“I couldn’t help but overhear that you need some help at The Stone’s Throw?” she asked.
Reese nodded. “Your dad’s going to help me see if we can get someone in the short term over the holidays. More of a ‘keep the lights on and don’t burn the place down situation,’ given that Hallie’s going to be out of town. We can pick up hiring a permanent addition again in the new year.”
Brynn beamed, getting that little zing of exhilaration when she realized that she could do something for someone else. “According to my dad, I’m great at keeping lights on, and I can promise I’ve never been responsible for a fire.”
The look on Reese’s face morphed from bright to confused, and she glanced at Stan before looking back at Brynn. “I wasn’t asking?—”
Brynn cut her off. “I know you weren’t, but I’m offering. I am currently free of professional obligations, have been told that I’m a whiz at paperwork, and I would be so thrilled to help. Please, Reese? Let me do this for you?” Wanting to help had morphed into aneedto do this for Reese that she felt in her bones, and she wasn’t going to take no for an answer, regardless of whether Reese had realized it yet.
“Brynn, what about the holidays with us?” Stan asked, his lips turned downward. “Reese needs someone to live on-site and work full days from the day before Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.”
Brynn stood up straighter. She meant business. “I know it’s not ideal, but I’m in a position to help. Haven’t you always said that lending a hand isn’t just for when it’s easy? Well, I can make a difference now, and I want to do it.”
She could see her father softening at his own words being parroted back to him. They were words she’d taken to heart throughout her life.
Reese’s hesitation was written across her face. “This feels like too much, Brynn. Your dad told me that you were considering applying for a few university positions. I wouldn’t want to take your focus away from that.”
And that’s what she had told her parents a few weeks ago, on one of her phone calls with them. At the time, she’d even meant it. Maybe she still did. But… “The reality is, spring semester positions have already been filled, and there aren’t many of those anyway. Best-case scenario, I’d be looking at summer to lock down a position for the fall. Really, you’d be doing me a favor,” she pushed, biting her lip when she admitted, “since I’m trying to keep busy.”
She felt Reese waver then, as a look of recognition flashed across her face at what Brynn was likely trying to keep herself from dwelling on. A failed engagement. A social scandal. It wasn’t why she’d left Boston to head South, but putting fifteen hundred miles between herself and prying eyes hadn’t been a bad idea.
And even though Grant was from Stoneport, getting out of the city was becoming more attractive to her by the second. “This is really good for both of us,” Brynn added, the idea solidifying in her mind.
“You have such a big heart,” her dad said, still standing near her. “And I know these last few months haven’t been easy.”
Brynn turned to look him squarely in the eyes. “Then support me in doing this, Dad. I want to help Reese, and I think it would be good to keep my mind off of everything. And you and Mom could probably come visit the inn while I’m working?” Brynn asked, turning toward Reese. “We could maybe do a holiday dinner or lunch there?”
Reese nodded emphatically, now clearly sold on the idea. “Absolutely. You’d have the run of the kitchen in whatever capacity you’d like.”
And then, the last holdout crumbled. “Baby, if this is important to you, then I’ll support you, and your mom and I will absolutely be there whenever you want. Your happiness is all that matters to me. I hope you know that.”
Brynn clasped her hands together. “Then it’s settled. Reese, when would you like me to start? I assume you’ll want to train me in some capacity?”
She could see Reese thinking about her calendar. “How about Monday? That will give Hallie two weeks to work with you so that you’re comfortable managing things on your own.”
Brynn beamed. “That’s perfect. I’ll have time to spend with my parents this weekend, and then I’m all yours. Or Hallie’s, I guess,” she corrected.
“You’ll love her. There’s no one I’d trust more to train you,” Reese said, the warmth evident in her tone.
“I can’t wait to meet her.” Brynn couldn’t keep the smile off her face. This new challenge beckoned to her, supported by someone who clearly meant a lot to Reese.
A few hours ago, she’d been wondering if she was coming home too soon. The recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast were nowhere near complete, and she could have easily applied to university jobs from down there while she continued to help out. There was also nothing waiting for her here except the wreckage of a life she’d left behind.
But she could feel her family missing her, and three months had already felt like too long without seeing them. The word “codependent” flitted through her mind, but her relationship with her parents was intense. She was the only child they had left, and she took that responsibility seriously.
“Does your mom know that you’re home?” Stan asked. He smacked his forehead lightly. “She’s gonna kill us if not.”
Brynn kissed her dad’s cheek. “I stopped by to drop off my suitcases and see her before coming here.”
He shot Brynn a loving look before glancing down at his watch. “Reese, I think we’re good here—unless you need anything else? I’m going to take an early Friday and spend the afternoon with my two favorite women.”
“Fine by me. I also have a favorite woman who would probably be thrilled to see me home early.” Reese beamed.
Stan wrapped his arm around Brynn’s shoulder, and she leaned into his frame.
“Tell Sydney I said hello,” he said, breaking his hug to go to his desk and pack up his laptop.
“Me too,” Brynn added, meaning it.
