“We were thinking the same,” the woman said. “Oh, who’s this handsome guy?”
“Meet Graham—our resident mascot.” Lauren extended her hand. “And I’m Lauren, the property manager.”
They exchanged greetings while the couple gave Graham some attention. They were from Florida and had come north hoping for some early fall foliage. It was their first time at Pinehaven.
“We love it so far,” Donald said. “Even if the leaves haven’t fully turned yet. It’s a beautiful area.”
“I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying it. If I can do anything to make your stay more comfortable, just let me know.”
“That’s so kind,” Kathy said. “We did use the last of the firewood. It got quite chilly last night.”
“No worries.” Donald assisted his wife into the boat. “I can take care of that when we get back.”
Lauren beamed. “No need. That’s what I’m here for.”
The couple settled on the bench seats. “Well, thank you. It was nice meeting you. Off we go!” The two of them worked their paddles with a little trouble and a lot of laughter.
Lauren waved them off, watching for a moment, Graham at her side. Then she traipsed up the property toward the woodpile. It felt good to have something to do again. Her headache was just a faint throb in her temples as she walked up the incline toward the lodge.
She’d kept to herself since she returned from the hospital. It felt strange being around people who seemed more acquainted with her than she was with them. Made her feel exposed somehow. How much of herself had she shared? Anything they might’ve disclosed about themselves was lost somewhere in the complicated maze of her brain.
The wheelbarrow sat beside the log pile, so she began loading up. She was ready to start easing back into her job. The release papers said she could do so after a few days as long as her symptoms didn’t increase. It wouldn’t technically be three full days for another five hours or so—but close enough.
She loaded a few more logs, then stepped around to grab the handles.
“Lauren.”Jonah appeared around the backside of the lodge, barreling her direction. “Hey, you shouldn’t be doing that. Let me help.”
“I’m fine. It’s just a few logs.”
“Go back to your cabin.” He took the handles.
She tightened her grip. “The Garretts asked me to deliver them.”
“I’ve got this. You should go lie down.”
“You can’t tell me what to do.”
He wrestled the handles from her. “Actually, I can.”
She bristled. Yes, Jonah was technically her boss. It was one of the sticking points between them as the authority figures in her life had been nothing but thorns in her side.
“I know you must be bored, but you’re supposed to be resting.”
“If I rest any more, I’ll be comatose.”
“You heard what the nurse said about—”
“She said three days, and that’s what it’s been!”
“Not yet it hasn’t. Stop being so stubborn. Go sit on your deck and—”
“And what? Stare at the trees? I can’t text, read, or watch TV. I’m bored out of my skull!” She shelved her fists on her hips, but to her mortification tears pressed behind her eyelids.
His gaze roved over her face for a long, searching moment. Then he set the wheelbarrow down. “I know this is hard.”
“You don’t know anything.”
A muscle flickered in his jaw. “I know you like to be productive. I know your brain usually processes things so quickly you can make a plan and carry it out before most people have their first cup of coffee. I know you’re dealing with brain fog and memory issues that have you confused and frustrated. You’re thinking if you just get back to work, everything will return to normal.”
