Swallowing past the tightness in her throat, she said, “Once I realized what was going on, I ran away. I packed my car and left LA then spent the next several days driving around, not contacting anyone or making any posts on my social media until after I arrived here.”
“So the work you’ve been doing?”
“I had to do a video explaining what had happened and apologizing. That was the first thing I did, then I got back in contact with my team. They were furious with me, but I didn’t care. It was my name attached to everything, not theirs. My integrity, not theirs. They want me back in LA, but I’m not interested in that just yet. I really like it here.”
“Could they be behind these threats? In hopes of getting you to return to LA?”
“No. If it were just notes, maybe. But now that they’ve done property damage of a significant dollar amount, I can’t believe it would be them. Maybe if I was ignoring them completely, they’d do something to try to force my hand. But I’m staying in contact with them and doing what I can to move things forward with my commitments.”
“I still don’t really understand all of this,” Eli murmured as he started the truck. He glanced over at her. “But regardless, you don’t deserve what’s happening with these threats if it is related to that. Well, frankly, you don’t deserve it regardless.”
“Thanks.” Arianna smiled, her heart swelling with affection for him. “I don’t want someone to drive me away. I love it here too much. I really hope that none of the drama channels get wind of this, though, because I’ve had enough scandal to last a lifetime.”
“I can imagine.” Eli’s expression was serious as he put the truck in gear and backed out of the spot they’d been sitting in. He didn’t say anything more until they’d left the town and were on the road headed toward the lodge. “I know you might not like this suggestion, but Mom mentioned it, and I think it’s probably a good idea.”
“What’s that?”
“We think you should move to the lodge.”
“Move?”
“Yeah. Things are escalating. From notes to damage to your car. If you don’t leave like they want, what’s next? Breaking into the cabin while you’re sleeping? I think it would be safer for you at the lodge.”
“But doesn’t that put your mom and sisters at risk?”
“I don’t think so since the threats have been focused on you specifically, but I’ll talk to them. If they’re worried about it, I can stay there too. There’s plenty of room.”
Arianna sighed. “I just hate how this is negatively impacting all of you. Maybe I should just go back to LA.”
“No.” Eli spoke the word quickly and forcefully. “I mean, if that’s what you want, then no one will stop you, of course. But if you want to stay, don’t let this person drive you away. I’ve…uh…we’ve enjoyed having you at the lodge and would hate to have you leave. Especially under such dour circumstances.”
He didn’t need to work too hard to convince her to stay. After all, she didn’t really want to leave. Arianna just hoped that she didn’t come to regret that decision.
***
Eli wasn’t sure what to think about everything Anna had told him. It seemed so unreal. He’d just thought their money situations were different, but in reality, their whole lives were completely at odds. He hadn’t even been aware that a world like she’d described even existed. The world of social media influencers. Maybe Sarah had a better idea of what it entailed. He’d have to ask her about that later.
“So will you consider moving to the lodge?” He really hoped she would because it made him very uneasy to think of her in a cabin by herself. Sure, there were locks on all the doors and windows, but they wouldn’t stop a determined person.
When she didn’t answer right away, he glanced over at her to see her worrying her lower lip. Maybe she liked the seclusion of the cabin and worried about losing her privacy by moving to the lodge. Perhaps if she could see the types of rooms they had available, she could see that she didn’t have to worry about that.
“Come by the lodge and take a tour of the rooms. You can have your choice of any of the upper floor ones.” Eli hesitated then added, “If you’re worried about the difference between what you paid for the cabin and a room in the lodge, don’t. We’ll refund you the difference.”
“What?” Arianna shook her head. “No. That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m more concerned about the trouble I’m landing on your doorstep by staying here.”
“Like I said, I’ll move in as well, so the four of you won’t be alone. Let’s just stop by the lodge, and you can see what it’s like. Pick out a room. Hopefully, it won’t be for too long, and then you can go back to the cabin.”
“Okay.”
Though she didn’t sound overly gung-ho about the idea, at least she was closer to agreeing. Eli would take that as a win for the time being. They didn’t speak again for the rest of the drive. Once they got to the lodge, he pulled into a spot in front of the building, then they both got out.
Eli opened the front door and held it for Anna. The smell of food that greeted them didn’t surprise him at all. Whenever his mom was upset or bothered by something, she cooked. When they stepped into the kitchen, they found her stirring a large pot on the stove.
“Hi, Mom.”
She glanced over her shoulder then tapped the spoon on the pot before putting it in the spoon rest on the counter. “How did it go?”
Eli waited for Anna to say something, but when she didn’t, he said, “It went. They still have to finish doing the fingerprint testing. Kieran said he’d let us know when he heard something.”
“Kieran’s a smart boy. He’ll figure it out.” His mom came over to give Anna a hug. “So you’ll come stay with us until they figure out who’s responsible, right?”
“I told her she could have a look at the rooms first,” Eli said.
“That’s a good idea. Do you want to show her around?”
“Yep. I can do that.” Eli waved toward the entrance to the kitchen. “Shall we?”
Anna walked ahead of him into the foyer area. She turned toward the stairs but said, “Aren’t there rooms down here?”
“Yes, but I think it would be better if you were on the second floor. I’ll be staying in a room down here. My mom also has a room on the main floor.”
“And the twins?”
“The lodge has a walk-out basement, and they each have a bedroom down there.” Eli led the way up the stairs. “There are four rooms up here.”
“Just four?” Anna asked. “It seems like there would be more.”
“The rooms up here are our more spacious ones.” He opened the door of the nearest suite and walked in. “Each of these have a sitting area as part of their set-up as well as an en suite bathroom.”
He stood off to the side, watching as Anna moved around the room, trailing her fingers over the bedspread of the large sleigh bed that was set against one wall. The comfortable loveseat and armchairs that made up the sitting area were in front of the bay window that looked out over the forest surrounding the lodge. His mom’s goal had been to make the rooms cozy and comfortable, and from the feedback they’d received from guests, she’d succeeded.
“This room is lovely,” Anna said, her hand resting over the curved footboard of the bed. “Are they all the same?”
“Not identical, no. Want to have a look at the others?”
Anna swung toward him, a smile on her face. “Yes. I’d like that.”
He led her to the next room on the floor and watched as she once again took a slow tour of it, stopping to observe the small touches his mom had chosen for the room. He didn’t rush her, wanting her to find some joy in the midst of the mess she was currently facing. Hopefully, her enjoyment of the rooms would lead her to be more welcoming of the idea of staying at the lodge with them.
“So which one would you like to stay in?” he asked after they’d toured them all.
Anna glanced around the room they were standing
in then said, “I think I’ll go for the first one. I really liked the feel of it.”
“You don’t have to worry about noise if you want to sleep in or if you want to stay up late,” Eli said as they left the room and headed down the hallway to the first room. “This place is solidly built and is very soundproof.”
He waited as Anna looked around the room again before she turned her attention back to him. “I guess I need to go get my stuff.”
They went back downstairs and then out to the truck. When he got to the cabin, Eli pulled past the police vehicle that was parked there and stopped. “Looks like they’re here to fingerprint the car.”
They greeted the two people who were standing next to the car and introduced themselves, then Eli turned to Anna and said, “I’ll wait out here while you pack up unless you need my help.”
“I’ll be fine. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“There’s no rush,” Eli assured her. “Take your time.”
Anna nodded then went up the stairs to the porch and disappeared inside.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Such a shame about the car,” the man who was watching the technician work said. “Don’t see many like these in town.”
Eli chatted with the men while he waited, glancing around the area every once in a while, wishing he could see something that might give him answers about who was behind the threats. If only things could be solved so easily.
It wasn’t very long before the cabin door opened, and Anna reappeared. She had the handle of a suitcase in one hand and a bag in the other. Eli went up the steps to the porch two at a time to reach her side.
“Let me.” Eli’s fingers brushed hers as he took the handle of the suitcase, then he held out his hand for the bag, which she easily relinquished to him.
“I decided to just bring everything.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” He liked the thought of her being closer to his family in case something happened. And closer to him too since he’d be staying in the lodge as well.
He carted the suitcase and bag to the truck then made a couple more trips back and forth as she brought out her other bags. When Anna came out with her final items, they said goodbye to the policeman and the tech then climbed into the truck.
“Do you mind if I go by my place so I can pick up a few things?”
She swung around to look at him, her eyes going wide. “I don’t mind at all.”
Eli knew she’d been wanting to see his workshop, and this might be a good time to show it to her. If nothing else, it would offer her a distraction from what was going on, and if giving up a piece of his privacy would help with that, he was happy to do it.
Starting the truck, he drove slowly up the winding road that led to his home and workshop. Anna didn’t say anything, but he heard her gasp as his place came into view.
“That is beautiful, Eli,” she said. “Did you design it yourself?”
“Basically. I worked with an architect to make sure that what I wanted was possible, and then I built it myself with some help from a few of the guys in town.”
He pulled to a stop in front of the stairs. “My workshop is at the back, so come on into the house. I’ll take you through.”
Anna was already out of the truck and waiting for him when Eli came around it. He led the way up to the front door and opened it for her. There was a sound of movement from the kitchen, and Anna came to a stop, glancing over at him.
“Don’t worry. That’s just Shadow.” Eli turned to see his dog amble into the room. He may move slower than he once had, but he was still alert.
“He’s beautiful,” Anna said as Shadow approached her. “What breed is he?”
“He’s a bit of a mutt, actually. We think he has a little husky, a little shepherd, and something else that gave him that solid black coloring. He’s ten years old now.”
Anna didn’t move as Shadow neared, just held out her hand. Shadow sniffed it then bumped her fingers with his head.
“He wants you to scratch his ears,” Eli said. “He’s a sucker for ear scratches.”
She lowered herself down on one knee and buried her fingers in the fur behind Shadow’s ears and gave him love. “Who’s a good dog?”
“He definitely is,” Eli said as he moved toward the kitchen. “Can I get you a drink?”
“A glass of water would be nice,” Anna said as she got to her feet and followed him, Shadow tagging along behind her. “This place is amazing.”
“It’s good enough for me,” Eli said with a shrug.
“It’s impressive that you built this yourself.”
“My grandfather—my mom’s dad—was a builder. He built the lodge, and he shared his knowledge with me. Woodworking was also his thing. I like to think I’m carrying on his legacy.”
“That’s wonderful that your grandfather passed that down to you.”
“I’m glad I have a skill that allows me to stay close to my family.” Eli slid the glass of water he’d poured her across the counter. “Let’s go out to the workshop. It’s through here.”
Eli led the way from the kitchen to the workshop, pausing to flip on the overhead lights. They cast a harsh glow over the space, but he needed them to offset the days when gray clouds blocked the sun, and gloom covered the mountain.
“What are you working on right now?” Anna asked as she moved toward the bench where the piece of wood he was currently working on sat.
“Someone from the town has asked me to make a hope chest for their daughter in preparation for her wedding next spring.”
“A hope chest?”
“Yes. Have you heard of them?”
“I have,” Anna said with a nod. “I just didn’t think anyone still used them.”
“This family had one that had been passed down through the generations, but it was lost in a house fire. They’ve given me pictures to recreate it, adding in a few things that will personalize it for their daughter.”
“An heirloom,” Anna mused as she ran her fingertips over the piece of wood that he’d begun carving that would eventually be the top of the chest. “That’s wonderful. I would have loved something like that to be passed down from my grandparents.”
“My mom has one, as does Norma. Since they’ve each ended up with more than one daughter, I’ve already made a couple for them.”
“Do you showcase your hope chests for people to order?”
“I don’t really showcase my work anywhere but the local gallery in town. They take a few of my smaller pieces and sell them there. My mom recommended me to this couple when they mentioned how disappointed they’d been to lose the heirloom chest in the fire. So, like with most of my work, it’s just word of mouth.”
He watched as Anna dipped her fingertips in the crevices he’d already created in the wood. It was like she was trying to absorb the pattern through her fingertips. Not just connecting with it through sight but through touch as well.
Swinging around to face him, she smiled and said, “I would love to see the final product.”
“This one won’t be done for a while, but you can see the ones I did already at the lodge.”
All the stress over the notes and vandalism was gone from her face as she looked around the rest of his workshop. He usually had a couple of projects on the go at one time. A larger one and a smaller one. Currently, he had the hope chest and a set of matching lamp bases to work on. The lamp bases would be going into the gallery in town.
With Christmas coming, he hoped to finish up a few more items to sell. Throughout the year, he worked on items in preparation for the holiday shoppers. He walked over to the expansive cabinet at one end of the workshop.
“Hey, come over here.” Anna appeared at his side as he opened the large doors of the cabinet. “I’ve been making these things for the Christmas market we have as well as to stock in the gallery closer to the holidays.”
“A Christmas market…” Anna stepped closer to the shelves of the cupboard. “These are amazing. You
made all of them?”
“Yes.” Eli crossed his arms, suddenly aware of how much he wanted her to like what he’d done.
“That’s a nativity scene, isn’t it?”
“I’ve found them to be quite popular. I make two or three sets each Christmas, and sometimes I get a couple of special orders throughout the year.”
“And these ornaments are exquisite.” Anna smiled at him. “I want to buy them all.”
“You’re not allowed,” Eli said with a chuckle. “Because then I’ll have nothing to sell at the Christmas market. However, if you want to come to the market and buy everything I have then, I won’t stop you.”
“Well, I just might do that then,” she said with a grin. “So you have a fall event and a Christmas one too?”
“Yep. The fall one is more of a carnival, while the Christmas one has lots of vendors selling things.”
“I bet they both bring in people from all around here,” Anna observed.
“They do. We have people who have booked in at the lodge for both of the events.” He motioned toward the door. “Speaking of which, we should probably head back before Mom starts to wonder what’s happened to us.”
Some of the joy on Anna’s face faded at the reminder of their destination. She nodded then headed out of the workshop to where Shadow waited for them.
“He doesn’t go into the workshop?” Anna asked as she stopped to run her fingers through his fur.
“No. I can wear protective gear when I need to, but Shadow can’t. It was just easier to train him to stay out of the workshop altogether.”
“He’s a smart dog.”
“That he is, and that’s the only reason he’s allowed to go to the lodge.” Eli stopped to pick up the dog’s empty food bowl and then dumped the water out of the other one. “He’ll be coming with us. He’s a good guard dog too.”
A Love So Real: A Christian Romance (New Hope Falls Book 1) Page 17
