Page 4 of Dare to Fall
“Was?” Reid repeats, eyebrows drawn in.
“Was.” There will be questions later, especially because my pathetic excuse for a father passed back in July and I never said anything. Because I don’t care to rehash what happened, I focus instead on the reason I requested this meeting. “Turns out he didn’t have a will, and as a result, I have some extra capital.”
“Why do you want to invest in the lodge?” Mason asks.
“Because I like what you boys are doing here, and I want to be a part of it. I’m ready to put down roots. Real roots.”
“You’re sure?” Reid asks, his expression unconvinced. “I figured you’d be on your way to Florida or Costa Rica before the first snowfall.”
Though I’ve been offered seasonal work in both locations, among others, I’ve turned them all down. I don’t mention this or the plot of land I purchased a few miles outside of town this past summer. They think my RV is parked on rented land. Until the cabin is finished, I’m keeping the details to myself.
“I’ve given this plenty of thought,” I say, leaving out the part that the large sum of money has been sitting in my bank account for almost two months. I’ve warred between donating it, blowing it all on something completely reckless and unnecessary, or cashing it out and setting it on fire.
The money feels dirty, but maybe somethinggoodcan come of my absent father’s gambling addiction. I feel a sliver of malicious satisfaction knowing he’d turn in his grave if I did something practical with the money. Knowing not a single dime will ever see the inside of a casino.
“I’m sure.”
Mason’s phone buzzes on the table, and he swipes for it. “It’s Ivy,” he says, a hint of a smile hiding behind that grumpy, stern expression.
“Why don’t we table this discussion until Monday?” Reid suggests, pushing up from his chair.
“What’s to table?” It takes restraint not to let anger seep through. Reid has always known me as the impulsive one. The one who leapt before ever looking to see what there might be to land on. His hesitation is understandable, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
“We need a chance to discuss this, that’s all,” Hudson chimes in.
It’s a cop out, but I don’t call them out. Winter is coming, and I know the lodge could use the capital to get through the slower months.
“You don’t even know how much I’m offering.”
“You can bring the numbers Monday,” Mason says, swiping another cupcake. He looks to Reid. “You sure you don’t mind helping me out tonight? I know your sister’s getting into town.”
“Alanna’s coming to visit?” I ask, confused. She never struck me as the rural, mountain type.
“Yeah, and she’s got a group of friends with her. Something about a bridal party and a canceled wedding,” Reid says, shaking his head. “Hudson, would you mind meeting my sister when she gets in? Let her know I’m tied up tonight, but I’ll come find her in the morning?”
“Sure thing.”
“Alanna was supposed to get married?” I ask Reid, trying to make sense of this new information.
“No, her friend Erin.” Something flashes in his otherwise blank expression. I only catch it at all because I recognize the emotion well.Longing.
“Wait, Erin Caldwell?”
“Yeah. You remember her? She’s Alanna’s best friend,” Reid explains, his expression no longer betraying him. His poker face is strong as hell. There’s more to this, but this is not the time to pry. Not if I want to stay on his good side. It’s the least of what I’ll need to convince him that adding me to the partnership list is a good idea.
“Yeah, I remember her,” I say, letting my answer trail off with my thoughts. Would Erin have asked her cousin to be a bridesmaid? They were close once, but are they still? My throat closes up at the thought of Gabriella Owens in Cinnamon Creek.
“Who else?—”
But the room empties out before I can spit out my question.
Chapter Three
Gabby
“I’m sure they’ll wait for you,” Fred says as he drives me to the raft launch site, completely unfazed by my tardiness. “Winnie told them you were coming.”
I tried to be on time. I really did. But between the time change and the very comfortable lodge room bed, I struggled to get going this morning. Had I not been stupid excited for this rafting trip, I might’ve stayed in that cloud-like queen-sized bed all day instead. Sleeping accommodations like this will be few and far between once I start my new job.
