Page 28 of The Grizzly Situation
“Then let me buy you a plane ticket. I’ll even meet you at the airport instead of sending the limo.”
“Um… Okay.”
“That didn’t sound very enthusiastic. Will that be a problem?”
He sighed, deep and resigned. “Let’s be honest here, okay? I’m not even in your league. You probably have a chef who makes you some fantastical breakfast with fresh fruit, muffins, eggs Benedict, and stuff like that.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “This morning I had Frosted Flakes with sliced bananas because my kids wanted it. We do have a chef, but we’re also dealing with the palates of children. They’ll eat mostly anything, but think anything green has to be moldy and anything not sweet must be bland and tasteless—not that I can really disagree on that part. Amelia, our chef, slips in blended greens to various foods so the kids get their nutrition. We’re not so different from you.”
“Sure, let’s go with that.”
Uly was funny and I hadn’t have enough to laugh about in a good long while.
“How about we have dinner out when you get here? We’ll eat at our favorite restaurant which serves fish. The kids love it there. I’ll even make sure there is tartar sauce for you.”
“Are you knocking the sauce, man?”
The mock indignation had me laughing hard. “I’m glad I met you, Uly.”
“Me too,” he admitted, his voice bottoming out. “Go get ready for your meeting. I’ll figure out when a good time to come will be and let you know.”
“Sounds great. Looking forward to it. I know the boys will love to meet one of Daddy’s friends who isn’t a stuffy grown up.”
And it dawned on me then. Uly wasn’t at all stuffy. He was affable, open, and fun to talk with.
And I couldn’t wait to see him again.
Chapter Eight
ULY
It was wrong,and I know it. I’d gotten comfortable talking with Brent. So much so that even thinking of him as Mr. Lockhart seemed awkward. We’d fallen into a routine. Every night at seven my time, he’d call and tell me he had a cup of tea and something sweet and was ready for our nightly talks. And damn it, I looked forward to those times. I’d even told Jamie not to call during that hour, which I designated Brent’s time.
We’d talk about any and everything. I got to hear updates on his search for Chaim, and he heard about my doctor visits where they asked me a ton of questions, then discussed modifying my meds to adjust the dosage. I have to admit, my spacey episodes came less frequently, for which I was grateful.
Since I had no job—and was currently living off my meager savings—I was hesitant to contact Brent. We’d spent a couple of calls talking late into the night, and he was funny and witty and… I didn’t want him to think I was using him or something like that. I can’t tell you the number of things I’ve read from those who were wealthy and couldn’t figure out if someone liked themfor being themselves or because they valued the money that came with the deal.
“So, you haven’t called yet, and I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten your results back by now.”
I hedged a bit. “Are you sure it’s a good idea for me to come out there? I mean, the meds are helping, so I could get a job here.”
“Okay, where is your mind at now?”
I lifted my hand and chewed my nail for a moment. It was a bad habit that I’d had when I was younger, but now was trying to make a comeback.
“I… I don’t want to be one of those people you have to question their motives. I mean, I don’t want you to wonder if I’m your friend because of the money or something.”
“I wouldn’t think that at all,” he assured me. “And even if it was? Oh, well. I’m a big boy, and I can handle myself. Where is this coming from?”
A whimper slid out of me, because I was being pathetic and I knew I had to own it. “I read an article about a billionaire who said he never let people get close to him, because he had no way to know if they liked him or just wanted him to get things for them. I’m more than happy to buy my ticket there and I’ll book my own room and?—”
“First off, your ticket is already paid for so shut up. Secondly, we can book you into the inn if you want, but you’re also welcome to stay at our place. We’ve got plenty of room. Be warned, however. The kids get up early, and they’re very curious so you might have to fend off a lot of questions. And I’ve arranged for a car, so you have a way to get around if you want to visit the shops.”
“But that has to be costing you a fortune.”
He chuckled. “I think I’m good. Besides, I want you to visit so we can get you a job. See? It’s a selfish need of mine, so you’re really doing me a favor.”
“But, I?—”
