Natasha: Yes! We've had so many comments since we posted the updated pictures.
Eve: Don't worry about anything in town. I've got it.
Natasha: I know you do.
I wanted to consider Maddox's gift, but I had to sort through the estimates Hudson sent over for a few of the buildings. I was almost scared to look at the results. The repairs were going to be extensive. And Morgan was evaluating the electrical.
I couldn't think about going on vacation. It was a little absurd that he thought I could do that right now.
I wanted Natasha to focus on the inn. That meant the town was my responsibility. That was our deal, and I wouldn't back out now.
I might have time for quickies against Maddox's door, but that was it until after Christmas and maybe even New Year's. We'd be busy with after-holiday shopping through the end of the year. I planned on the light trail being open for the duration, and I was researching plans for an ice rink in January.
I wanted to keep the momentum we'd built going. That meant capitalizing on our increased traffic and bringing them back for more. I wasn't ready to concede that we had a slow season. At least not yet.
I didn't think about the look on Sofia's face when I said I couldn't go away for a weekend. Surely, Maddox would explain it to her. I had responsibilities, people who depended on me. I was the one who had to be present to deal with the aging pipes and flood damage.
I'd put everything into this place, and I couldn't let up, not even for a second.
CHAPTER 23
MADDOX
"Eve doesn't like our present?" Sofia asked as we walked through town.
I sighed. "I think she's under a lot of pressure. Remember, a pipe burst in one of the shops, and now she's worried that all the plumbing need to be replaced. She manages this entire town. It's a lot."
"She should go away for a weekend and take a break from everything."
"She doesn't feel like she can do that right now." My tone was flat because I was disappointed too. I didn't know what I expected, but it wasn't to be immediately shut down. I thought she might be excited about the prospect of getting away. I know it wasn't the best timing, but it was a Christmas present, and that was the only weekend my parents could watch Sofia. They were leaving after Christmas to go on an Alaskan trip, and they'd be gone for a month.
Sofia's lower lip protruded.
"Maybe she'll change her mind once she's had time to think about it." I wasn't sure about that. I would have thought she'd be excited about the prospect of getting away together for a weekend without Sofia.
Her reaction made me rethink everything. Was it a bad idea to get more involved with someone who preferred to work over spending time with loved ones?
Was I being too quick to judge? I didn't even tell her the good news. Frank had met with me this morning to tell me that the chief's position was mine if I wanted it. Everyone was impressed with my work the last few weeks and were convinced that I was the right choice for the job.
I'd wanted to share the news with Eve, but we hadn't even gotten that far. I hadn't wanted to talk to her about it, not after she'd been so upset about the gift.
Was it a mistake to get involved with someone who didn't have kids of their own? She didn't understand how important work-life balance was. We were in different stages of our lives. I took a promotion that would allow me to spend more time with Sofia. But Eve had taken on a project that would occupy her time.
It wasn't fair to say she had to give up her career. But our priorities were different.
My mind was spinning, and I couldn't get off the constant loop of worry. I went to my parents' house, thinking I could talk to them about it.
I knocked on the door before I used my key. When I opened the door, Mom said, "In the kitchen."
Mom stood at the counter. "You're just in time. I'm about to take the brownies out of the oven."
"You baked brownies?" Sofia asked excitedly.
"If you consider cooking from a box baking," Mom joked, pointing at the red box sitting on the counter.
Sofia frowned. "When I baked with Eve, she used all these ingredients: flour, sugar, and baking powder? I can't remember the rest of the names."
"I prefer the easy method."
