Ryan stood outside in her direct line of vision. Arms crossed, he leaned back against a pole near the balcony railing. The gusty breeze blew smoke from the grill around the spacious balcony. Sunglasses shaded his eyes, but she could feel his gaze upon her.
Cassie smiled, her pulse racing. She looked forward to spending some time alone with Ryan after dinner, if they could escape Laura’s schemes.
She arranged the place settings and admired the stunning views of Manly Wharf and Sydney Harbour through the eighth-floor panoramic windows. Hues of pink and orange lit up the sky over the western horizon. She finished setting the table and returned to the kitchen.
Laura sat on a stool at the kitchen island.
“Is there anything else you need me to do?” Cassie asked.
Laura shook her head. “I’m all done. If you could take the bread to the table, I’ll round up the boys. The meat should be ready by now.”
She followed behind Laura, balancing a platter of French bread and selecting a seat overlooking the windows. Laura sat opposite and Greg pulled out a chair next to his fiancée.
Ryan came inside, holding a tray of sizzling meat. He slipped into the spare seat beside her.
“Laura, can we please say grace?” Cassie asked.
Laura sighed. “I guess so.”
“I’d be happy to say grace for us,” Ryan said.
Cassie’s jaw fell slack. Had Ryan been talking to Simon?
Greg shot Ryan a questioning glance. “Since when do you say grace before you eat?”
“We grew up offering a blessing before all our meals. An old habit I should resurrect.”
Greg shrugged. “Be my guest.”
Cassie closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. Laura and Greg didn’t understand her faith. She couldn’t expect them to be enthusiastic about Ryan’s desire to explore his faith and she prayed their lack of interest wouldn’t deter Ryan.
“Dear Lord,” Ryan said. “Thanks for this food and good friends. Amen.”
“Amen.” Cassie opened her eyes and turned to Ryan. “I appreciate you saying grace for us.”
His smile broadened. “You’re welcome.”
She selected a steak and served up a generous portion of salad and bread. A large glass of chilled water completed her meal.
Ryan and Greg piled their plates high with meat.
Laura laughed. “It’s a good thing Cassie and I aren’t big meat eaters.”
“We’re celebrating, too,” Greg said.
Ryan grinned. “Adventurer won the handicap race for her yacht class.”
“Congratulations,” Laura said. “Here I was thinking you two had been watching sports all day on television.”
Cassie smiled. “How are you tracking in the overall scores?”
“We’re in the top three,” Ryan said.
“What happens when you miss a week to go up to the Blue Mountains with us?” Laura asked.
Ryan shrugged. “I’ll sort something out. No big deal.”
“It’s next weekend.” Greg said.
Laura nodded. “Cassie, were you able to rearrange your work schedule?”
“Yes, my leave is approved.”
“Excellent,” Laura said. “I can’t wait to go hiking and mountain biking.”
Ryan’s smile widened. “Sounds fun.”
“By the way, I saw Sean in Manly a few days ago,” Laura said.
Cassie lifted a brow. “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?”
“I didn’t want to cause trouble. He said hello but then took off. I got the impression he didn’t want to talk to me.”
“Typical,” Ryan said. “He’s too gutless to face up to the consequences of his actions.”
Cassie groaned. “Hopefully he’ll get to the point where he realizes he needs help.”
“Don’t count on it,” Ryan said.
Laura frowned. “I think Cassie is right. He’s on a downward spiral and he’ll get to the stage where he needs you to help him.”
“Maybe, but he’s not getting any more money out of me,” Ryan said.
“I agree,” Laura said. “Money isn’t going to help him. You all know Sean isn’t my favorite person. But Ryan, he’s your brother and if he’s in trouble you should be there for him.”
Ryan stabbed his fork into a piece of steak. “How can I support him in a constructive way if he doesn’t want my help?”
“Have you called him on his cell phone?” Cassie asked.
“Waste of time. My parents have left dozens of messages and he won’t return their calls.”
Greg frowned. “If Sean doesn’t want to be found, then there’s not much Ryan can do.”
“He contacted me,” Cassie said. “Maybe if you left a message he’d contact you, too?”
“He doesn’t owe you money,” Ryan said.
“True, but I promise you, when Sean’s ready to accept help I’ll be there if you need me.”
“Thanks,” Ryan said. “I hope he turns his life around, but I’m a realist. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen anytime soon.”
Cassie finished her last mouthful of steak. She remembered all the help her mother, Laura and Julia had provided when she made the decision to quit drinking. She suspected Sean’s road to recovery would be difficult.
Laura rose from the table. “Greg, can you please help me in the kitchen while I organize dessert?”
“I’ll help,” Cassie said.
“No, Greg and I will fix everything. You and Ryan can relax and talk.”
Laura and Greg cleared the table and retreated to the kitchen.
Ryan smiled. “I think Laura wants us to talk.”
“She’s not subtle and she mentioned Sean for a reason.”
“You didn’t tell her that I messaged you?”
“She doesn’t need to know everything that happens in my life.”
He grinned. “I’m looking forward to next weekend.”
“Me, too.” She was staying in the downstairs one-bedroom apartment with Laura. Ryan, Greg and the newlyweds, Anna and Craig, would be upstairs in the main part of the house.
Ryan’s eyes shone with hope and his thumb circled over her fingertips. “I’ve been meeting weekly with Simon to talk about stuff.”
Wow. She hadn’t expected to hear this good news. “Has he been helpful?”
“He’s had some interesting things to say. We’ve been discussing forgiveness and my brother.”
“Sean’s situation is complicated. Eventually he might come to see your point of view, but he’ll need to deal with some of his issues first before he’ll work this out.”
“Why do you think that?”
“I’ve been there.” Memories of those dark days filled her mind. “It took time for me to understand that I’d hurt others and needed to make amends.”
“What made the difference for you? What turned your life around?”
“My faith. I discovered God’s unconditional love and realized I needed Jesus.”
Ryan frowned. “Sean and I both grew up in the church. We attended Sunday school when we were kids, but I don’t get this. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I’ll be praying for you.”
He nodded. “Would you like to go to the movies after dessert?”
“I’d like to see the new romantic comedy that’s just been released.”
He raised an eyebrow. “A chick flick?”
“Can you cope?”
“Next time it’s my turn to choose.”
“Sounds good.” She looked forward to the first of many movie dates.
* * *
The following evening Ryan stood in the Beachside Community Church for the closing song. He mumbled the words a
s the congregation lifted their voices in song. The unfamiliar chorus about God’s grace didn’t make a lot of sense, but everyone else seemed to understand the message from the song.
The service concluded and Cassie turned to him. “Have you got time for supper?”
He shook his head. “I’ll be up at dawn tomorrow to catch an early flight to Brisbane. Maybe another time?”
“Sure. What did you think of the sermon?”
“I can relate to the older brother. He did the right thing and worked hard. Why should his younger brother be welcomed back by their father with a big celebration?”
“That’s the whole point of the parable of the prodigal son. The father loves both his sons and was happy when his wayward son returned to him.”
“I think the older son was ripped off. Why should the younger son, who squandered his money, share in the spoils?”
Simon appeared beside him. “Ryan, I overheard your question and we can talk more over coffee this week.”
He nodded. “I’ll be in touch.”
“No problem. Catch you both later.” Simon turned away, greeting a man behind them.
Cassie smiled. “I’m glad you’re talking to Simon. He’s good at explaining things.”
“Yes.” Ryan wanted to discover the truth. Cassie and Simon had an inner peace and contentment that he desired. “What are you up to this week?”
“I’ve got a job interview in North Queensland on Tuesday.”
He widened his eyes. “You’re planning to leave Sydney?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
What? Disappointment shot through him. Why hadn’t she mentioned this earlier? “Are you staying there overnight?”
She shook her head. “I’m flying out at six for a midmorning interview at the island resort before returning late in the afternoon.”
His stomach sank. Why bother dating him if she intended to move away?
“Good luck.” He dragged his mouth into a smile. “I hope the interview goes well.”
A part of him also hoped there would be fierce competition for the position. He didn’t want her to move away.
“Thanks. I’m a little nervous as I haven’t done a formal face-to-face panel interview in ages.”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” What about her aspirations to help Sean? How could she help his brother if she moved to Queensland?
“I wanted to stay overnight, but I have to work on Wednesday.”
He wouldn’t mind indulging in a day trip to North Queensland with Cassie. He’d still be in Brisbane on Tuesday morning. Maybe he could reschedule his appointments for that day? “You may be living there on a permanent basis soon.”
Her eyes lit up. “I’m excited about the prospect.”
He nodded, unable to share her excitement. Long-distance relationships didn’t work. His move to London had brought an abrupt and painful end to a two-year relationship with a previous girlfriend. He wasn’t prepared to travel down that road again.
His life was in Sydney, and he didn’t want to move away. There was no work for management consultants on a tropical island.
Doubts filled his mind. His enthusiasm over the prospect of building a relationship with Cassie had dimmed. He’d enjoy the journey while it lasted, but a future between them seemed uncertain.
* * *
Cassie threw her keys in a dish on the hall table in her apartment and headed into the kitchen. She found Julia making two mugs of hot chocolate.
Julia added marshmallows to their mugs. “Have you spoken with your father again about the Queensland job?”
Cassie shook her head. “He’s due back from London soon, and I’m still surprised by how supportive he is.”
Julia raised an eyebrow. “I thought he might have some concerns.”
“About what?”
“Okay, please don’t take this the wrong way. Have you thought about the implications of living on an island resort with easy access to liquor?”
“I’ll be fine. I work in a hotel now and it isn’t a problem.”
“But these holiday resorts are different. They’ve got indoor bars and outdoor bars by all the pools. There are bars everywhere. I care about you and can’t help being concerned you’ll fall into temptation.”
“Honestly, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”
“Really?”
“I’m stronger now.”
Julia frowned. “You think so.”
She nodded. “I know so.”
“What about the charity dinner? You didn’t feel so strong then.”
“That’s different. Sean had just reappeared and I was under extreme stress.”
Julia sipped her hot chocolate. “Okay, it’s your decision. But remember, you won’t have your family and friends close by to support you.”
Cassie followed Julia into the living room and sat beside her on the sofa. “Ryan’s not happy, either.”
“You mentioned the job to him tonight?”
She nodded. “I should have said something on Saturday at Laura’s, but she’s upset about the whole idea so I kept quiet.”
“What about at the movies last night or this afternoon before church?”
Her heart constricted. “I didn’t want to spoil our time together.”
“Did he say much?”
She shook her head. “I could tell he’s disappointed. His work is in Sydney. I don’t know—maybe it’s a bad idea.”
“Your travel plans for the interview are all set. Do the interview and see what happens. You may hate the place.”
“I doubt it. I’ve dreamed about doing this for a long time, but I’m not interested in a long-distance relationship.”
“Take one step at a time, and wait until you’re actually offered the job before you fret too much.”
“You’re right. I have to trust God to lead me in the right direction.”
“It will all work out one way or another.”
Cassie nodded. She hoped and prayed Julia was right.
Chapter 9
The next morning Cassie flicked through the documents in her in-tray. Ten event orders needed to be finalized this week, two by the close of business today.
She placed the two urgent ones on top of the pile. Both brides had made numerous changes to their wedding reception arrangements over the past few months, and she awaited their response to her emails and phone calls. Why did people leave everything to the last minute?
She grabbed her purse and coat before heading out of her cubicle.
She detoured via Colleen’s desk. “I’ll be back in forty-five minutes.”
Colleen raised an eyebrow. “Are you meeting Mr. Gorgeous for lunch?”
“No such luck. He’s in Brisbane today and I’m catching a quick bite with my sister at The Deli House.”
“Have fun. I’m swamped and no one’s returning my calls. Can you please bring me back a salad on rye?”
“No problem. See you soon.” She made her way to the bay of elevators and checked the clock on the wall. Five minutes past midday. Late again. Laura wouldn’t be impressed.
Before long the elevator deposited her on the ground floor. She strode through the lobby, struggling into her coat.
Rain poured down over the busy street. She waved to Damien, the concierge, before exiting the hotel.
The wind blew the rain in sheets across the road. An umbrella would be useless. She stepped onto the marble pavement and a screech of brakes startled her.
She spun around and her ankle collapsed.
“No.” Her body hit the ground, her thick coat buffering her fall.
Searing pain shot up from her ankle. Not now. Her interview was tomorrow and it had already been postponed once so she
couldn’t reschedule.
Damien raced over to her. “Are you okay?”
She pressed her lips together and nodded. Tears filled her eyes.
He pulled out his cell phone and spoke in low tones before ending the brief call.
“Colleen’s on her way with a first-aid kit.”
“Thanks.” She removed her low-heeled shoe, cradling her ankle in her hands. The swelling showed through her flesh-toned stockings.
Damien frowned. “You were having a good run for a while there.”
“I know. It’s nearly a year since I last sprained this ankle.”
The rain eased to a light sprinkle and the hotel awning gave her shelter. She swiped her damp hair back off her face.
“For what it’s worth, you fell gracefully. Just like in the movies,” Damien said.
Great. How embarrassing. Her cell phone rang and she rummaged through her purse, checking the caller ID. Ryan.
“Hi, Ryan.”
“Cassie, are you okay? You don’t sound too good.”
Tears rolled down her face. “I’ve sprained my ankle.”
“What?”
“I’m outside the hotel, in the rain, with my ankle ballooning.”
“Is someone helping you?”
“Yes.”
Damien hovered nearby, concern etching his face.
“What happened?” Ryan asked.
“I was rushing to meet Laura for lunch and slipped on the wet pavement.”
“How bad is the sprain?”
“Pretty bad.” She moved her leg into a more comfortable position. Her ankle protested and she stifled a moan. “It really hurts.”
“I hope you haven’t broken any bones.”
“Me, too. My interview is tomorrow.”
“I assume you can still do it. I’d hate for you to have to cancel.”
She paused. “Why? I thought you weren’t crazy about the idea.”
“I’m not, but it’s your dream, something you really want. Don’t let a sprained ankle stop you.”
She lifted a brow. He understood her need to chase her dream job. “The doctors might tell me to rest tomorrow.”
“You could use a wheelchair at the airport.”
Her Tycoon Hero Page 9
