Her words are a kick in the gut. Tina has always been close with Steven, but her relationship with Aubrey is and has been in constant turmoil. For a few years, I insisted Aubrey do things with Tina. The girly type stuff that I, as a man and as her father, had no interest in doing. But over time, Aubrey has become more and more adamant about not wanting to have a relationship with her mom, and Tina has been more of a bitch to her for the exact same reason.
“You didn’t say anything wrong.” I rub the back of my neck and drop my eyes to my boots. I stand, picking up my coffee when I do.
“She’s very sweet,” Shel says softly, and my eyes go to her. “I just didn’t like the idea that I hurt her in some way. That’s all.”
“She and her mom don’t have the best relationship. I’m sure you offering to do something as simple as baking a cake with her made her sad, because as much as she doesn’t agree with the way her mom acts or the things she does, she still wishes she was able to hang out with her, have a good time, and do shit like laugh and bake cakes,” I explain. Her mouth goes soft and her eyes turn from mine as she takes the last bite of her toast. She blinks rapidly for a moment, like she’s fighting back tears. “Just give her some time. She’ll come around,” I insist, and she nods and moves toward the sink to turn on the water and wash her hands.
“She told me she and Gramps used to put together puzzles,” she says out of the blue. I move closer and lean in so I can see her face.
“They did,” I agree, placing my hand on her lower back as she turns off the water and leans against the sink.
“He must have really cared about her and Steven both.” Her eyes move to mine, and I nod.
“They grew up thinking of him as their grandfather. They were both crushed when he moved, and devastated when he passed, the flowers out front are from Aubrey, she’s insisted on keeping them up when he left.” I admit, and her chin begins to wobble.
“I wish he would have told me about them.” Seeing the tears swimming in her eyes, I don’t give her a choice as I tuck her against my chest, wrap my arms around her, and rest my chin on top of her head. “Not sure you were at a place to hear about my kids and his relationship with them, and knowing Pat, he was trying to protect you from that,” I say gently, and she pulls in a shaky breath then leans back and looks up at me.
“I’m sorry if I made you feel like you should regret Steven and Aubrey. I would never want that. They’re both amazing kids,” she tells me quietly. My arms spasm around her as my mouth opens, but before I can reply, she’s out of my grasp, muttering something about going to get her bag, leaving the kitchen. Leaning my head back, I wonder how to proceed from here. My eyes drop to the counter where our cups are sitting side-by-side, and I know I may not have a plan, but I will be moving us forward.
“Wow, this is really beautiful,” Shel says from my side, and I smile at the windshield.
“It’s not so creepy anymore, is it?”
“Definitely not creepy anymore. It looks like a postcard,” she says, leaning forward to look out the window. The area is beautiful and sits right off the water. The old cannery in the back is still standing strong, but is now used for boat storage and fish cleaning. The bunkhouses, which were once dilapidated, have been remodeled for the workers or guest overflow. A red cookhouse sits in the middle of the large ten-acre area, with the lodge as the focal point.
“Stan did a lot of work out here and is always adding on more rooms, since he’s booked out all summer with fishermen, groups, and guided tours, and then most of the winter with heli-skiers.
“I can see why,” she mutters, as I pull into a spot and put my truck in park.
Turning toward her, I notice her hands are wrapped tightly around her bag, so tight that her knuckles have gone white. “It’ll be okay.” I reach over, forcing her to release her hands. “You’re just talking. If you don’t like her, we’ll find someone you do like.”
“Thank you for doing this,” she says quietly, and I nod then look toward the building.
“Go on in. I’ll wait for you out here,” I assure, and her body relaxes even more. I want to go with her and be there for support if she needs me, but I know that isn’t what she wants. Every time her ex has been brought up, she’s closed down. I know that has more to do with me than anything else, and I don’t want her to keep anything from Mandy when they’re talking.
“Thank you.” She closes her eyes briefly then sends a small smile my way before opening the door and hopping out. Pausing when the door is halfway closed, she sticks her head in, looks up at me, and grins. “Um, who do I ask for?”
Chuckling, I mutter, “Just ask for Mandy at the front. They’ll point you in the right direction.
“Mandy, got it.” She sends one more smile up at me then slams the door closed. Watching her walk, my eyes drop to her ass as she moves up the stairs into the lodge, and I clench my fist on the steering wheel.
“Fuck,” I mutter into the empty cab. I will definitely be moving us forward.
Hanging up the phone when Shel walks out of the lodge not even twenty minutes later, I turn on the truck. “How did it go?” I ask, as she opens the door, climbs in, and tucks her bag in front of her on her lap.
“Okay,” she says, reaching back and putting on her seatbelt.
“Just okay?” I ask, trying to read her tone while backing out of the spot.