Concealed Influence

by V. M. Marsh

  Dad’s voice boomed across the Circle, and I looked at him in surprise. Everyone else must have been surprised too because a hush fell. Dad was a big man, but he rarely raised his voice this much, especially within the Circle.

  “We have a plan. It will take some time to implement, but Paisley and I will be helping Emma bring Lars in line. We still have time, and we will get this to work.”

  “We don’t have time to ease others into Lars’s sphere of trust for influence, so we will have to believe Emma, Paisley, and Stone can handle this. The rest of us will do what we can to offer support and influence from the sidelines, but I do not want anyone to directly interfere. Time is of the essence here, and we do not have time available for any setbacks.” All heads in the Circle bowed in unison to acknowledge Elder Mage’s command.

  “Tell us of any indirect support you need or want, and we will make it happen. Lars must be won over as soon as possible.”

  I nodded and the Circle disbanded. I ran from the meadow before anyone could corner me to complain about Lars or our plan. I couldn’t take any other bad things said about him. My heart hurt enough.

  “Emma, wait.” That soft masculine voice was one I couldn’t, well, shouldn’t ignore. I slowed to allow him to catch up to me in the thicket.

  Jace’s breath came in short spurts as he halted before me. “I wanted to talk to you away from the others. About Lars.”

  I opened my mouth to protest, but he raised a hand and shook his head. “I’m not here to argue with you about his role in stopping the Power Thief. I’m concerned about you and what being around him so much might be doing to you. How are you feeling?”

  I hesitated and shrugged. We had agreed long ago not to hide anything from each other, but it still felt weird and wrong to talk him about my feelings for another.

  “Honestly, I feel horrible. I still love him and being with him is tearing me apart.”

  Jace rubbed my arm and sympathy covered his handsome face behind his round glasses. “I thought as much. I could feel your pain and confusion from across the Circle.”

  Gently squeezing my arm and bending down to look into my face, he reassured me. “You know I’m here for you, even for this. We’ve always been friends, and we always will be. No matter what. Please, let me know how I can help.”

  Tears filled my eyes as guilt and confusion filled my heart. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do. You don’t know each other, and the Circle says this is my responsibility.”

  Pulling me into a hug, he rubbed my back and rested his chin on my head. “The Circle has a way of making things difficult between people. I’m sorry.”

  He sighed. “This too will pass and everything will be fine. I know it. You and I will be fine too. I promise.”

  I nodded beneath his chin and blinked back the tears. Somehow, we would make it all work, including us. We had to.

  Chapter Six

  I was on my second cup of coffee when Lars came down for breakfast, so I was almost human again. Cereal clinked in a bowl behind me as I sipped my brew.

  It might be the coffee talking, but I could get used to this. It was nice sharing the morning with someone else even before I was fully awake. Or it could just be mornings with Lars were this nice.

  I pushed that thought away. Far away. “You were pretty handy in high school. Do you still know how to fix things?”

  Arching a brow, he carried his bowl to the small kitchen table and sat across from me. “Why, do you have something broken that needs fixing? My skillset has improved quite a bit since high school, so I can probably help you out. Actually, I’m sure I can.” He winked at me.

  With my face flushing, I rolled my eyes and cleared my throat. “Actually, I was going to offer you a job at the resort. I can’t have you bothering me all day while I’m trying to work, and you’d be bored hanging around the cabin all day. So, what do you say about being hired to do maintenance here? You would do odds and ends, general repairs. We bring in specialists for anything big or that needs one.”

  Surprise splashed across his face while he thoughtfully chewed his cereal. “It sounds interesting and like something I could do. I might even like it. I haven’t had a legit job like this in long time, though.”

  I laughed. “What did you do before you came here, rough people up? Be a thug?”

  His face falling, he stared into his bowl and refused to look at me. “Well, yeah, actually. I used to work for Bradley, remember?”

  Shit. I had forgotten. He pushed away from the table and dumped his cereal down the drain. As he walked towards the stairs, he said over his shoulder, “I’m not a good guy, Emma. I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but I’m going to be better. For you.”

  My stomach sunk, and I felt sick. Hiding my face in my folded arms on the table, I sighed. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad about himself or his past. Besides, it certainly wouldn’t get him onboard with the plan.

  Sitting up and squaring my shoulders, I drained the last of my drink. The plan and my vision were what mattered. Resolved to focus on that instead of everything else, I placed my mug in the sink.

  “It’s time to go.” I shouted up the stairs. It didn’t take long for him to reach the staircase and make his way down. Straightening my suit, I locked the door behind us, and we started along the long trail to the lodge.

  “You’re going to be working with my Dad. He’s the head of maintenance. Don’t worry, he’s expecting you. Actually, he’s the one who suggested we offer you this job when he heard you were back.”

  Lars shot me another look of surprise with raised brows. “I thought your dad hated me. Or strongly disliked me at the very least. That was the way it seemed in high school, anyway.”

  “Well, you were the bad boy always in or causing trouble back then. He didn’t want me caught up in that. You can’t blame a dad for being concerned about that.” I gave him a pointed look.

  “Besides, that was back then. This is now. The biggest difference, however, is that we aren’t together. He would like to keep it that way, so don’t be surprised to hear references to that affect. “

  “If he’s so against us being together, why would he offer me a job?” He grumbled.

  “Two reasons. One: it keeps you away from me all day. Two: he heard you were in trouble and needed sanctuary. He thinks you should work while you’re here because work gives a man purpose and keeps him out of trouble or some nonsense like that.”

  I turned to him. “Look, my dad is making an effort here. You are living with his daughter, his only child. Please just work with him, pun intended.”

  “Fine. I’ll be nice. For you.” He groaned.

  “And stop saying that and stop doing things for me. Do them for yourself.” I told him firmly.

  Lars just shook his head, so I quickened my pace. When we reached the maintenance shed, I was pleased to find the double doors wide open. That must mean Dad was already here. Good. I needed to offload Lars in more ways than one.

  “Dad? Lars and I are here.” I shouted through the entrance. Ordinarily, I would have gone in, but I didn’t want to accidentally get grease on my suit before work. Glancing at my diamond encrusted watch, I was certain I wouldn’t have time to go home to change.

  Thankfully, Dad poked his head out. “Hi, love. Welcome back, Lars. Come on in, and we’ll get started. We have a lot go over today.”

  I leaned in to give Dad a kiss on the cheek. “Play nice, Dad.”

  “Of course, love. Have a good day at work and let me know if anyone bothers you.” He gave Lars a pointed look, which made me sigh and roll my eyes.

  After glancing over my shoulder for one last look at the two men I loved most in life, I hurried to start my shift. I hoped they got along, for everyone’s sake. I had to have faith Dad knew what he was doing and would get Lars to agree to help us. To help everyone.

  I couldn’t stop worrying about them all morning. One guest snapped their fingers in my face and told me to get with it after he asked
for my attention twice but was still ignored. I couldn’t decide who was more rude, me or him, so I gave the guest a pass and apologized for my behavior.

  Even after that, I still couldn’t get my head in the game. By lunchtime, I was a mess and convinced they had killed each other.

  I called Corey and begged him to take over the front desk for me, so I could check on them. Corey loved drama, so all I had to tell him was that my ex just got a job with my dad and promise him details when I got back.

  Hurrying through the resort, I reached the maintenance shed and frowned. It was empty. Hands perched on my hips, I tried to figure out where they’d gone. The fixit tickets I’d recently written up included a Jacuzzi’s magic ambient temperature regulator, some loose boards on a cabin deck, burnt out light bulbs, and a wobbly chair in the lodge bar. Huffing, I had no idea which of those Dad would take Lars to first.

  Then I realized it was lunch time, so I sped to the lodge lounge to see if they were eating there. Poking my head in found a full lunch crowd, but no Dad or Lars. Closing the door, I stomped back to the lobby. I supposed I would just have to work and wait until the end of the day to find out if they were both still alive.

  As I approached the lobby from the rear halls, masculine voices floated to my ears. Squinting, I shook my head. More than Corey’s voice sounded familiar. I did not just spent half an hour searching for people who had come looking for me at the front desk.

  I rounded the corner, and Corey said, “Ah, there she is. I told you she would be back soon. It was great chatting with you guys; we should have a guys’ night. That would be so much fun with you two.”

  Dad and Lars exchanged looks while Corey waved exuberantly and bounced back to his office. Turning to Dad and Lars, I raised a curious brow, but they just shrugged in response.

  “What was that all about?” I wasn’t going to let this go, and it might give me insight as to how they were getting along.

  They burst out laughing while I stood there confused and left out. As soon as they started to calm, they looked at each other and cracked up all over again.

  Crossing my arms and tapping my foot didn’t deter them, so I ended up going back to work while they finished. I wanted to check on all the fixit tickets anyway, so I would have a better idea of where to search for them the next time I needed find them.

  Then I smacked myself on the forehead and sighed while shaking my head in disbelief. I could have called or texted them. Well, I could have called or texted Dad. I needed to get Lars’s number.

  Both men had stopped laughing and were looking at me like they were considering committing me to a mental hospital. I would have told them what I’d realized, but that would only make it more obvious I needed to be institutionalized.

  “Since I don’t want to send you on another laughing binge, how about you tell me how your day has been going.” I commanded.

  “It’s been just fine, love. There was no need to worry. You know I get along with just about everyone, especially when they’re not dating my daughter.” Dad wacked Lars hard on the back.

  “Lars is a fine young man and will be quite helpful around here. In fact, he was the one to figure out what was wrong with that ambient temperature regulator. Now the guests in Cabin 45 will be comfortable entering and exiting the hot tub regardless of the real temps outside.”

  That was a surprise, although, it shouldn’t have been. As Dad said, he gets along with everyone.

  I eyed Lars with new appreciation; it was hot when a man could fix things, especially unusual or difficult things. Like me. I looked around wondering where that thought had come from.

  “I’m grateful you guys are getting on so well. We should go out for drinks after work to celebrate.” I suggested brightly.

  “You and Lars go ahead. I’d rather go home to your mom; it’s my favorite part of the day, so I’d rather not delay it. Besides, you don’t really want me there, anyway. You guys go and have a good time.”

  “If you’re sure, Dad. I don’t want you to miss out just because you think that’s what I want.”

  He leaned over and pecked me on the cheek. “Nah. Like I said, seeing your mom after a day at work is my favorite thing to do. Well, one of them. Don’t worry about us anymore; we’re fine. Get back to work.”

  “Yes, boss.” I laughed as they left me behind. A weird hole was left in my heart as I watched my two favorite men walk out the door without me. Shaking off the strange feeling, I did as Dad told me and got back to work.

  Even though I was quite busy with guests checking in and out, taking reservations and complaints, and dealing with the front desk in general, the day went by much too slowly for my taste. I normally enjoyed my job, but I was more than happy to see my relief show up. I provided her with a very brief pass down before running off to the bar.

  Sliding onto a square stool, I leaned wearily against the bar top. “I need something strong, Charlie. It’s been a long day. Actually, it’s been a long year. What do you have for a pick-me-up?”

  Charlie sauntered over and leaned towards me. “Is everything okay? I could help you relax if you want me to.”

  “It’s not that bad yet. You know I hate when others control me, so I’m good.” I patted his hand. “If it does get that bad, though, I’ll ask. You’re one of the few people I’d trust to help me.”

  “If what gets bad enough?” Lars asked as he sat beside me.

  “Just stress.” I chirped. Then I leaned over to quietly tell him, “Charlie can calm people with his voice. We call him the Human Sedative. He’s way better than a prescription.”

  “Sounds useful.” Lars coughed.

  I playfully smacked his arm as we both grinned. Charlie plunked a pinkish-orange drink with ice in a tall glass and a beer on the counter.

  “What is this, a Tequila Sunrise?” I asked eyeing the concoction.

  “Better. It’s a Zombie Cocktail; perfect for taking the edge off but still has a fruity flavor. Enjoy.” He winked at me before moving on to other customers.

  Squinting at the drink while Lars laughed, I took a tentative sip. It was pretty good. A lot better than I would have thought with a name like that.

  “Do you want to try it? It’s decent.” I offered.

  Lars shook his head and held up his beer. “I’m good, but you might want to offer her a taste.” He gestured to Zoey sliding into the seat on the other side of me.

  She eyed my drink with distaste. “No, thanks. I’ll just have a glass of wine.”

  Before she could ask, Charlie slid a glass of Zoey’s favorite white wine in front of her, like magic. She beamed at him, and he looked shell-shocked.

  I smiled wistfully at them until Lars whispered in my ear, “We could have that, you know. You just have to let me in. I could give you all that and more.”

  My shoulders slumped, and I took a large swig of my drink. “No, you can’t.”

  As if conjured by the conversation, Jace strolled through the door. He hesitated for only the moment it took him to hone in on me. Crap. Dad must of have told him I was here with Lars.

  That’s the only explanation I had for why he would show up here now. We never hung out at the bar. In fact, we didn’t hang out much at all. If we were going to get married, we should probably change that. I supposed now was as good a time as any to start.

  When he reached me, he gave me an awkward hug from behind. Oh, yeah. Dad definitely told him to get his butt over here and make sure Lars and I didn’t get too cozy, especially since alcohol was involved.

  I wasn’t sure what to do, so I put on perky Emma. Only too late did I realize I had been forgetting to wear my mask lately.

  “Hello there. Let me introduce you to my friends. Guys, this is Jace. Jace this is Zoey and Lars. Charlie is the behind the counter at the other end.”

  Zoey and Lars stared at Jace while he gave them a stiff wave. Charlie came over with a beer and nod of greeting for Jace. I didn’t know they knew each other.

  “I’ve been so exci
ted about meeting you all. Emma and I felt it was time I got to know her friends before the wedding, so here I am.”

  My stomach fell to the floor and then leprechauns danced a jaunty jig on it. That’s what it felt like anyway as I began to hyperventilate and watch my life flash before my eyes.

  I couldn’t believe he was telling everyone. Either the Council or my parents must have told him it was time to announce it, but I was angry he hadn’t discussed it with me first.

  It took everything I had to paste on a fake sparkly smile. Hopefully the tears glimmering in my eyes seemed like tears of happiness.

  “Honey, you were supposed to wait until they got to know you better.” I cheerily scolded. I think I was able to hide the edge that wanted to creep into my voice.

  “I’m just so happy and thrilled that I want to shout it from the rooftops. I’m sorry, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.” He threw his arm around my shoulders and my fake smile widened until it hurt my cheeks.

  After glaring at Jace with only my eyes and receiving apology in his, I finally took a deep breath to face my friends and Lars.

  Oh, shit. Lars. I wanted to cry enough to fill a thousand rivers as my heart broke over what he must be feeling upon hearing this news. Still, I grinned through the ache in my chest and twinkled, like a shimmering gem.

  Three faces stared back frozen in shock. Charlie was the first to recover. He offered his hand to Jace with confusion clouding his eyes. “Congrats, man. I had no idea you two knew each other, let alone knew each other well enough to become engaged.”

  “We’ve known each other for years, but things between us only recently got very serious very quickly. It’s sort of been a whirlwind, which is the reason I’m just meeting all of you now.”

  Zoey cleared her throat. “Congratulations, Emma.”

  The hurt in her voice was unmistakable, and I wanted to kick Jace for doing that to her. This no warning or easing them into it was bullshit. This had to be happening because of people concerned about my feelings for Lars. Anger simmered below the surface as I added a bubbly cheerful nod of agreement.