by Alison Stone
“One of us will be down in a minute,” Kathryn said. The man closed the door as he left.
Peter got to his feet, his glare dark and penetrating. “Think of a guy like Bill. He has five young children and a good-paying job. No other company in town can pay him what he makes here. He doesn’t have a college degree.”
Kathryn leaned back in her chair, folding her hands in front of her. “We have to explore all our options. We have to think positively.”
Peter shook his head and jerked his thumb toward the door. “I have to handle OSHA.”
The office door clicked closed, leaving Kathryn and Benjamin alone, an awkward silence settling over them.
Benjamin spoke first. “It’s a waste of time to meet with Xenon. I’m never going to sell my share of the company.” He pushed back his chair and stood. He strode to the window and scanned the plant floor. His muscles tensed under his white dress shirt.
He had some nerve. “Your mother vacations in Florida. Her summers are spent in a gorgeous home. All built with the company’s money.” A familiar resentment burned in her gut.
“And?” Benjamin turned on his heel, his eyes snapping with anger.
“My mother is living in a little house that hasn’t seen updates since lime green was vogue.” She fisted her hands. “I want to take the money from the sale and give it to my mother. I want to give her what my father couldn’t…a happy retirement.”
“What about the employees and their retirement?” Benjamin pressed the heels of his hands into his temples, moving them in a circular motion.
“I’m not taking any of that away.”
“You aren’t?” His words cut through her. He flung open the office door. The doorknob bounced off the standard-issue beige wall.
Kathryn stared at the open door. The cacophony of sounds from the plant floor ratcheted up a notch. She hadn’t taken orders from anyone in a long time. She wasn’t about to start now. She picked up the phone on her desk and punched in a number.
“Xenon Corporation,” an energetic woman’s voice chirped across the line.
“Yes, this is Kathryn McNabb from Midport Industries calling to confirm a scheduled meeting.”
Chapter Eight
The next morning, Kathryn decided she needed a little break from the plant. Maybe give Benjamin a chance to cool down. So she agreed to go into town with Betsy to pick up a few supplies for the diner. Apparently, Mrs. Thompson, the owner, usually went with Betsy, but she wasn’t feeling well.
As Kathryn pushed the cart, her sister chatted nonstop about the plans she had for the diner. She was trying to convince Mrs. Thompson to sell it to her.
“She’s ready to retire and she has grandkids in North Carolina and she’d have more time to visit them.” Betsy’s words poured out in one long sentence. As much as Kathryn tried, she couldn’t see how this was a good idea. Betsy would probably lose her shirt, not to mention she’d be trapped in this town.
Fearing she’d further alienate her little sister, she decided to plaster on a happy face and pretend to be excited. What are the chances she’ll get funding for this crazy venture anyway?
“If Mrs. Thompson agreed to sell, where would her grandson, David, go?” Kathryn grimaced. “You’d be stuck with that annoying guy forever.”
Betsy waved her hand. “He’s not so bad.” She shrugged. “But I’m sure he’d finally find his own place if Mrs. Thompson moved out of the apartment above the diner.” Her sister stretched to reach a bulk pack of paper towel. She tossed it into the cart. “I’ll take each step as it comes.”
Kathryn started pushing the shopping cart again as Betsy went on about her plans for new menu items and how she hoped to get away for a few days with her girlfriends—if Mrs. Thompson could spare her. It might be her last vacation for a while if she got the diner. Betsy was a ball of energy.
Inwardly, Kathryn smiled. Her overly controlling personality didn’t allow her to relate to her little sister’s carefree attitude. A tiny part of her was envious.
After what seemed like forever, Betsy finished shopping and they headed outside. Squinting against the brilliant sunshine, Kathryn searched the parking lot for her sister’s car. The trees lining the lot were in their peak autumn colors. Normally a day like today would refresh her spirit. However, the foreboding in her gut stole the placid feel of an otherwise beautiful day. No matter how many times she reasoned away the negative thoughts, they kept resurfacing.
What should I do about the plant? Will Mom have enough money to live comfortably? Will Betsy ever escape the diner?
She bit her tongue. Her longtime absence gave her no right to force her opinions on her sister. If she pushed the issue, her sister would dig in her heels. She didn’t want any more conflict right now.
They were sisters, after all.
When they reached the car, Betsy spun around, a sparkle in her eye. “Wow, today I saw a side of my sister I’ve never seen.” Her eyebrows arched, registering her delighted surprise. “I’ve never known you to play hooky. Thanks for coming with me.” She pulled Kathryn into a tight hug. “It meant a lot.”
She held her sister’s thin frame. “What are big sisters for?” Her voice cracked over the last two words.
A low, deep roar vibrated through Kathryn as she released her sister. She discretely wiped a tear, not realizing how much she had missed her. A red sports motorcycle pulled up. She narrowed her gaze at the man dismounting the bike. A helmet and visor concealed his face. But his broad shoulders, hands and posture gave Benjamin away even before he removed his helmet. A swirl of excitement coiled deep inside, and her cheeks grew warm.
“Hey, ladies.” He tugged off his helmet and a wide smile lit his face. “Someone hungry?” His attention shifted past Kathryn and landed on the shopping cart.
Betsy laughed. “This is extra stuff for the diner that Mrs. Thompson forgot to order from our supplier.”
“Open the trunk. I’ll load the groceries for you.” When he was done, he turned to Kathryn. “Want to go for a ride?”
“Why aren’t you at work?” Her random question was a feeble attempt to avoid answering his. No way would she get on that. The sleek motorcycle had a narrow seat. She’d have to squeeze behind Benjamin, wrap her arms around his waist and risk becoming one with the pavement. Dread coursed down her spine. She didn’t normally consider herself a chicken, but she’d happily own the title if it let her off the hook.
“I suppose I could ask you why you’re not at work.” He tilted his head. “Come on. Since we’re both playing hooky anyway.”
Kathryn fingered the collar of her shirt. “You want me to take a ride on that?” The high-pitched tone of her voice scraped across her brain. She couldn’t help it.
Benjamin hitched a shoulder.
“I already have a ride.” She jerked her thumb toward her sister’s car.
“Actually,” Betsy said, taking a few steps backward, “I should get to the diner. It would be a huge help if Benjamin took you home. I didn’t realize how late it was.” She glanced at her wrist even though Kathryn knew she wasn’t wearing a watch. Betsy opened the car door and slipped in.
“Wait, Betsy,” Kathryn said. “I—” Betsy slammed the door shut and started the engine.
“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun,” he interrupted her protest. “I promise I’ll take good care of you.”
Kathryn glanced at the powerful bike, then back toward the perfectly safe four-door sedan. Her breath came out in a whoosh. “Okay.”
She stood, stunned into silence, as she watched him unstrap the extra helmet from the back of the bike. An extra helmet. Lucky her. Poof. Her last excuse evaporated.
She stared almost trancelike as her sister pulled out of the parking space, gave her a quick wave and sped toward the exit.
Her hands tingled and her stomach twisted into knots. She took a step and bumped into Benjamin. Her head spun with dizzy anticipation. Heaven help her.
“Are you okay?” Benjamin grabbed her upper arm to ste
ady her.
“And if I said no?”
“Oh, come on, you’ll be fine. Haven’t you ever ridden a motorcycle?”
She shook her head. She wasn’t exactly a take-your-life-in-your-hands kind of girl. He slipped the helmet over her head.
“You only live once.” And hopefully my once isn’t up.
Benjamin threw a leg over the seat and grabbed the handlebars. He raised his eyebrows, beckoning her to get on the bike. An inviting smile lit his eyes.
She forced a tight smile despite the sheer terror pumping through her veins. The very real possibility of throwing up crossed her mind. Her feet seemed anchored to the ground. In a burst of courage, she swung a leg over the seat and got into position behind him. Thank goodness I didn’t wear a skirt. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she sent up a silent prayer. Don’t let me be road kill.
“Put your feet on the foot pegs,” he hollered over his shoulder. “And most importantly, when we turn, lean with me, not against.”
Kathryn gulped and nodded, doubtful he saw her acknowledgment.
Lean with him. Lean with him. Lean with him. This became her mantra, as if by focusing on this and only this, she’d forget the panic threatening to overwhelm her.
Benjamin turned the key and pushed the start button. The engine roared to life. The inevitability of what she was about to do dispelled some of the fear. No backing out now. She hugged him closer, her helmet brushing against his leather jacket. She felt his subtle movements as he twisted the throttle and worked the clutch. The bike eased onto the road. A deep hum reverberated through her. She closed her eyes.
As the bike picked up speed, she ventured a peek. Trees, people, parked cars all whizzed by. The butterflies in her stomach flew in a frenzy. She squeezed her eyes closed again and tightened her grip around Benjamin’s waist. She inhaled the clean air mixed with the rich smell of leather. She was soaring.
The bike slowed and made a turn. Lean with him. Kathryn opened her eyes and eased her death grip. Gravel crunched under the bike’s tires. The leaves of the maple trees dotting the narrow greenway between the parking lot and the lake had turned a deep crimson, brushed with veins of gold. The rich green grass extended out to the narrow rocky beach. The dark, churning lake waters reminded her winter was knocking on the door. The distinct smell of algae reached her nose, taking her back to her youth and the days spent at the beach. A smile pulled at her lips.
The bike stopped. Reaching behind him, Benjamin patted her on the thigh. “You did it and lived to tell. Can you hop off?”
“Sure.” She slid awkwardly from the bike. Her knees bent briefly, numb from the bike’s vibration. Relief swept over her to be finally standing on terra firma.
She watched as he climbed off the bike, shoved down the kickstand and removed his helmet. Tugging at her helmet, a new emotion heated her cheeks. The darn helmet is stuck.
“Let me help.” One side of his full mouth tipped up in amusement. He released the chinstrap with nimble fingers, his green eyes intently focused on the task. With hands on both sides of the helmet, he pulled it upward. She winced as it moved over her ears with a sucking, scraping sound—and then she was free.
“Yikes.” She pressed her cool fingers to her ears and rubbed.
Chuckling, Benjamin set the two helmets on top of the bike seat. “How’d you like the ride?”
“I’m in one piece.”
“High praise.” He tipped his head toward the small dock at the edge of the lake. “Let’s go for a walk.”
When they got to the edge of the dock, Benjamin was the first to speak. “We have to come to some sort of agreement.”
She braced her hands on the wooden rail. Staring across the water, she savored the cool autumn breeze across her face. “I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders right now.”
Benjamin stood next to her, his shoulder grazing hers. “You do have a lot going on. But I’ve never met a more capable woman.”
She inclined her head to get a better look at his face. She reached out and touched his forehead with the back of her hand. “Was that a compliment? Are you feeling okay? Or are you trying to butter me up so I don’t keep bugging you about selling Midport Industries?”
He shifted to stand squarely in front of her, a serious expression on his face. “You are strong. You’ve been through a lot. I don’t necessarily agree with everything. But in the end, you remained true to yourself.”
She opened her mouth, ready to argue, then decided to be gracious instead. “Thank you.” Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she ducked her head and moved down the bike path.
Benjamin caught up and walked in step with her. “Sorry I stormed out yesterday after you mentioned Xenon.”
She turned her face toward the lake, fearing he’d read the truth in her eyes. “No problem.” Easy for her to say. She still planned to meet with the potential buyer, despite his reservations. She had to act now. Convince him later.
“We need to talk about this because we’re in it together.”
Kathryn bit her lower lip. “For now.”
“Maybe we should save the business talk for later and enjoy the afternoon.”
Relieved not to get into another argument, she strolled alongside Benjamin. Her mind wandered. Where would we be today if our paths hadn’t split that fateful night? Would she still have had a successful career? Would he have followed his passion for motocross? Would they have outgrown their youthful relationship all the same?
A young child playing in the distance caught her attention. A little girl with curly dark hair in a jumbled mess peeked out from behind a tree. A woman pretended to cover her eyes and count.
When the woman got to ten, the small child bolted from her hiding spot and ran toward Kathryn as fast as her little legs would carry her. The ebony-haired girl grabbed Kathryn’s legs, surprising her. Instinctively, she reached down and touched the silky curls.
Benjamin crouched down. “Hey, Abby. Did your mom bring you to the park?”
“Abby? Peter’s little girl?” Of course. Kathryn hadn’t recognized her at first.
Benjamin nodded, and she followed his gaze to a woman with black curly hair like her daughter’s. “Hello, Benjamin. I thought that was you.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
The woman reached for Abby, who clung even tighter to Kathryn. “No nap,” the little girl cried. “No nap.”
“I’m sorry about this,” the woman said to Kathryn. She took Abby’s hand and gently pulled her into an embrace. “Come on, sweetheart.”
Abby wrapped her hands around her mother’s neck and buried her head. The woman stroked the child’s hair. An unexpected longing tugged at Kathryn’s heart.
“Kathryn McNabb, this is Meg Hill, Peter’s wife,” Benjamin said, introducing the women. “Kathryn is my new business partner.”
Meg smiled. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Kathryn said. When she shook Meg’s hand, little Abby lurched forward, reaching for her again. She allowed the child to crawl into her arms.
Meg patted her daughter’s back. “Wow, I’ve never seen her do that with a stranger. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s okay.” Abby played with Kathryn’s braid. “I never thought of myself as a kid magnet.”
“Katie and I grew up together.” Benjamin playfully tugged on one of Abby’s curls. “We use to play hide and seek just like you.” His eyes lifted to meet Kathryn’s. “Remember?”
Kathryn’s mood brightened at the memory. “Our dads would have killed us if they knew. We played inside the plant. Remember when I hid inside the paint room?”
Benjamin laughed. The sun captured the yellow flecks in his green eyes. “You had a long black stripe running down the side of your sleeve.”
Kathryn shook her head. “Go figure. I leaned against the wall.” Her mind drifted back to that day. A lifetime ago.
Little Abby wiggled out of Kathryn’s arms and ran toward a nearby picnic bench.
“She’s a beautiful little girl,” Kathryn whispered. “I’m happy for Peter. He has been through so much.”
Benjamin nodded. “Funny where life takes you.” He peered intently into Kathryn’s eyes, unnerving her. “Like here.”
“I never planned on coming back.”
Benjamin flinched ever so subtly. She wondered if she imagined it.
“We do what we have to do.” He turned away and started walking.
“You do have a choice,” she said when she caught up to him. “Sell the company. Then we can both go back to what we love.” Her words rang false. What was to love about her life in Buffalo? She had a high-powered job from which she was on leave and a beautiful home, but she was alone.
By choice, she reminded herself. Alone couldn’t hurt you.
“I promised my father.” Benjamin shoved his fists into his leather jacket.
“You promised him what? That you’d live a life you didn’t want?” She grabbed his arm, demanding he meet her eyes. “Motorcycles are your passion. I can see that.”
“I do miss the motorcycle shop and track,” he said, a wistful tone of distant memories edging his voice. “Maybe once things are settled I’ll be able to leave Peter in charge while I float back and forth between here and Atlanta.” His eyes lit with excitement.
“Let’s sell the place. Forget about trying to do both.”
“Don’t ruin a beautiful afternoon.” By the dark and brooding look in his eyes, she feared she already had.
“I need to get back.”
“Now?”
“Yes.” She didn’t want to explain. She hadn’t had to explain herself to anyone for anything in a long, long time. She wasn’t about to start now.
“Why are you in such a hurry to sell the plant?” Benjamin stopped on the path. A bicyclist pedaled past, flicking his wrist in a friendly wave.
Instinctively, Kathryn waved back. She watched him for a brief moment before crossing her arms over her chest. “My family has waited long enough. My mom’s not getting any younger.” She searched the shimmering water. A lone boater cast his fishing line. “My father worked hard to start this company. I feel I have to honor his memory…and maybe if Betsy had a little money, she could stop working at the diner. Maybe she’d go to college. Do something more with her life.”
