” He reached across the table and squeezed one of her hands. “I find people tend to judge me based on my family alone. I’d prefer people get to know me first before they make a connection between my father and me.”

All Chrissy could think about was the way he was watching her so closely and the feel of her hand in his. It was crazy how such a simple gesture had her scrambling to put together one complete thought. Honestly, she couldn’t blame him for not throwing the details of his family’s money into the first conversation he had with everyone. It’d be easy for people to make assumptions. While their situations were very different, Chrissy certainly understood why he didn’t want to be judged based on his social status. The fact that Wyatt didn’t seem to throw money around to get what he wanted said a lot about him.

She cleared her throat. He was still watching her, waiting for a response. Her gaze rested on their joined hands a moment before she shifted her attention to his face. “I get it. It’s easy for people to hear one or two things about someone else and think they know everything about them.” He visibly relaxed, and Chrissy had to make herself remove her hand from his and continue eating her meal. She instantly missed the connection. “That’s neat that you’re able to keep the country club in the family like that. I imagine it can be an interesting place to work.”

“It has its moments.” He took a sip of his soft drink. “Honestly, it’s a big juggling act. Keeping customers happy, hiring the right people. There are a lot more politics involved than I care for. I’d much rather stay in the background and work behind the scenes.”

Chrissy hadn’t paid that much attention when she’d gone there for the party. She knew very little about the place. “So what kind of amenities are offered?”

“Everything from a large golf course and tennis courts to a day spa. And you saw the clubhouse.” Wyatt shrugged. “We’ve added to the place several times over the last ten years.”

“That’s great.” She smiled at him, unsure of what to say next. She tried to picture herself going to the country club with her mom and sister and couldn’t quite do it.

Wyatt must have sensed her train of thought. “It’s okay if it’s not something you’re interested in. It’s not really my scene, either. But it’s a good job, and trust me, my dad doesn’t let my work slide.”

“Do your sisters work there as well?”

“No, I’m the only one who runs it with my dad. For better or worse.” He laughed. “How about you? What brought you to the coffee shop?”

Chrissy willed herself not to blush. Again. Compared to his job at the country club, managing a coffee shop and making beverages for other people seemed pretty lame. “It’s a stable job that has always been able to accommodate my needs for random days off to help Emma.” She shrugged. “Now that she’s more stable, I’ve considered a change in employment. Or possibly a second job. But, unlike my sister, I never really went to college. I like where I work and the people I work with, so I’m content for now while I look at my options.”

“There’s nothing wrong with working there. Having a job that’s stable and fits your needs is worth a great deal. I went to college, but I firmly believe that it’s not for everyone. It doesn’t make what you do any less important.” He flashed her a grin that had her heart working overtime. “Goodness knows you feed my coffee addiction. Not to mention seeing that smile of yours always starts my day off on the right foot.”

She ducked her head, unable to keep the heat from her face. He had no idea how his presence every morning helped her, too. Instead of dreading her job or feeling as though the coffee shop were some form of the movie Groundhog Day, she woke up every morning and looked forward to seeing him again.

Was that pathetic? She wasn’t even sure.

Chrissy had to remind herself that this wasn’t a date. Wyatt had stressed that this was supposed to be a meal to thank her for going to Gran’s birthday party. Just because he’d been by the coffee shop every day this last week didn’t mean he’d continue to do so. In fact, if it weren’t for seeing him there, she’d likely never run into him again. They were in very different places in their lives.

She’d enjoy visiting with him tonight and then move forward.

Chrissy struggled to ignore the sadness that seeped into her heart.

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