Читать книгу Heart's Haven - Lois Richer - Страница 6

“Would it help if I apologized again?”

Cassidy winced as her fork clattered against the plate. She left it there, hid her hands in her lap and tried to figure out what Tyson St. John had been talking about.

“I mean, I could if it would help.” He’d finished his meal already. “I know I jumped on you about the refrigeration and I truly am sorry, but—”

“Please, it’s fine. I understand that you’ve been under some stress. Really, there’s no problem.” She let their server take away her spinach salad even though she’d only tasted about three bites. “I’m just glad we have what we need and that we can move on.”

“Davis mentioned something about you living in Europe. Were you there long?”

She knew where the questions were leading. Not that there was anything wrong with them. Ty was only interested. But that didn’t make opening up any easier.

She didn’t know where to start.

Ty folded his napkin, laid it to one side.

“Forget I asked. I can take you back now, if you want.” His voice had lost the soft lilt she had admired earlier. Now it was flat, emotionless.

Cassidy swallowed. They had to work together for the next six months. No matter how raw coming back made her feel, remaining silent was a lousy way to start off a working relationship.

“Actually I was away for six years. Elizabeth Wisdom’s foundation gave me a scholarship to start my training in Paris. After that I worked with some of the best chefs in the world. I guess I’ve moved around quite a bit compared to some people. But I’ve enjoyed it.”

“So coming back here wasn’t exactly what you wanted?” He insisted she choose dessert and asked for coffee. “Chicago doesn’t feel like home anymore?”

Cassidy tasted a tiny morsel of her cheesecake before setting down her fork.

“It isn’t that. I grew up in Chicago. I have a lot of fond memories of this place.”

“And some not-so-fond ones, judging by your expression just now.” His intent scrutiny pushed past her barriers. “Do you want to talk about them? I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

Talk about them? Cassidy never wanted to even think about the past again. So she did what she always did, drew the focus away from herself.

“I have two sisters. One lives in the city and one lives about forty miles away. It’s nice to be close to them again.” She sipped her water, licked her lips and stalled for time.

“I’m sure it is. No parents?”

“No.”

Silence yawned. It was obvious Ty was not going to press for more information, which Cassidy found reassuring.

“What about you?” she challenged. “You gave up your career and now you’re building your sister’s dream. What does your family think of that?”

Ty shook his head, a rueful smile touching the corners of his mouth.

“Since I don’t have one, I don’t have to worry.”

“Except for Jack, of course.”

An odd look washed across his face before he mumbled, “Yes, Jack.”

He didn’t want to discuss his life any more than she did, so Cassidy filled in the rest of the time with small talk and amusing stories about some of her cooking trials. By the time she’d coaxed him into eating most of her cheesecake, she felt more relaxed. By the look on the Ty’s face, he did, too.

On the way back to the car Cassidy got down to business.

“Can you give me some idea of when you expect me to start producing meals?”

“I can’t really. I’m not sure exactly what else I need to get in place before we open our doors. Unofficially, of course.”

“Oh.” Meaning he was going to keep assessing?

“I’m hoping we can have most of our programs running before we hold our grand opening.” He laughed as he pulled open her door. “But that’s a long way into the future.”

“Not that long, I hope.” She sank into the car seat wondering if it was only uncertainty that made him take so long to get things done. Or did something else underlie his hesitation?

“Let’s give ourselves a few days to assess.” There was a tone of finality in the words.

When they arrived at the Haven, Elizabeth Wisdom was deep in conversation with Mac, who seemed quite at home with the elegant heiress from Texas.

“Hello, Cassidy,” Elizabeth greeted, hugging her. “You look very well. And Ty. I’m so sorry about Jack. He’s recovering?” She linked her arms in theirs and walked between them into the building.

“Jack will be fine. I’m very glad Cassidy was there.” His voice altered. “The sight of all that blood got to me and I froze.”

Elizabeth’s gentle smile sympathized.

“Poor Ty. How did you manage in the army hospital?”

Cassidy had wondered the same thing.

“I’m a psychologist. I didn’t have anything to do with the medical side. Never even had to use my first-aid knowledge.”

“Well, that will probably change as renovations begin, so you’d better toughen up.” Elizabeth patted his shoulder in a motherly way, then turned to Cassidy. “And you, my dear. I hear you’ve been busy replacing kitchen equipment since your plane landed last Thursday. Bravo. Is your accommodation suitable?”

“The house is lovely, Elizabeth, thank you.”

“I know it’s tiny—”

“It’s perfect for one person,” Cassidy assured her, secretly delighted to have a house all to herself. “The big south windows are perfect to grow my herbs. I don’t need anything more. After all, it’s only for six months.”

“Yes.” Elizabeth’s smooth alabaster forehead pleated for a moment then smoothed. “We must make hay while the sun shines. That’s what my father used to say, though he never made any hay. He far preferred oil.” She stopped, surveyed the interior hall and frowned. “This is too grim.”

Cassidy remained silent, watching as Ty shot down every one of Elizabeth’s suggestions for renovation. He claimed he wanted the Haven to be a great success, a tribute to his sister, and yet, as they moved through the building, Ty stalled and stumbled when called upon to clarify his ideas. By the time they reached the kitchen, he seemed relieved that the focus was off him and on her.

“My dear, you did very well to find these,” Elizabeth congratulated. “What else have you planned?”

Cassidy set out her ideas clearly and concisely but even here Ty didn’t seem able to concentrate. He got stuck on details, rattled on about how the Haven’s outreach shouldn’t begin until they were sure of their focus and their target group. Cassidy grew so frustrated she got up and left, just to get a breather. She returned with a teakettle, some cookies and a box of teabags.

Ty didn’t appear to notice she’d been absent until she set the teapot before Elizabeth. Then he simply looked puzzled; he left his sentence hanging unfinished.

Something was clearly wrong, but what? He’d said he was nervous about making a mistake. Maybe that explained all the barricades he was erecting.

“I thought we could all use a break,” Cassidy said.

“What a lovely idea.” Elizabeth poured the thick amber liquid into the three mugs Cassidy had scrubbed spotless.

“I didn’t know we had a kettle here.” Ty added sugar to his tea, frowned then shook his head. “You bought one?”

Cassidy shrugged. “My gift to the kitchen.”

Ty opened his mouth as if to protest, but obviously had second thoughts. He shrugged and smiled, lifted his cup.

“To the Haven.”

They clinked mugs together. Elizabeth glanced around the messy room, her face expressing her distaste, though she didn’t give it voice.

“Next steps for you, Cassidy?” Elizabeth pulled out a small notebook.

“Arrange suppliers, find some helpers and generally plan how this will work. I’ll do two test runs. One on Thursday at noon to feed whoever is working here.” She looked at Ty. “If you can let me know approximately how many workers will be here, it will help me prepare.”

“Sure.”

She read his expression clearly.

Exactly how am I supposed to know that?

“Maybe you could count heads around nine. Or I could.” Cassidy struggled for a less bossy tone but it wasn’t easy. She’d been the one in charge for so long, and he seemed disinclined to action. Well, she had to do something.

“Yes, that might be better. You go ahead.” He looked relieved.

“I’d like to serve a second meal on Saturday evening.”

“Why?”

At this rate she’d be here a year and still accomplish nothing. Cassidy bristled.

“Is there something wrong with Saturday?”

“I’m not sure it’s the best day.”

Was he going to argue about every decision she made? Ty’s face closed up. His voice dropped.

“It’s just that I received a phone call from Davis. His contractor had a client drop out and so he could start on the entrance immediately.”

“Uh-huh.” She still didn’t understand his problem.

Ty dragged a hand through his hair as if searching for patience.

“People have to come down here to eat and the only way is through the main entrance. I don’t want anyone hurt.”

Even Elizabeth looked frustrated.

“Surely by Friday the worst of it will be over?”

“Maybe. If it isn’t, she’ll have to reschedule the lunch,” Ty warned.

Cassidy quashed a surge of frustration.

“I want to hold a dinner, not a lunch, and I want to get the word out beforehand,” Cassidy muttered. “And once we’ve started serving meals, I don’t think we can just stop.”

“We might have to if it puts someone in danger.” Ty’s piercing scrutiny sliced all the way to her toes.

Cassidy knew that he would suggest she wait. He seemed to prefer a snail’s pace for most things. But she couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. Even if it took him a month to get everything else operational, she could still serve meals.

Elizabeth glanced from Ty to her. “We’re going to have to be flexible.”

Which meant get along.

The onus was on her. Cassidy faced Ty and chose her words with care.

“It’ll take me a couple of days to get the kitchen going.”

“Fine.”

“Then what am I to do? I can’t just sit here and wait until everything else in the Haven is operational. It would be a waste of my time, and why would you want that when we can begin reaching people right away?”

Ty’s eyes blazed. The tic in his cheek gave away his irritation.

“I can’t have people tracking through a construction site.”

There was more to his objection and she knew it.

“We need to get people used to coming here.”

“Is that what we want?” Ty tipped so his chair rested on the back two legs, crossed his arms over his chest and donned a meditative look that gave little away. A psychologist would have learned about that on day one.

Cassidy wished Elizabeth had sent her somewhere else, someplace where the director was not so afraid someone might actually accomplish something. But she also sensed there was an undercurrent to his obfuscation, so she exhaled her frustration and tried diplomacy.

“I have to think in terms of what I can accomplish in the six months I’m here.” She listed some of her ideas. “Any objections?”

“I’m sure those are all fine.” Elizabeth looked relieved.

Ty didn’t like her taking charge. She knew that because his chair plunked down on all fours.

“But?” She longed to shake him out of his stupor. Just say it!

“I’m trying to visualize how it would work.”

“I cook, they eat. You said there’d been negative reaction from a gang. Maybe if they saw what this place is about, it would encourage the community.”

“Exactly!” Elizabeth beamed. “I knew that’s why God led you here, Cassidy.”

God? Cassidy wanted to laugh. As if He cared what happened to her now. She showed Elizabeth her list of to-dos.

“A meal is fine.” Ty’s disinterested tone evaporated. Suddenly he was all business. “Just so long as you don’t expect me to get involved down here.” He glanced at Elizabeth, saw her frown and rushed to rephrase. “I mean certainly, if you need help or want some direction, I’m available.”

“Right.” That would be the day that Cassidy would need his direction in a kitchen.

“The majority of my time must be focused on getting the Haven ready to go.”

“Of course.” Let him assess. As long as he didn’t do it down here. “Once I see how Thursday goes, I’ll be better prepared for Saturday night. I want posters up immediately so the word gets out.”

Ty could dawdle till spring but Cassidy intended to give the Haven her best shot as a repayment to Elizabeth. Then she’d move on to her dream.

“Cassidy, I knew you’d take this challenge and make it your own.” Elizabeth’s smile sent a dart of pleasure to her heart. “Now, let’s talk about your budget.”

Ty didn’t even glance her way. They tossed figures around for an hour before allocating a sum specifically for groceries. Cassidy knew she’d have to be very creative to feed the number she was counting on with such a small budget. But to give Ty his due, it was hard to know how the Haven would be accepted. A little shoe leather would help her find those answers.

“I want to thank you both for what you’ve accomplished here today. Whatever we do is for the Lord and I know He will be pleased.” Elizabeth rose, hugged Cassidy. “We’re going to let you get on with your work, dear. Ty and I need to talk about some other matters. You will let me know if you need anything, won’t you?”

“Thank you, Elizabeth. I hope things will work out here as you want.”

“Of course they will, child. God doesn’t give us dreams to crush them. You know that better than most.” Elizabeth’s face glowed. “I’m so fortunate I can be a part of this. I think Gail will be very proud.”

Ty’s handsome face wore a scowl, but only for a moment.

“I have some figures in my office.” He nodded at Cassidy. “We’ll see you later.”

Which was supposed to put her in her place, no doubt. He guided their benefactor from the room. Cassidy waited until he reached the door.

“Ty?”

He turned, lifted one eyebrow. “Yes?”

“I’m going to need at least one helper. Should I ask around, or do you have someone in mind?”

“As soon as I’m finished with Elizabeth I’ll make some calls. Okay?”

Cassidy pressed her lips together, nodded and Ty left.

Still playing the part of the boss. That was fine, for now. But if he didn’t come up with someone quickly, she’d do it on her own.

Because nothing was going to stop Cassidy from doing her duty the very best she could. Then she’d walk out of here and prove to her father and anyone else who cared to watch that she was worth loving.

Ty clapped his hands over his ears, struggling to ignore the pounding as he spoke on the phone. The answer he received was not conducive to soothing the headache that throbbed behind his eyes.

For a moment he wondered how much louder it could get, then realized that the pounding came from his office door.

“Come in,” he called, praying nobody would ask him to make a decision. Friday afternoon at four wasn’t his peak performance time. “Hey, Mac. How are—What’s wrong?”

“It’s Cassidy.” Mac stood in the doorway, his face beet red as he gasped for breath, shifting impatiently from one foot to the other.

“Is the kitchen on fire? What’s wrong?” Ty strode toward the door, ready to investigate.

“Not the kitchen. Bring your car keys and your coat. You’re going to need them.” Mac was thumping down the steps before Ty could ask any more questions.

“Car keys.” He shuffled through the papers littering his desk, found them, grabbed his coat, locked his office door and followed. By the time he’d closed the front door Mac was already moving around the corner of the building.

Ty jogged down the stairs and to his parking spot where the older man clung to the car door, half bent over as he puffed for air.

“What is going on?’

“Get in. I’ll explain on the way,” Mac ordered.

Ty steered down the snowy street, twisting and turning through a labyrinth of streets, following Mac’s directions. On his own, he knew he’d never remember how to get back.

“What are we doing here? What’s going on?”

“Cassidy’s recruiting,” Mac told him, scanning the rundown housing and less-than-well-groomed streets.

“She’s what?”

“Recruiting. Inviting people to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Cassidy’s out here by herself?” Ty gulped, whispered a prayer for help.

“She grew up around here, thinks she knows the place well enough to handle herself.” Mac glanced at him sideways. “I don’t think she’s aware of how tough it’s become.”

“Cassidy grew up around here?” Ty blinked, shocked by the knowledge. “I didn’t know that.”

He hadn’t wanted to know anything about Elizabeth’s protégée, if the truth were told. He’d heard more than enough from Elizabeth, who couldn’t stop bragging about how lucky they were to get the great Cassidy Preston at the Haven. Even Jack constantly sang her praises.

“Some of Jack’s new friends told him what she was doing. He told me to bring you, just in case. Then he followed her. That’s the street. Go right.”

Furious that she’d dragged his nephew into this, Ty cranked hard on the wheel and followed Mac’s directions.

“Where?” He slowed down, took a second glance into garbage-strewn alleys and dilapidated tenement buildings. Cassidy was nowhere to be seen.

“It didn’t take me that long to get you. She’s got to be around somewhere.” Mac’s face turned a sickly gray-white. “That gang—Do you think—I mean, you hear such awful stuff—”

Ty didn’t know what to think. Nothing had prepared him for this.

“They’re just kids—punks with big mouths.” He hoped. “Should I stop here?”

“Not yet. Keep driving. Slowly.”

“Why would she do this? I told her I’d get someone to put up posters.”

Three days ago he’d told her that. Today was Friday. And he still hadn’t done it. She was probably fed up with his promises.

Ty gulped.

If anything happened—

“Stop!”

Ty jammed on the brakes. Mac was out of the door and down the narrow alley a second later, motioning for Ty to follow.

“Why couldn’t she just cook?”

That wasn’t fair and he knew it. Ty eased into a parking spot, shut off the motor and got out. He locked the doors, then wondered if it would do any good.

Realizing Mac had disappeared, Ty hurried after him. Just his luck the old guy would get bumped on the head and he’d have two of them to care for. Approaching the corner, he heard voices—loud, angry.

Ty stepped up his pace and ran smack into Mac’s solid back. He shifted to move around him, but the old man clamped iron fingers on his shoulder.