Chapter 8

Skye

I’m beat after the bake sale, so I end up taking a bath in the trendy caseta after dinner. Gran and Gramps went all out when they renovated and added a bathroom with a bathtub should either of us grandkids ever come to stay.

Mom and Dad stay here when they visit, which I’m hoping will be before the summer is over so they can come and enjoy Stoney Creek, even if it’s only for a few days.

I miss my parents terribly. Trav and I both adore our parents. They were always supportive and encouraging growing up, so we’re really lucky in that respect.

I’m hoping maybe this Christmas we can all get together for a little longer like we used to.

Dad’s a cop too, but these last couple of years he’s had a desk job and works part time. He’s been talking about semi-retiring and trying to convince my mom, who’s a beauty therapist, to slow down a little too. I think it would be good for them both.

I do all my best thinking when I’m either laying in bed, or in a nice hot tub having a soak. My mind drifts to Gabriel Bassett, like it has done these past two days since I saw him in person. I was tempted to get the skinny on him from Travis, though I know they only recently reconnected. But I thought better of it after what Gran told me. I’ve no right to judge him over the coffee incident. He apologized for it. The man is busy, and I guess he’s used to getting everything he wants, when he wants.

I still can’t believe what happened to him and Trinity all those years ago. My heart hurt hearing they were abandoned. No one deserves that.

It doesn’t even seem like Gabriel is a bad person, far from it. And from what his sister and mom told me, it sounds as if he’s single.

My dating life is very uneventful, I just haven’t found the right one. It’s as simple as that, really.

Maybe I’ve been lucky this far that I’ve never had my heart shattered into a million pieces by anyone. It makes me wonder all the more why people do what they do. How could you just change your mind about wanting to be a wife and a mother? I guess it happens.

I’ve always wanted kids. And I hope to have them one day in the near future, when the time is right. Of course, for that I need a husband, or I’d at least prefer one. Because I didn’t find what I wanted to do earlier in life, I’ve kind of put my personal life on the back burner. My studies have been a focal point and because of that, I just put dating aside. Men are complicated creatures, and I’ve been a shoulder to cry on for several of my friends who’ve had awful breakups. I’ve seen how messy love can get.

I spend the rest of the weekend helping Gran potter in the garden and relax a little on Sunday afternoon, going over in my mind some interview questions that Gabriel might ask me. He might be the cute CEO of Bassett Brothers Bourbon, but I have to take this seriously and treat it professionally.

I wonder what his reaction is going to be when he sees me and quickly realizes I’m Travis’ little sister.

I am rostered on for another shift at the cafe on Tuesday.

I’m doing the early morning to afternoon shift because they were finding the early shift a hard one to fill. I don’t mind because I’m an early riser and I think it’s nice to get back home while it’s still light and I can go for a walk or do some Pilates.

I know it would be fun looking after Trinity too. She seemed like such a sweet little thing. I just hope Gabriel and I get along. That’s the hard part; we already butted heads.

By Monday morning I have a nice outfit ready to go; a white silky blouse with a tie up bow, a knee-length pleated blue skirt and my navy pumps. After spending a little more time than usual in front of the mirror — mainly fixing my hair into loose curls and taking extra care with my makeup — I’m good to go in Gran’s VW bug from the seventies. It’s dark metallic blue with a black soft top. She’s had the thing for as long as I can remember.

“Have a great meeting,” Grandpa says, right before I leave. He refuses to call it an interview, and if it were up to my Gramps, Gabriel should’ve already hired me with my family name alone.

I try not to chuckle at that one.

“Break a leg!” Gran hollers at me as I’m about to reverse out of the drive.

I wind the window down. “Wish me luck!”

“You won’t need it, honey.” She waves me off and I smile, feeling grateful for the day ahead. The sun is shining in all its glory and I know it’s going to be a good one.

I take my tea in my travel thermal mug and hum along to WSM radio when some of my favorite country tunes come on. Music always puts me in a good mood.

I’m jiving to Garth Brooks and before I know it, I’m halfway to the distillery.

I couldn’t think of a better place to be with the window rolled down, the sun streaming through, and some great tunes blaring out of the speakers.

It reminds me of being young all over again. Well, younger.

This is what it’s all about to me; making the most of every situation and not taking life too seriously. I made a vow to enjoy myself while I’m here in Stoney Creek. I don’t want it to be all work and no play.

This weekend I might even take myself out to the famous Moose’s bar for a drink. Maybe I’ll see if Georgia and the other girls I met on the weekend might want to go. It could be a fun way for me to let my hair down a little and get acquainted with some of the townsfolk. I’ve never been in town long enough to really form any friendships with anyone here. It’s usually a weekend flying visit, and I spent most of that time with Gran and Gramps, not with other people.

I decide if I see Georgia at the distillery, I’ll ask her about Friday.

When I pull up in the wide circular parking lot at the distillery, I take a last glance over my appearance in the rear-view mirror and smooth out my curls a little more.

Having bouncy red hair has always been a challenge, but somewhere between leaving high school and starting college, I learned to deal with it. Now I love it, even if sometimes it has its own agenda, like this morning.

I quickly swipe on some tangerine-colored lip gloss and I’m good to go.

I climb out of the car and take a walk over the walkway; it has a cute, little bridge that leads to their famous tasting room. I’m not exactly sure where I’m supposed to be, but I guess there’s no better way to find out.

Being only ten, there are no customers around yet, but I do see Georgia-Blue behind the counter talking to one of the staff.

Everything is extremely earthy in the tasting room, and so elegantly styled, with rustic touches everywhere. It smells of fresh oak and linseed oil. Like someone has been polishing the long, wooden counter that runs the length of the room.

Georgia looks up upon hearing the clickety clack of my heels on the floor. She’s wearing wide-rimmed reading glasses; her makeup as flawless as ever.

“Skye!” She squeals as I approach.

“Hey!” I smile back as she comes from behind the counter to greet me.

“Good to see you again.”

“You too.”

“You’re here to see Gabe, I assume?”

“You guessed it.”

“I hope you don’t mind. I’m the one who gave him your number,” she says. “I think I forgot to mention that the other day. In case you were wondering how he knew you were looking for work.”

“I figured as much,” I chuckle. “Gran said you were trying to track me down to pass on my details. It’s totally fine.”

She links her arm in mine like we’re old chums, in no rush to show me where I’m supposed to be. I can’t say for sure, but I think Georgia-Blue Bassett could be the queen of meddling.

“Look, let me give you a couple of words of advice,” she says quietly as we stand at the edge of the counter.

My interest is obviously piqued as she lowers her voice once more. “Gabe can be a little serious for his own good sometimes. His job as CEO means he’s always wearing so many hats and juggling too many balls. He can make you want to scream like you’re having a body wax, but just don’t run away too soon, will you, Skye?” She gives me mock serious eyes, but there’s still a gleam behind them.

“I’ll take all of that on board,” I say, trying to keep a straight face.

“He’s seriously in a jam right now, no matter what he says. Geraldine is going on her trip soon, and he’s been procrastinating, hoping she will renege on retiring. But now Hank has given his notice and Travis is here to take over. The ship is about to set sail.

My brother is set in his ways. Just don’t take anything to heart, okay?”

Uh, oh. This sounds bad.

“Okay,” I sputter. “Thanks for the heads up. Trinity seems adorable, by the way. I met her at the Bake’ n’ Shake, well, her and Bunnykins.”

“She is so cute!” Georgia smiles. “I gave her that bunny. I wear the badge of favorite aunt with pride, even if I’m the only aunt, technically.”

“I can tell she’s an adored child. You’re a great family. My gram talks about you all the time and how much the business has grown over the years.”

“It’s crazy, but I love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” She claps her hands together. “Well, best not keep the old boy waiting. Come with me. I’ll show you Gabe’s office.”

“Great,” I say, following her. “Oh, before I forget, I was thinking of going out on Friday night to Moose’s if you and Celeste wanted to go? I don’t really know anyone here and though I love my grandparents, spending another night watching Jeopardy on the TV might just send me over the edge.”

Georgia chuckles. “That sounds awesome, I’m in!”

I smile. “Great. Well, since you have my number, let me know what time.”

“I’ll get a couple of the girls together and we’ll make a night out of it. Moose’s has the best food and margaritas.”

“Perfect.”

She pushes the door open that leads to the back. “Between us girls, if my brother doesn’t hire you, he’s going to get my foot up his… Oh, hi Gabe…”

All of a sudden, Gabriel Bassett comes charging through the door, looking like a man on a mission. Very much the CEO, he’s wearing a charcoal suit with a black shirt and a multicolored tie. My lips quirk as I glance from the tie up to his very prominent blue eyes. He tilts his head, staring at me for a moment.

“This is Skye.” Georgia seems great at filling in the gaps. “Skye, this is my brother, Gabriel.”

Now it’s my turn to give him an award-winning smile, not that I’m trying to be smug or anything.

“You’re Skye?” He gives me a quick once over and looks at his sister quizzically.

“That’s me,” I say, sticking out my hand toward him.

He looks down at it momentarily, pausing before he remembers his southern manners. His large hand wraps around mine as she shakes it, smooth and warm.

I get a small tingle up my spine when he says, “The girl from the coffee shop… wait… you’re Trav’s little sister?”

Georgia giggles next to us and I realize we’re all just standing there in the doorway.

“I’m sure you guys must have run into each other as kids?” Georgia smiles. “I’m not even sure I was born then, but still…”

“I was four when we moved,” I clarify. “And yes, I’m the girl from the coffee shop who scalds milk, apparently.”

I probably shouldn’t have said that to my future boss, but surely he can take a joke?

“Ah, well, there we go then,” Georgia says, like that solves everything.

Gabe’s lips part, and I try not to stare. I mean, he has a perfect face. When my core clenches, I look away quickly.

“Right.” He’s clearly caught off guard. I doubt someone like him would forget about this morning’s interview, but he looks like he was on his way out. “If you’d like to follow me, Skye, we can talk in my office.”

Georgia — in no hurry to leave — walks next to me companionably.

“Isn’t it weird how fate can collide like this?” she says. “To think all those years ago when you were just a kid, your brother and my brother were best friends, and now you’re both back and you’re going to be Gabe’s new nanny!”

“I haven’t exactly passed the interview yet,” I whisper behind my hand.

She shakes her head and mouths, “Body wax, just remember.”

I stifle a laugh behind my hand, realizing we’re getting very on the giggly side, but it sure is taking the edge off a serious sit down with Gabriel.

I’m more than confident that I’ll get the job; he’d be crazy not to hire me. I have all the qualifications he’s looking for, and I love kids.

“Baby steps, George,” he mutters from in front and my cheeks redden, realizing he heard us.

As we turn to an open door on the right, I note his name is on the door; CEO Gabriel Bassett.

Noticing where I’m looking, he says, “My sister tends to get a little carried away.”

“I got all the offices’ name plates,” she states proudly.

“I love it.” It also has the bull logo over the top. The entire plate finished in brass.

Gabriel gestures ahead of him. “Thank you, Georgia. You can go now.”

Georgia gives him an eye roll as she turns to me. “Come down into the store before you go. We can sort out the details for Friday.”

“Sounds good.” I’m happy that I seem to have made a friend in Georgia, and the idea

that I might just get out to mingle this weekend is appealing.

She skips off while I step ahead into the office, and Gabriel reaches around to close the door.

“Take a seat,” he says, loosening the buttons on his suit jacket. He strides around to his side of the desk.

I take a seat facing him. Everything looks extremely neat and tidy in here.

He has two trays on the far side of his desk; an IN and OUT tray. Both look marginally at peace and not overflowing. His desk is minimal, with just his computer and a dual photo frame, with Trinity as a baby on one side, and one of them together more recently. She’s wearing a pink tutu and has a crown on her head with a sparkly wand.

My eyes flick to him after my quick assessment. “Thank you,” I say, smoothing out my skirt. “And thank you for seeing me today. I appreciate it.” Say all the right things. Be polite. Don’t screw up.

He clears his throat. “I’m a little surprised to see you. I’m afraid I didn’t put two and two together at Stone’s Throw.”

No shit. “That’s okay. I only just got to town.”

He picks up the pen, innocently resting on an open pad of paper, and begins fiddling with it. “Did you know who I was at the cafe?”

I pull out the manilla folder from my purse which has my resume in it and pass it to him. “Uh, I have to confess that I did.” To try to change the subject, I add,“I’m not sure if you got a chance to read my email…”

It’s then I notice he also has a manilla folder — which he opens — and I see he has a copy of my resume right in front of him. “I just printed it off this morning. It only clicked when I saw your last name. Travis’s sister.”

“Guilty as charged.”

He sits back in his seat and directs his attention to me.

And I have to say it’s a little intimidating feeling those curious, deep oceanic blue eyes solely focused on me. I’m not used to anyone so serious.

I try to steal my sudden growing nerves. My stomach flutters, and my heartbeat accelerates. I realize again I’m attracted to this man.

And this could be very bad, given Georgia-Blue’s sentiments earlier about me, possibly about to become the new nanny. And not just any nanny. His nanny.