by Donna Hill
“Dinner was great,” he said at the threshold. “We’ll have to swap recipes.”
“I’d like that.” Her throat felt so tight.
Connor hesitated. “Olivia… ”
“He doesn’t mean anything. He never did. I don’t know if it matters to you, but I need you to know that.”
Connor ran his tongue along his bottom lip. He nodded. “Thanks.”
“I guess that was a good way to get out of running before dawn,” Olivia said with a half smile.
Connor stepped up to her and slid his arm around her waist, pulled her close. “I’m going to go home, throw some things in a bag and then I’ll be back. We’ll talk, drink more wine, make more love and before dawn… ” He leaned down and lightly kissed her. “You good with that?”
She swallowed over the swell of emotion that lodged in her throat. “I’m good with that,” she whispered.
“See you in about an hour.”
Olivia stood in the doorway until Connor had driven off. This was scary. She was afraid — afraid of the steamrolling emotions that were hell-bent on running her over. Her eyes filled and she quickly blinked away the water. She couldn’t risk connecting, feeling, being a part of something that was destined to end. She closed the door and turned away. It was too late.
Chapter 13
It was still dark. Olivia snuggled down farther beneath her covers.
“Oh, no you don’t. Wake up, sleepyhead.”
Olivia groaned and blinked until she brought Connor into focus. “It’s dark,” she whined.
“It won’t be for long. Come on.”
“I used to like you,” she groaned, and threw the covers off.
“I’m wounded. I’ll meet you in the kitchen. I put on some coffee.”
She stuck out her tongue and trooped off to the bathroom.
* * *
After a quick cup of coffee they headed out. The world was still asleep. There was no rustle in the trees nor the melody of birds. Every now and again they passed a house with a tiny light in a window. Beyond that the two of them were entirely alone in the world as they slowly jogged along the path that led to the beach. An incredible sense of closeness enveloped Olivia, even more so than having Connor inside her body. The two of them against the world. A calm settled over her.
The air was crisp as a starched shirt, with a fresh-washed smell from the rain. The grass shimmered in the faint light that was beginning to awaken.
“You okay?” Connor asked.
“Yes… I am,” she said, and meant it.
Connor took her hand as they made a turn. Just beyond the rise the scent of salt water rose to meet them. They cleared the rise, and what appeared to be an uncharted world spread out before them.
Hovering like a halo above the gently rolling water the fledgling beams of gold and orange fanned out, tinting the sea a color she’d never before seen. They continued down the rise toward the sandy shore and along the beach.
Inch by inch a new day made its presence known, rising in a glorious ball of liquid fire. Olivia’s breath caught at the magnificence of the dawning. She slowed, stopped, captivated.
Connor smiled at the expression of wonder on her face and the way that the building light was reflected in her eyes.
“I’ve never seen a sunrise like this,” she said in a faraway voice. It was a feeling like none that she’d experienced before, almost spiritual.
“It’s quite amazing,” Connor said. “Makes you realize how insignificant we are with our petty troubles and silly agendas in the face of this kind of awesomeness.”
Her fingers tightened around his hand. Something inside her shifted. She turned to him. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Anytime.” He jutted his chin toward the stretch of beach. “Come on.”
* * *
“I’m going to head home first. Are you coming out to the site today?”
Olivia tucked her T-shirt into the waistband of her jeans. “I plan to a bit later. I have some writing that I need to get done and some calls to make.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do about the job offer?” He picked up his cell phone from the nightstand and slid it in the front pocket of his jeans.
She released a long breath. “I’m going to take the job if the offer is still open, with the understanding that it’s strictly business and nothing more.”
“How do you think he’ll take it?”
“Victor isn’t a man who takes kindly to being told no. But I don’t think he’d sacrifice a good business decision in order to stroke his ego.”
“So will this mean that you’ll be anchored in New York?”
“For the most part, but I will get to do some traveling.”
“Are you going to be okay with that? Seeing the world from behind a desk isn’t what you do, but maybe I’m wrong. I see you in the trenches.”
For a moment she was taken aback. Would she be satisfied overseeing projects and a staff rather than being up close and personal uncovering history? She’d spent most of her life searching and looking and hunting and seeking. Maybe it was time to see the trees instead of the forest.
“Maybe it’s time for a new beginning.”
Connor studied her tentative expression. “Be sure it’s what you want. Everything that glitters… ”
She half smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
He stepped up to her and pulled her close, lowered his head and gave her a slow, deep kiss that took her breath away. “See you later,” he murmured against her mouth.
All she could manage was a nod of her head.
* * *
Before she got too busy with the technical part of her job, she went through the house picking up and putting back. She stacked the dishwasher and put a load of clothes in the washing machine. Just as she was settling down to work her phone rang.
“Victor, hello.”
“I was hoping to hear from you before I had to leave. Have you come to a decision about the job?”
She steeled herself for his response. “I have.”
“And?”
“I appreciate the offer. I’m honored. But I’m not going to accept it.” And the moment the strange-sounding words were out of her mouth she wondered where they’d come from. Yet in the same breath of surprise there was a feeling of relief.
Silence hung between them. Olivia could see Victor’s cool sandy-toned skin deepening in color.
“I see. Well, no, I don’t see. This is a big career move for you. From there you could write your own ticket, seek out projects and get the funding. Think about all the good you could do.”
“I know. Believe me, I do.”
“Then, what the hell is it? Is it because of what I said about us? Don’t let your pride get in the way of—”
“Actually, no. Initially, I was going to accept the position and make it clear that it could only be business between us.”
“What changed?”
She thought about the question and the real implications of it. She thought about what Connor had said and the truth that was in his words. “I know I wouldn’t be happy going to meetings and worrying about budgets. It’s not what I got into this for.”
“Is there anything that I can do to change your mind? I’m sure the board would pay you whatever salary you asked for.”
“The old ‘money is no object’ ploy,” she said, tongue in cheek.
“That’s not what I meant. Well, if you’ve made up your mind there isn’t much more to say, is there? I hope you won’t regret this later.”
She could feel his frustration in the clipped sound of his voice and decided to let the comment slide. “Do you have any idea who else might be considered?”
“Th
ere were a few names tossed around. I’ll know more when I get back and let them know of your decision to turn them down.”
Olivia winced at the barb. “Have a safe trip, Victor. And thank you, really, for everything.”
“I’ll be in touch.” He disconnected the call.
Olivia sighed. Hopefully, she’d made the right decision. Deep in her spirit she believed that she had. As much as she had combed the globe in search of solving the mysteries of the world, she knew she could never stop searching. Uncovering the past, traveling in search of answers kept the emptiness of her past at bay. She wasn’t quite ready to give up the sanctuary of the hunt and be forced to face the abyss of her life, no matter how tempting the prestige or how high the salary.
She returned her attention back to the work at hand: clearly documenting the items that were contained in the leather folder. She took out her notebook, where she’d written down what she’d found and all the steps she’d taken, and transcribed that onto a computer file, which she then emailed to The Institute. She studied the images once again on the computer and tried to imagine what life must have been like for the Dayton family. What were they like and where had the family scattered? Why had they not wanted to maintain their history?
It was hard for her to grasp the notion that anyone with a legacy this impactful, one that changed the course of people’s lives, would not care about preserving it. Yet she shouldn’t be surprised. She saw it often, especially in areas that were predominately black. The stately brownstones in New York, in particular, once owned and cherished by black families and passed down, were often sold off by the grandkids, who were tempted by the extraordinary amount of money outsiders were willing to pay. So they took it, moved from the North and returned South almost as if they could somehow return to their roots — or at least the roots that they knew. Some would call it progress. She couldn’t.
* * *
Connor wiped sweat from the back of his neck and loaded another pallet of wood onto the truck. They were making good progress on the interior foundations. One of his main concerns on projects like these was safety. The buildings were not just old, they’d been in disrepair for decades. He didn’t want any ceilings or walls falling on his men. They had four more buildings to shore up and then the interior work could begin in earnest.
Jake caught up with him. “Hey, that Victor guy is up at the main building. Said he wanted to talk to you.”
Connor’s jaw tightened. “Did he say what he wanted?”
“No, just that he wanted to see you. Maybe it’s about that job up in New York.”
“No reason to get me involved. That’s Olivia’s decision.” Over coffee, earlier that morning, Jake had poked and prodded Connor about how things were going with him and Olivia. He’d been stingy with details but offered up enough for Jake to know that he cared about her. He’d also told him about her job offer and her decision to take it, playing down his feelings about it.
Connor loaded the pallet on the back of the truck, took off his gloves and stuck them in his back pocket. Several things were running through his head about Victor’s unannounced visit and he didn’t like any of them. “Take this truck down to building twelve. The guys are waiting on this wood.”
“Sure. Hey, you cool? You want me to come with you? I can send someone else with the truck.”
“Naw. I’m good. He’ll be safe with me,” he said, half in jest, and began the short walk to the main building.
Victor was waiting out front, starched and polished. Connor had never seen one individual look so out of place.
“Mr. Randall, what can I do for you today?” he asked as he walked up on Victor.
Victor lifted his chin and offered a mock smile. “I was hoping to get a moment of your time.”
“I’m here. So take your moment.” He folded his arms across his chest and planted his feet.
Victor cleared his throat. “Olivia informed me this morning that she wasn’t going to take the position at The Institute.”
Connor masked his surprise. “And you felt the need to tell me, because… ”
“Olivia is extremely talented, brilliant, actually. This position will open a world of opportunity for her that I don’t think she is taking into consideration.” He lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked directly at Connor. “I was hoping that you would talk to her and help her to change her mind.”
“What makes you think that I can change her mind?”
“I’m not a stupid man, Mr. Lawson.”
They both understood what he meant.
“I may have put her off with… caveats that she… was unwilling to concede. Those are off the table.” He cleared his throat again. “All I want is the best for Olivia.” He paused. “And I think you do, too.” He extended his hand to Connor.
Connor stared at the olive branch for a moment and then extended his as well for a firm shake.
Victor gave a tight-lipped smile and a short nod of his head and walked off toward his car.
At that moment a light breeze could have knocked Connor over as he watched Victor walk away.
Chapter 14
Olivia arrived at the site in the late afternoon and went in search of Connor. One of the workers pointed her in the direction of the building at the far end of the property, the one where she’d found the folder. She grabbed a hard hat from the hook outside the door and went inside.
Several of the crew were inside, refitting the rafters of the shack. The spotlights were on, saws were buzzing, hammers were hammering. There were power wires and tools spread around the space and the hearty sound of men at work. Olivia spotted Connor at the back of the room, giving direction to the team that was hoisting the ceiling beam. She stood out of the way and waited until he was satisfied with the positioning. When he turned around the serious lines around his eyes and mouth softened when he saw her. A smile crept across his mouth. He walked toward her and his Southern upbringing almost had him taking off his hat in the presence of a lady, but he remembered where he was and good sense prevailed.
“You made it.” He walked up to her. “Kind of busy in here today.”
“I see.” She glanced up. “Great job. Looks just like the original.”
“We try,” he said with a grin. “Let’s step outside.” He led her out. “So what are you going to work on today?”
“I was hoping I might get lucky and uncover some other treasures.” She smiled. “I’ll be examining the old schoolhouse.”
“The foundation and roof have been done on that building so you should be fine. I can send down one of the power lamps if you need it.”
“That would be great. Thanks.” She reached out and touched his arm, took a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, and said, “I told him no.”
“I know,” Connor said softly.
Olivia frowned. “What do you mean, you know?”
“Victor was here a couple of hours ago. He told me.”
Olivia blinked in surprise. “He was here? Why in the world would he come here to tell you that?”
“He asked for my help. He wants me to convince you to take the job.”
“He wants you to convince me? Why would he think that you would?”
“According to him, ‘he’s not a stupid man,’” Connor said, the innuendo clear.
Olivia flushed.
“What made you change your mind? This morning you said you would take it.”
“The words flowed out of my mouth without me thinking about it and when I heard them I knew I’d made the right decision — for me.”
He stepped closer. “You’re sure?”
She nodded.
“Then, my job is done,” he teased.
Olivia laughed. “Anyway, I should get to work.”
“Listen, I was thinking that maybe we could
do a dinner cruise tonight if you’re up for it.”
Her eyes brightened. “Sure.”
“I’ll call and make reservations. Seven good?”
“Perfect.” And Desiree said he didn’t date.
“I’ll see you later.” He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips.
“People will talk,” she whispered.
“Let them.”
Her heart leaped in her chest as he strolled back inside.
* * *
“I’m going to have to start shopping for outfits if this keeps up,” Olivia said to Desiree as they walked to the day spa that was located on The Port’s premises.
“Told you that you were special.”
Olivia’s face warmed.
“How is your research coming?”
“Great!” She told Desiree about her find of the folder and her discoveries earlier in the day in the old schoolhouse. “There were some very worn notebooks with what looks like children’s work. Most of the writing is faded but it all has value. Old desks and chairs, and I found an actual abacus.”
“Wow. That’s amazing. There is so much history here at the harbor. When I first moved out here to be with Lincoln, I had no idea the impact that African-Americans had on the area.”
“I know. With this restoration and the ephemera that I’m finding, there’s no telling what long-term effects it will have on the area.”
“What do you mean?” Desiree opened the glass door that led to the spa.
“Once the homestead is fully restored, it will certainly get landmark status, the value of the surrounding community will go up and it will bring in tourists, which is a boon to the economy.”
“Never thought of it that way, but you’re right.”
They stepped inside the spa. There were two other women waiting, reading magazines, swathed in thick white terry-cloth robes.
Layla stepped in from the back room. Her face lit up when she saw Desiree. “Hey, lady, how are you? Did you have an appointment?”
“No. But I wanted you to meet Olivia Gray.”
