Nodding, she smiled. “I do. First it was Jayce and Kelsey, then this is where Walker and Harlow met, and Axel and Maisie.” She sighed happily. “I think magical is a wonderful description.”
“And us,” he lightly reminded her again, feeling more than a little insecure that she wasn’t including them in all the couple comparisons.
She nodded again before taking a bite of her sandwich. “Mmm…okay, forget what I said before. You can keep making our lunches. Seriously, what did you put in this to make it taste so good?”
“The secret ingredient is honey,” he told her. “Just a hint of sweetness. I know some people use fruit, but I prefer just the chicken and celery.”
“It’s delicious.”
“Thanks.” After that, the conversation turned to food and what was for dinner tonight—a traditional barbecue platter with brisket, chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, and hush puppies. “Slater actually requested that we try something like this, so tonight’s the test.”
“Hopefully he’ll be back in time. He left about an hour ago to pick Nora up.”
“Nora?”
She nodded again. “They used to work as guides together back in Alaska, and she’s coming here to check out the resort. He thinks she’s going to take the position, but she wants to come and experience it all first.”
“He’s cutting it kind of close, isn’t he? I would have thought he would’ve hired someone already.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t talked with him about it. He’s really been struggling to find someone he feels comfortable with. He and Walker have been meeting daily about it.”
“Seriously?”
“Mm-hmm. I guess they didn’t want to bother you with it because you’ve got enough on your plate.” Then she giggled. “No pun intended.”
That made him laugh.
“Did Annabeth talk to you about taking dance lessons?”
“Um…what?”
“Oh, dammit. Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
“No, no, no…come on. When did she tell you this?”
“She’s been talking about it for the last few days whenever we’re together. Apparently, some girls in her class at school take lessons, and she wants to try it. She asked if I had ever taken dance classes, and I told her I had, and we’ve been talking about it more and more. I just figured she’d talk to you about it. She doesn’t strike me as being shy about asking for what she wants.”
He sighed wearily. “She’s not, unless she knows I’m stressed about work. Which, let’s face it, I have been for weeks. Months.” Muttering a curse, he tossed his lunch down. “When are the classes? What do I need to do?”
“Talk to Ruth when she brings the kids home later. I think her nieces also take classes so she’d know the details. But it could be something to really make Annabeth feel connected to her new friends.”
“It would.” Another sigh. “I’m failing, Lexi. I’m failing as a parent. What the hell right do I have to be hands-on with the resort or open another restaurant when I’m clearly missing out on the things my daughter is interested in?”
Reaching over, she rested her hand on his. “To be fair, it’s not going to be like this forever. Once the resort opens and you’re comfortable with your kitchen staff, you’ll be able to step back a bit. And maybe you shouldn’t be in such a rush with the restaurant. You still have to find a house, and then you’re building one too. You have enough to deal with. Almost too much.”
She wasn’t wrong, but this was who he was.
“I hate sitting still,” he murmured.
“But it’s necessary sometimes. No one’s saying you can’t do anything, but when Annabeth’s on her summer break, maybe take that time for the two of you instead of working. You know you can afford it.”
“I know, but…”
“Okay, you don’t have to decide this minute, but…think about it. There’s still eleven more weeks of school, so relax a bit.”
“What about you?” he asked.
“What about me?”
