I had no idea what to say, too stunned to learn Riley was such an important part of the local sanctuary for kids, where they could go to get away from the pressures of life. His words suddenly came back to me.I always thought if your sister had a place like this.I wanted to say something, to tell him how much that meant to me, but Riley continued before I could.
“So, anyway, it was that project that finally made my grandfather start to see my passion for what it is, and things began to change for us after that. It was… about a year after, I think, that that he kind of stepped in to give my business a shove in the right direction.”
“What do you mean?”
Riley’s eyes were downcast, fingers picking at the label on the bottle.
“He started to invest in things that would help my business grow. Supplies, advertising, things like that. He even hired contractors to start a complete remodel of this warehouse so I could have a place to work. He helped get me a few ongoing contracts with tourist shops here and in nearby cities too, so I could deliver some of my work once a month. It really was because of him that things started to take off.”
I sensed a change in his mood, the sadness turning into a deep ache. Whatever he was going to say next would be hard for him. I wanted to reach out and hold him but knew if I did, he’d lose his momentum in telling me his story, so I settled for leaning against the counter beside him, offering my support.
“Things were really changing between us, Beck. When Grandpa finallysawme, it… changed things. I still hated him for taking me from you, but I was starting to feel respected and cared for, just like I was at the Henrys’, you know? I… I started to forgive him and began looking forward to a future with him, even if it meant a future without you. But then, then he got the diagnosis and…” he swallowed hard.
“What was it?”
“Lung cancer,” he said simply. “Anyway, he knew he needed to sell the business since I didn’t want to take over and none of his employees did either. He ended up making me co-owner before he sold it, granting me half of the profits. All without me knowing. It wasn’t a small fortune either. I literally became… well, very financially stable pretty much overnight.”
“Wow.”
“He divided his half up between his staff and kept very little for himself. His staff wasn’t happy, of course. Most of them already didn’t like me by then, so to hear I’d received half of his earnings without having earned it? Yeah, it was ugly for a while. Some of them still hate me, but I had absolutely no say in the matter. I didn’t even want his money, you know?”
He tossed his beer back, draining the last of its contents before placing the bottle on the shelf behind him.
“He sold me this entire building for next to nothing. It was worth nearly $850,000 and he sold it to me for $10,000. That’s it. I think he knew I wouldn’t accept it if he just gave it to me, so he just made the price enough to cover his closing costs, basically. He set up a few business accounts for me but told me he was only there for advice because he knew I’d already learned how to manage a business from the classes he’d put me through. He made it clear everything I wanted to do with my business was my choice and that he’d support me. He did, too. For four years, he was my biggest fan. Grandpa was usually the one manning my booths at the markets.” He chuckled. “It was kind of funny seeing a millionaire running a small vendor’s booth, but he did it. So full of pride, too,” he said with a sad smile. “I miss him so much now.”
“He sounds amazing. When did he pass away?” I asked.
He sighed. “About a year ago. He’s why I quit smoking.”
“Wait, you smoked?” I asked, surprised.
“Sadly, yes. Started during my rebellious days when I moved here and I didn’t quit until shortly after he was diagnosed.”
Picturing my sweet, innocent Riley with a cigarette in his hand was both disturbing and oddly hot. I was getting turned on just thinking about it.
“I’m sorry he’s gone,” I said.
“I am, too. We had a rough start, but he was truly a loving man, in the end.”
I leaned in to kiss his forehead just as a rust and gold piece of metal caught my eye from one of the shelves. Riley chuckled when I reached for it.
“Why does it not surprise me you’re drawn to the most stubborn piece of metal I have?”
I smiled at him. “What is it?”
“It’s a copper blend. I’m not sure exactly what’s in it, but it’s stubborn as hell. I’ve heated and taken a mallet to it about a dozen times, but I can’t get it smooth enough to work with. It’s flawed. See, look.” He flipped it over, where I saw a few dozen tiny dents and patches. It didn’t look flawed to me at all. It looked beautiful.
“Can you make four wings out of this?”
“Wings?”
“Yeah. I’ve always wanted two tanagers for my fireplace mantel, like the ones we saw when we were kids. That’s what I was going to commission from you. This would be perfect for the wings.”
Riley didn’t respond and when I looked up, I saw he was overcome with emotion.
“Did I say something?”
“No, it’s just… there were times when I really believed you forgot me is all.” He wiped at a stray tear, not meeting my eyes. “It still catches me off guard to hear you didn’t.”
I set the metal down and folded my arms around him. It took a minute before he melted against me, sighing against my chest.
“I couldneverforget you, Ry,” I whispered.
“Come on,” he said, stepping back and pulling my hand. “We’ve been at this for hours. Let’s take Lady to the beach.”
