“Yes, unfortunately she talked me into it.”
“No, no, that’s very fortunate for us,” Sam said. “You’ll be a huge asset to our event.”
When another member asked about the number of country ham sandwiches needed, she looked over at Brody again and saw him scribbling words on a Post-It notepad. He appeared to write a few words, flip to the next page, and write a few more. While the meeting droned on around her, she continued watching Brody, whose concentration was solely on the words he was writing on the yellow paper. She looked away when he stopped and settled his gaze on her.
“It looks as though we’ll be able to take possession of the building next week.” A pencil-thin gentleman with white hair was reading from his notes. “We can move most of our activities to the new building even though there’s still a lot more work to be done. We’ve already identified which rooms need renovated and that work should begin shortly after closing. Our first payment on the million-dollar insurance policy is due on the twelfth.”
“Excuse me,” Kate interrupted the man’s report with a tip of her hand. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name, but did you say one million dollars of coverage?”
“My name is Arthur Hansrote and yes, ma’am, I did say one million.”
“Is that just on the building itself?” she asked.
“No, it covers liability as well.”
“You can’t be serious.” Kate looked around at the blank faces around the table. “Who gave you such a ridiculously low quote? Let me just look—” She started a search for recommended coverage on her phone’s browser.
“Why now, we feel confident this will be plenty of coverage in the event of an emergency,” Arthur said. She sensed his hackles rising. “Our program has never had a claim in the five years we’ve been in existence and we don’t anticipate having any in the future.”
“Right, only the first time someone slips and falls on the icy sidewalk, you’re going to have a lawsuit on your hands.” She buried her nose in her research, lightning-fast fingers tapping the cell phone screen.
A plump, rosy-cheeked woman sitting at the end of the table cleared her throat. “Well, now, Kate—oh, I’m Darla by the way. I’m not sure how things are done where you’re from, but here in Highland Springs, people aren’t quick to sue, especially a place like the community center, which is such a blessing to the children in our area.”
“I appreciate the fact that the center is blessed, Darla,” Kate said as she continued to scroll through her phone. “But the truth is even with all the love and support of your community, accidents will happen and people will want to be compensated.” She leaned her elbows on the table and pointedly looked at each person around the table—all except Brody, whose eyes she could feel searing into her. “I guarantee when one of the children falls on the slick basketball court, cracks his head on the floor or breaks his leg, his family will sue for compensatory damages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and pecuniary loss, past and future. It won’t be cheap.”
“That’s if they don’t have insurance, right?” Sam asked.
“It won’t matter if they have insurance or not. The massive payout will be the same.”
“I can’t believe this.” Arthur slapped his hand on the table and his scarlet cheeks seemed to swell.
“Believe it, Arthur. There are cases like what I’m describing all the time. Look here,” she said, gesturing to her phone. “Here’s an example of what a lawsuit can do to a place like this. ‘Final arguments were presented today in the case of Tyler v Charles County Parks and Recreation, in which a twelve-year-old boy fell twenty-five feet from a rock climbing wall resulting in paralysis from the neck down. His family is suing the center for ten million dollars.’” Holding out the phone, she rotated it around the table to prove her point. “Let me see if I can find a follow-up report with the decision.”
She went back to scrolling, but stopped when she noticed the heavy silence in the room. A chill ran down her spine; their dead stares and slack jaws were centered on her. Surely, they understood when something bad happens to a child, it was only natural to want to assign blame. It was just the way of the world.
Kate looked around the table, hoping to see someone who connected with her example, who understood her reasoning. But each person dropped their gaze when she tried to meet it—everyone but Brody. His lips were pressed to a thin line and his stare was dark. Their eyes locked for a moment, but Kate tore hers away when the chairman cleared his throat.
At last, Sam broke the silence. “Well, I’m not sure what to say. I guess we should look into this a bit further.”
“That’s ridiculous. Our budget is tight. The insurance premiums are going to kill us as it is,” Arthur said.
“Look, I don’t mean to frighten you, but I’ve seen it before, worked on similar cases,” Kate said.
“I don’t think we’re frightened, young lady, just surprised you think we’d be so neglectful,” Arthur said.
“Let’s focus on the positive,” Darla said. “I mean, we shouldn’t let modern technology keep us from caring about one another.” Her eyes focused on Kate’s phone.
“All I’m saying is you need to seriously reconsider your coverage and find a way to pay for additional insurance.”
“Young lady—”
“How much do you charge for your activities?” Kate scooted to the edge of her seat, interrupting Arthur’s next tongue-lashing.
“Um, well, we don’t charge much. We want the community center to be available to everyone, regardless of income,” Sam said.
“Maybe it’s time to review your fee schedule. There is money out there. Have you looked into grants? Have you established an endowment fund? Do you have regularly scheduled donations? Do you have governmental support?”
“We’ve been very blessed with generous donations. I personally think God will provide all we need.” Darla’s tiny voice could barely be heard over the rustle of papers and nervous coughs.
“You better pray he keeps on providing enough to cover your insurance premiums at the very least.” Kate was losing patience with their naiveté. She let out a heavy sigh and sat back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.
“That’s downright disrespectful, young lady,” Arthur said, once again slapping his palm down on the table. Angry voices erupted, all talking at once.
Brody stood up and buttoned his jacket before raising his hand. “Excuse me, folks, but I think she’s right.” He waited until the chatter stopped. “Times have changed and we can’t ignore our potential liability. How about I ask my attorney what he’d recommend and then get some more insurance estimates?”
I’m an attorney, Kate fumed. What’s wrong with asking me?
“Brody, that’s so sweet of you.” Darla beamed.
“We wouldn’t want to put you out now, Brody,” Sam said.
“It’s not a problem. I’ll be glad to look into it and report back at our next meeting.”
“Tremendous. Finally the voice of reason.” Arthur reached across the table and shook Brody’s hand before stabbing a hostile glare at Kate.
So now Brody was going to be a hero and calm all the board members’ fears by talking to his attorney. Why would a lumberjack who lived out in the sticks with his dog need an attorney? She looked closer at him, taking in the well-tailored jacket and leather portfolio lying on the table in front of him. Who was Brody Fisk?
SEVEN
As soon as the meeting was over, Brody watched Kate gather the stack of fundraiser posters and hurry out of the room, not stopping to say goodbye. He caught up to her in the parking lot as she tossed the posters into her grandmother’s car.
“Katherine.” She leaned into the car and came back out with a heavy leather bag in her hand. He skipped out of the way to avoid getting hit by the swinging satchel. “You rushed out of there pretty fast.”
“Didn’t seem like anyone wanted to swap recipes with me, did it?” Her anger blazed in the deep crease between her
brows and flush of her cheeks. She slammed the door and marched toward the sidewalk. He rushed to catch up with her.
“They just don’t understand. In their minds, Highland Springs is still a small town. Hasn’t changed since—”
“They better wake up and realize this isn’t Mayberry anymore. They have chain restaurants and the internet. This town has been dragged into the twenty-first century, whether it likes it or not.” Kate stepped into the intersection, ignoring the Don’t Walk sign, dodging between oncoming traffic.
“You didn’t exactly make it easy on yourself,” he said as he caught up with her outside the coffee shop.
“What? Oh, because I didn’t sugarcoat the truth for them?” She whirled around and pinned him with a dark stare.
“I’m just saying a little patience and understanding go a long way.”
She opened the door to Sit and Sip, the local version of a Starbucks, not bothering to hold it for him. “Wait,” he said.
“What?”
“I, um…” He took a step back. Damn, she was intimidating. That wrinkle in her forehead and fire in her eyes made his pulse quicken. The other night in the bar, before everything went to hell, he’d started to enjoy her company, had suddenly and completely realized how beautiful she was. Damned if she wasn’t even more beautiful angry—and a little terrifying to boot. Why the hell didn’t he pay attention to the warning bells and back off? “I wanted to talk about the other night.”
“I’d rather not.”
“I wanted to apolo—”
“A venti caramel macchiato, skim milk, no whip.” Kate barked out her order, ignoring his apology, as she thumbed across her cell phone. He noticed the blank look on the cashier’s face and was just about to translate when Kate spoke up.
“Do I need to repeat myself?” She glared at the cashier, who was beginning to wither under the intense heat.
“I don’t know what a macchiato is.”
She leaned across the counter and lifted the largest paper cup from a stack beside the cashier. “Take a large cup.” She handed the cup to the cashier. “Fill it with foamy milk, add two shots of espresso, top it off with caramel and no whipped cream. Does this sound familiar?”
“Yes, but I think we’re out of caramel,” the cashier squeaked. Brody could have been mistaken, but it looked like the cup shook briefly in her hand.
“How can a coffee shop be out of caramel?” With each pronouncement, her voice grew louder and more patrons turned to gawk. He stepped in front of Kate and smiled at the cashier.
“Brittany, just give Ms. McNamara a large vanilla latte with no whipped cream, please. That’ll be fine.”
“Excuse me.” Kate nudged in front of Brody and turned on him. “I can handle this, thank you very much.”
“I don’t think you’re handling it at all.” He brushed her aside and ordered a small coffee with cream for himself, as he reached for his wallet.
“I can buy my own coffee,” she said.
“You’re obviously having a bad day. Let me get it for you.”
“How do you know I’m having a bad day?”
“Well, I hope to god you’re not like this just because.” He handed the cashier a ten and mumbled under his breath. “Although it’s starting to seem that way.”
With an audible huff, Kate stormed across the coffee shop and sat at a corner table, seemingly oblivious to the stares cast her way. Brody rested his back against the counter while he waited for the coffees. Kate pulled her laptop from her bag, slammed it on the table, and then drew out a stack of file folders. Her high stress level was apparent to everyone in the café, but he doubted she’d get any sympathy
“Here.” He handed over her coffee, though she didn’t bother looking up to acknowledge him. He waited while she rapidly tapped the keys of her laptop. He waited a full minute, counting the seconds off in his head, before pushing the laptop closed. Her attention snapped to him like a lightning bolt. “Let me give you a piece of advice,” he said, leaning in over the computer until he was just inches from her face. “This behavior may work in DC, but not here. People don’t give a shit if you’re stressed or overworked or unhappy if you’re rude to them. Show a little kindness and respect, and they’ll be your best friend.”
“Is that so?” He could see the fluttering pulse in the soft divot at the base of her throat.
“Yeah. Try to be more pleasant. Your time in Highland Springs will go a lot easier.”
“I’ll try to remember that. Now,” Kate lifted the screen and looked pointedly at him. “I have work to do.”
Brody released a loud sigh and scratched his forehead as he looked into her emerald green eyes. She was the most impetuous, haughty, tough-as-nails woman he’d ever met and if he knew what was good for him, he’d run for the hills. Still, for some reason, he was drawn to her. What he felt was equal parts dislike and desire—a lethal combination. Ever since their pool game Friday night, he’d been replaying how snarky, funny, and gorgeous she was without really trying. He felt guilty about carrying the joke too far; he’d obviously crossed a line, but he wasn’t sure which one. She was invading his every waking moment, and if he knew what was good for him, he’d avoid her at all costs.
“Kate, you work on the jury instructions; Jason, start formulating the first set of witness questions, and we’ll meet again on Friday. How does that sound?” Patrick Stone efficiently doled out assignments before closing the file in front of him.
“You got it,” Kate smiled at the laptop camera while typing a few notes. Regular trial prep meetings were held in Patrick’s office, but today it was taking place in a conference room so that she could participate via video conferencing.
Patrick pulled off his reading glasses and leaned toward the camera, his face filling her screen. “How’s it going out there in west-by-god?”
“Going well, thank you. My grandmother is improving.”
“Any idea when you’ll be back?”
“Well, um, the thing is…she, um, needs me.” How could she tell him that when it came to her grandmother, she was a total pushover? Two days after the Sit and Sip fiasco, she had tried to tell her grandmother she needed to get back to DC. Somehow she’d ended up agreeing instead to stay at least until her grandmother was back at home and feeling confident on her own. The woman had a power over her that no one else ever had. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard the echo of a line from a movie about love making people do crazy things—like jeopardize promotions, for example. “It’s complicated.”
“I understand. Although not ideal, we’re moving along with trial prep on schedule. Just keep me posted as soon as you have a date. I want you in court,” Patrick said.
“Absolutely. Wouldn’t want to miss it.” She held her breath and her smile until he finally disconnected. How could she keep putting Patrick off? He had been more than patient with her, but soon she feared he wouldn’t even consider giving her the promotion. She’d met all her deadlines, kept up with her billable hours, but still, the fact that she wasn’t in the office working alongside the staff gave her reason to believe she’d get passed over.
A loud crash echoed through the house. She snapped the laptop closed and ran to the front door. When she swung the door open, she found an enormous stack of lumber piled in the yard.
“What in the world?”
“Good morning.”
Jumping at the sound of his voice, she stepped onto the porch to find Brody walking toward her, his arms full with several planks of lumber. He dropped them on the existing pile and pulled off his leather gloves.
“What are you doing?”
“Didn’t your grandmother tell you? I’m building a ramp, you know, to make it easier for her to get in.”
“No, she didn’t tell me.”
“That’s funny. She told me yesterday when I was there she’d let you know during your evening visit.” He lifted his ball cap, ran his hand through his hair, and repositioned it on his head.
“I didn’t ma
ke it over there last night.”
“Oh?”
“I had work to do. We’re preparing for an important trial.” She didn’t like the look he was giving her, silent and expressionless but still somehow…accusing. “Don’t give me that look.”
“I’m not giving you a look.”
“Yes, you are. I can tell you’re disappointed or shocked or something.” With her fingers twisting in knots, she drew up taller and gave him her most confident glare. “I have important work to do. I can’t be expected to visit her every single day.”
“I didn’t say you did, but—”
“I’m up for a promotion and her accident couldn’t have come at a worse time.”
“Accidents aren’t usually scheduled.” Brody slapped his leather gloves, one against the other. He turned away from her, but not before she saw sadness wash over his face. “It’d be nice if they were.”
“Oh?” She cleared her throat, all her bravado gone as she realized she’d struck a nerve. “Did you know someone in a serious accident?”
“Yeah.” He tilted his face to the cloud-covered sky and squeezed his eyes shut. He released a heavy sigh and slapped his gloves together once more. “Good friend of mine. Wish I could have visited him in rehab.”
“Did he die?”
“Yes.” Still looking anywhere but at her, Brody slipped the leather over his hands. “Better get back to it. I don’t want to keep you.”
She knew exactly how he felt, having lost her father suddenly to an accident. Strange that she’d not considered her grandmother’s fall could have been much worse. “You’re not bothering me.”
“What, no work to do?”
Self-conscious of her daily mantra, she chuckled. “Always.” She stepped back to the door, turning to him before she went inside. “I’ll be sure to visit Gram this afternoon.”
“She’ll appreciate it.” He turned back toward the truck and picked up some more planks.
Kate entered the house, slowly shutting the door behind her. She lifted the sheer curtain just an inch and peeked outside at him still unloading lumber. There was so much she didn’t know about him, and it seemed each time they spoke she discovered something new. She was so ready to feel defensive, to write off the guilt she thought he was trying to make her feel…but then he mentioned his friend, and all those feelings just sort of melted away. She knew what it was like to lose someone without warning.
Whatever You Say Page 6
