“Why would you? You’re an excellent manager, this is a lovely home that feels happy with it. And though as my brother, Miles can irritate the crap out of me, he’s an interesting man, with a strong moral code. I needed to know where you stood and how you felt, and why. Now I do, and can say this now sits as your personal business.”
“Good. Thanks. And whew. I know I’m probably not his usual type.”
“I don’t think he has one.”
“Well, I mean like that woman he was seeing not that long ago.”
“Carlie Wineman? Please.” Nell rolled her eyes. “I know a ladder-climber when I see one, and okay, I didn’t see it for a while. And I shouldn’t say any of this, but the hell with it. I’m now Miles’s sister, not head of Hospitality, and I’m going to say this. She’s gorgeous and knows how to show off her looks. She knows art and wine, skis like a champ, speaks French like a native.”
“None of this inspires self-confidence.”
“I’m not done. After a while—it took awhile, because she could be very charming—I realized Miles was a step up for her. Socially, financially. And more, she just liked the way they looked as a couple. Everything about her is about as deep as a rain puddle, except her vanity.”
“All right, maybe a dribble of self-confidence coming back.”
“I like you. I like you for Miles. I don’t know if this is just a sex thing, but—”
“I don’t know either.”
“Understandable. Once I got to know Carlie, I didn’t like her. And I really didn’t like her for Miles, and was thrilled when he broke things off. I do love my brother even when he pisses me off, which is with some regularity. I also piss him off with some regularity.”
“Because you’re so much alike.”
Over the rim of her cup, Nell shot a long, cool look. “Now you’ll piss me off.”
“You have to know that. You’re very self-aware. You came here because you wanted me to be comfortable and feel more in control. That’s kind and respectful. Miles is kind and respectful, he’s just more brusque about it. Liam’s more freewheeling, but you all get the job done, and well. Part of that’s work ethic, and part of it is a deep love for the family and the business it created.”
“Maybe you should’ve gone into psychology.”
“A good bartender is a psychologist who mixes drinks. Did you like that part of your training? Liam said you all trained in every area of the business.”
“Did he? Well, he’s right about that. I can’t say I liked the work, but I found the training valuable. It made me understand it’s a lot more than mixing those drinks.
“Now, though I’d like to just sit here for another hour in this spot—it reminds me what it is to relax—it’s not my day off. I have to go buy a wind chime, then get to work and let you get back to your day off.”
“I’m glad you came by.”
“So am I.” Nell rose. “I don’t make real friends easily, but tend to keep the ones I make. And damn it, that’s exactly like Miles. Anyway, we should have lunch sometime.”
“Lunch?”
“Or drinks. And now it sounds like I’m asking you out. Maybe I am, in a way. A ‘let’s see if there’s a possible friendship in here’ sort of way.”
“I don’t make friends easily either. I’d like to try that kind of lunch or drinks.”
“Great. I’ll text you possible openings in my schedule, which is exactly why I don’t make friends easily.”
“I’m a big admirer of the schedule.”
“That’s a good launching point for possible friendship.”
They parted on those amiable terms, then Morgan sat and let the relief wash over her. She wasn’t going to be fired, she wouldn’t have to choose between the man and the job when she wanted both.
And, over and above it all, Miles had told his family.
“Turning around,” she said quietly. “It really feels like things are turning around.”
* * *
Gavin Rozwell enjoyed the balmy ocean breezes and the golden sands of the South Carolina beach. The local seafood suited his palate. While the view from his front deck afforded views of sea and sand and sunrise, he had to admit he missed the terrace of his hotel.
But when a man booked a hotel for a couple of months, he earned notice and talk. A man who rented a beach house didn’t. He’d have to make certain the reward was worth the sacrifice.