"It's not your fault at all, and I don't want you feeling bad.It just caught me off guard, that's all, but I don't want you to give it another thought.And you have to bear in mind that I can't really be too mad at him, can I?The only reason this all came out is because he offered you a job.That's a pretty decent thing to do, even while he was hiding who he was from me."
Alara inhaled sharply."I don't even know what kind of job, though.But the thing is — would you mind if I take it?"
Callie stopped walking."I'll be mad at you if you don't.You'd be crazy not to."
Alara relaxed."That's how I feel, but I don't even know what he wants me to do."
Callie let out a short, bitter laugh."Well, sorry, but you know I can't help you with that.Seems I don't know the first thing about the guy."
"Oh, Callie, that's not true."
"No, I know.Sorry.I'll get over it."
~ ~ ~
Ollie smiled as he watched Charles sneak tidbits to the dogs under the table while they ate.Reaves winked at him.Apparently, he'd spotted it too, but neither of them was going to comment.It was nice to see Charles looking more relaxed and enjoying himself.
When he'd finished eating, Charles set his napkin down and looked from Reaves to Ollie and back again."I think you both know that I had something in mind when I asked you here for dinner."
"I think we do," Reaves agreed.
Ollie nodded.
"I've been thinking about this whole branding andvibething, and I believe I may have come up with a solution that will work for all of us."
Ollie exchanged a look with Reaves.
"Go on then, Dad.Fire away.Tell us what you're thinking."
Charles smiled and leaned forward eagerly."Well, by the sound of it, this Delaney woman is the ideas woman, and I can respect that, so perhaps we need to consult her.But the actual aesthetic of our new brand — I don't want it to be something harsh, and that's how she seems to me.No disrespect to the woman; I'm sure she's perfectly pleasant as well as being good at her job.But different people give you a different feeling."He raised his eyebrows."Is that what they mean byvibe?"
Ollie chuckled."I think it is, Charles, yes."
"I shall have to ponder that.But anyway, I was thinking — as capable as Delaney may be, there's a differentvibe"—he winked—"that I'd like for the House of St.James.And someone I met recently embodies it perfectly."
"Who's that?"Reaves asked.
"I think you know.I'm talking about Alara."
Reaves grinned."Yeah, I can see that."
Ollie waited for Charles to go on.When he did, he turned to him with a smile.
"It seems to me that you put yourself in a difficult position when you offered to employ Alara so that she could access the health benefits of being an employee of yours."
Ollie shrugged."You could say that, but it's all good."
Charles nodded thoughtfully."And the thing is, you've offered time and time again to help Reaves and to help me, and this time, I'd like to accept your help."
Ollie sat up straighter, surprised but pleased."Anything.Tell me what you want me to do."
Charles smiled."I'd like to borrow your new employee.In fact, I'd like if it were a long-term, hopefully permanent arrangement.I'd like her to work here for me on the rebrand.She is an artist."
Ollie grinned."Now that is a fine idea."
"Do you mean you want her to come and stay here?"Reaves asked.
Charles chuckled."I do.I don't think a camper is any place for a young lady like Alara to be living, and certainly not for a young lady like Zia."He looked more serious as he added, "However, be warned.Under my roof, they'll be under my protection, and you are no longer invited to spend the night here.Or at least, not unless and until Alara invites you."
