Page 29 of Here With You

Emmaline took a sip of her water. “The thing about the past is it’s gone. We don’t get to change it. It’s just what it is. And we aren’t promised tomorrow. All we have is the minute we’re in. Smart people live in the moment.”

The words were lovely, but he knew Emmaline too well. As she sat there, she was thinking about the future.

“You’re not going to plan on the slim chance that the travel critic is coming?”

She sat up and frowned. “Smart people plan for the future, too. You can’t eat tomorrow if you spend all your money today. Yes, I will plan for the arrival. For all I know, they are sitting in this dining room already.”

That was his Emmaline. There were rules for everyone else and rules for her.

“I’ll make you a deal,” Miles said.

Her brows lifted. “You think you’re in a position to negotiate something with me?”

He sat back and laughed. “I have something you want.”

Her cheeks turned Hot Tamale red. She moved her hand in a dismissive wave. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“What are we talking about?” Cormac asked.

He wanted to say zucchini because he didn’t miss the exchange with Tilly, but he wouldn’t out Emmaline in front of his family. When he said he had something she wanted, he was referring to his time. “I can help you get everything at your resort ready, just in case.”

Emmaline huffed. “In case? The Brown is the only place in town worthy of a stay. You better hope they don’t stay at The Kessler because all you’ve got is Margot, a slobbering dog, and a labor shortage.”

“Are you saying you don’t want my help?”

“No.” She hung her head. “I could use your help. What will it cost me?”

He could have asked for a date or more, but he wanted her to give him those freely. “Stop the labor shortage. I know you did that on purpose. I’m glad because you were right. Cleaning rooms gave me a sense of respect for the people who do it daily. It’s hard work. However, if I don’t have enough employees, I won’t have the time to help you prepare.” He could hire his own staff, but he didn’t want to overstep his boundaries. Carter and Brie said to let Emmaline handle it all. “Deal?”

“Does that mean you two are back together?” Cormac asked.

“No,” Miles said. “It means we’ve come to a truce. I still care for Emmaline and will help her reach her goals because that’s what friends do.”

“I’d like something out of this.” His mother’s voice was weak.

“What do you want, Mom?” Miles asked.

“Family dinners right here, until I can’t do them.”

“Deal,” Miles said.”

May cleared her throat. “Darryl too.”

“No way,” Miles said.

May sighed. “I have one wish before I die, and that’s to see my family together again.”

What was he supposed to say to that? “Okay. I can give you that.”

Tilly delivered their meal. Knowing the next time he dined at The Brown he’d have to see his brother gave him a bitter taste in his mouth. Emmaline excused herself on the premise that she had to help in the dining room, but he didn’t see her once while they finished their meal.

He paid, and Darryl was getting out of his truck when they walked outside. He rushed over, screaming, “Who do you think you are?” One second, Miles was standing, and the next, Darryl punched him, and he was on the ground. Knowing a fight would reflect poorly on both resorts, he stood, rubbed his jaw, and then kissed his mom on the cheek.

“See you next week,” he said. He looked at Darryl. “I’ll see you too.”

“Like hell, you will. You stay away from what’s mine.”

His mother reached up and twisted Darryl’s ear until he was bent over and squealing. “Take me home, son. We’ve got some talking to do.” She turned toward Miles. “Love you, and I’ll see you Sunday.” She walked forward with Darryl begging for her to let him loose, but she didn’t until they were at his truck.

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