Over his office intercom, Inez’s voice said, “Mrs. Blaise to see you, sir.”
“Send her right in.”
But his office door was already opening, and Gretchen swept in. Known to the staff as Mrs. Blaise and the owner of Edelweiss Ski Resort, the world knew her as Gretchen Huntington, award-winning actress. Eb didn’t always know which one he was dealing with.
“Good morning,” he said, rising. “What can I do for you today?”
“Show me a picture of your secret daughter, for one.”
Eb froze. Who had told her?
“Oh, please. Do you really think I don’t know when significant changes happen to my executive staff? Don’t look so serious. HR mentioned you’d added someone to your insurance, and I got the deets.” Gretchen pointed to the phone in his hand. “Show me.”
When he woke his phone, she leaned in. And, of course, the picture of sleeping Walt came on the screen. She burst out laughing.
“Sandra must have taken it. I feel better knowing you are friends with her. I’ve tried to steal her from Walt for months, but she can’t be bought.” Gretchen shot Eb a sidelong glance. “Your daughter?”
He opened the phone’s gallery and showed her the same photo he’d sent to Sandra. For so many years, he’d closed himself off to everyone, and he couldn’t fight the feeling this was an invasion of his privacy.
“Oh, Eb. She’s adorable!” Gretchen took the phone from him and started flipping through the pictures he’d taken. When she finished, she lifted her head and met his gaze. “I’m so happy for you.” She returned his phone to him and took the chair across from his desk.
He sank into his seat, not sure what to say and still unable to fight the resentment of his private business being known by people he hadn’t chosen to share it with. Eb had thought HR would keep it private, but as the owner and his direct supervisor, he guessed Gretchen had a right to know.
“And I can see I’ve upset you.” She leaned forward. “If it makes you feel any better, I know little more than I’ve mentioned. I didn’t even look to see what her name is.”
“Rue.” Just saying it lifted his mood, and Eb understood why doting parents took such pleasure in talking about their children.
“Is this going to impact your ability to do your job?” When he stiffened, Gretchen held up her hands.
“I will do my job,” he said stiffly.
“Oh, Eb. That’s not what I’m saying. We understand life happens. I’ve got young kids too. I know how much time and energy they take. Since we let Phil go, you’ve been carrying a lot of the marketing manager’s responsibilities plus your public relations work.” She leaned back. “I also know you minored in marketing. We’ve been adding more events over the last few years, and you’ve just handled everything we’ve thrown at you. But I’ve been worried about you. I remember the enthusiastic guy who came to work here ten years ago.”
“You think I’ve lost my enthusiasm?” Had he done something wrong?
“I think you’ve closed yourself off. It started about four years ago—” Her brows arched in surprise. “How old is Rue?”
Eb winced. “Four.”
“Were you married to her mother?”
“Yes, we were married.”
“I need to ask if your wife—”
“Ex-wife.”
Gretchen gave a single nod. “Is there a chance yourex-wife might return for your daughter?”
“Well, she turned her back on me without a word.” Eb put his elbows on his desk and rubbed his temples. “Whether she’ll do the same to Rue, I can’t even guess.”
“If she does, would you let her?”
Eb met Gretchen’s gaze, allowing more emotion to show than he ever had in her presence before and repeated what he’d said to everyone. “Not without a fight.”
“I’m glad to hear it. You look happier today than you have for too long. Now, about your position here.”
Her shift in topic happen so fast he thought he’d misunderstood her.
