“You still have family here?” he asks as we walk along the widened hallway toward the guestrooms on the lower level. The largest team will work on the bedrooms while a smaller team will remodel the hallways, lobby, restaurants, bars, gym, spa, and other communal areas. The extension now houses a theater room, kids’ club, game room, and a library, and it’s much more luxurious than it was when I worked here. Or it will be when it’s all finished.
I shake my head. “My family moved to Sweden, where my mom is from, a few years ago. I went to Bennington Turo afterhigh school and moved to New York after my college graduation. I haven’t been in Ryemont since.”
“Mr. Devlin is right then. This must be nostalgic for you.”
He has no idea. “Extremely.”
Callan’s shoulders stiffen.
“Call me Seán. Please.”
Dave, he likes.
“I knew Astrid had to be the one to manage this project,” Seán says. “Because Ryemont has always been so close to her heart. It seemed like a wasted opportunity not to bring her with me, and I couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from her.”
It was one of the excuses put forth for his interference, and it was hard to argue with his logic. Of course, it’s partly my fault because I haven’t told Seán the truth about my first love or how I fled this town eight years ago, telling my parents I just couldn’t come back. It hurt far too much.
In another uncharacteristic display of unprofessionalism, Seán leans down and kisses me right in front of Dave and Callan. I want to push him away and scream at him to knock it off because I’m sure both men are convinced I only got this gig because I’m the CEO’s fiancée, not on talent and merit. I know what’s driving his behavior, and until we’ve had a chance to talk, I’ll just have to suck it up and say nothing.
Dave and Callan spend the next couple of hours showing us from room to room, asking me questions as I visualize my designs in each space. I record notes on my tablet, making a checklist of things to be actioned. Seán sticks close to my side, answering a succession of calls and not really being involved in the discussion. I’m walking around in a bit of a fugue state, switched on professionally while the rest of my brain struggles to accept this latest twist of fate.
I feel Callan’s eyes on me when he thinks no one is looking. He’s quiet, for the most part, letting Dave and me carry the conversation. He wasn’t expecting me either, so I guess it’s just as much of a shock to him.
“Jesus Christ,” Seán snaps, barking down the phone. “Where the fuck was the site foreman and manager when this happened?” He paces the floor as Callan and Dave trade a look. Seán glances at his twenty-thousand-dollar watch. “I’ll be there within the hour. I want a full report upon arrival.”
“What’s happened?” I ask the instant he hangs up.
“There’s been an accident on the Stowe site. A man fell off the scaffolding.”
“Skit. I hope he’s okay.”
“An ambulance is on the way. We should go.” He takes my hand in his. “We can pick this up tomorrow.”
“You go. I’ll stay. There are still the communal spaces to inspect.”
He opens his mouth to argue, and I shake my head, tugging him toward the door. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I call out, casting a smile over my shoulder at Dave. “Could you measure the back wall again? It seems smaller than the measurements I was previously given. I need to ensure the artwork will fit in the space.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Dave says, and I leave them to it, dragging my scowling fiancé out into the hallway and shutting the door.
“We agreed no interference, Seán,” I say in a quiet tone. “We both know there is zero need for me to go to Stowe with you. I have no involvement with that site. This resort is my priority, and I’m not done inspecting the property.”
“I’m not leaving you here withhim,” he spits out.
“Lower your voice,” I hiss.
“Who is he to you, Astrid? And don’t bother feeding me that bull about good friends. He can’t take his eyes off you, and I recognize that look.”
Fuck. I blow air out of my mouth. “Now is not the time or place for this conversation. I’ll tell you everything tonight. I swear.”
He comes toward me, and my back hits the wall. “It’s him, isn’t it?” He cages me between his arms. “He’s your first love. The one who cheated on you with your best friend.” His eyes flare with malice. “Confirm it, and I’ll fire his ass and dig him a shallow grave.”
I push on his chest, needing him to back off and give me some space. “Stop it! You can’t go around saying things like that!”
“Just fucking tell me, Astrid. Right the fuck now.” I have never seen him so enraged, and I don’t say that lightly because I’ve witnessed Seán go off in meetings and fire employees who piss him off just by breathing the wrong way.
“You need to calm down and go do your job.” I dip out from under his arms. “We are not discussing this here. We’ll talk about it at home like civilized adults.”
“I’m right, aren’t I? You fucking lied to me.”
