Page 42 of Waiting on Life
That seemed harsh. “What? Why?”
“He doesn’t make enough money. Even saving up, it’ll take years just to make a down payment. He’s a hard worker, but the bar doesn’t pay him what he’ll need to get the house he dreams of.”
“Oh.” That saddened me. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. If he wasn’t such a jackass….”
She didn’t have to say anymore. I understood wanting to have your dream come true, but not banging your head against a wall trying to make it happen. Still, it was Toby’s dream, and you’d think that he’d be a little more open-minded about getting the farm.
“Then there’s the problem with making money for taxes and utilities. I love my brother, but he doesn’t see the big picture.”
She turned back and put a hand on my arm.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t air family stuff like this. It’s just… his whole life, Toby has gone out of his way to make other people happy. He’s always—and I mean,always—put his needs second. Just once I wanted him to think of himself, his dreams, and his happiness.” She gave a wan smile. “But maybe you and he will hit it off and make each other happy.”
That was a good dream in and of itself. I hoped we could make it come true.
Chapter Twelve
Toby
For the next few mornings, Kyle brought breakfast over for both of us and we sat together, enjoying the food, but also the company. Waldo perched on the back of the couch, and as soon as Kyle put his fork down, Waldo was there, wanting cuddles. How insane was it that I was jealous of my cat, who now lay in Kyle’s arms, being cradled to his chest?
“Your doctor’s appointment is today?” I asked, pleased with how his eye looked. There was a bit of bruising, but not nearly as bad as it had been.
He nodded. “He’ll give me a clean bill of health, I’m sure. I can come in after the appointment and work the rest of the night. You could take off and get done all the things you haven’t.”
And that list was growing exponentially. Laundry would now take five trips, and I had the sneaking suspicion that someone added clothes to my pile, because I’m pretty sure I don’t even own that many garments. And Kyle was being generous in feeding me, because I was still working way too many hours to get to the store on a regular basis. Even having Cary back had only relieved the pressure mildly.
“Yes to coming in, if he clears you. No, I won’t be going home. I’ve got way too much paperwork and stuff to catch up on.”
Kyle frowned. “So take tomorrow off, then.”
I shook my head. “Can’t. Got a big order coming in, and I need to be there to—”
“To what?” he growled. “Burn yourself out? You have people—me—who can handle putting stock away. Cary can sign for anything that is delivered. Why do youneedto be there?”
There was logic to his question, but the bar was my responsibility. “Just do,” I said casually.
“Just don’t. Or don’t you trust us to take care of the bar when you’re not there?”
“Of course I do, but—”
“You just don’t trust us. I get it.”
There was an ache in his voice that tugged at my heart. I did trust them. I mean, would I have hired them if I didn’t?
Then prove it. How hard can it be?
I sighed in resignation. “Fine. I’ll take tomorrow off. If you need me, you have my phone number.”
“You’ll take tonight and tomorrow off. Two whole Toby days.”
That was going too far. “Kyle, I can’t just—”
“Two days. If the doctor doesn’t clear me, you can come in to cover, but I promise he will.” He batted his eyes, and I was lost. “Two days off. Please?”
I drummed my fingers on the table, wondering how he’d already had me wrapped around his little finger. “Fine. I won’t go in tonight.”
