The Bluebird Bet Page 5

  Joggers usually seemed to be suffering, but Elaine’s face was as calm as his own. And she was fast.

  Of course she was. He had a feeling if she committed to something, she did it well. She probably ran because it was good exercise, but she excelled at it because she saw no other option.

  “Must be exhausting.” He’d never aspired to be the best. Adventure and the chance to make a difference had been enough to keep him going. For a long time anyway.

  Anyone who became a doctor had to have that same desire to help, didn’t she?

  Dean’s shoulders slumped as he turned back to the water and closed his eyes. He didn’t really want to have anything in common with Elaine Watson.

  “Jogging? Probably is exhausting.” His father held out a mug and sat next to him. “Guess it doesn’t matter if you enjoy it.”

  Dean sipped his hot black coffee and felt the satisfaction spread all the way to his bones. “Thanks, Dad. This hits the spot.”

  “Don’t tell the doctor. Little bit of caffeine’s good for the soul, I’m convinced.” His father cast his line, and neither one of them said anything for the longest time. The fish weren’t biting. Everything was quiet.

  His father’s silence matched Dean’s mood. The tense restlessness was missing, and Dean appreciated the break. They were both content to sit there, staring out across the lake. He lost track of how long he waited for a bite.

  “I’ve missed this,” Dean said. “Peace. Quiet.” He lifted his fishing rod and reeled in his useless bait. He might do better with a new lure, but that would require effort. This morning was nearly flawless as it was. He shifted, cast his line again and ignored the mental picture of Elaine’s disapproving stare.

  “No one trying to shoot you with a long-range scope. No threats of drinking bad water or falling off a mountain.” His dad sighed. “It’s the little things.”

  Dean’s rusty laugh was loud in the still morning. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “If your mother was around, she’d already have us jumping, ticking off the to-do list.” The click of his father’s reel was comforting, a sound that would always remind him of home.

  “I expected the doctor to have already sounded an alarm, mustered the troops and conquered something.” Dean checked his watch, the one he could dump now that he was back in Tall Pines. Everything moved at its own pace in this town. “I mean, it’s almost eight. Daylight’s wasting.”

  His father nodded. “You could both stand to do a better job at relaxing.”

  “I am sitting at the end of a dock, not catching fish. It doesn’t get any more relaxed than this.” Dean shifted his pole and watched the ripples in the water.

  “Sure. After staring out the window all night long. I bet that’s pretty relaxing, too.” His dad didn’t look at him when he added, “We have a doctor in the house. She might be able to help.”

  “I don’t need any help,” Dean snapped. “I’m fine.”

  How did his father know about his long nights? Dean stood up so quickly he had to take a step back from the edge of the dock or risk landing in the lake. Another surge of those ridiculous emotions, this time anger. He had to get a grip.

  “Sorry, Dad. I appreciate you worrying about me, but losing sleep is no big deal. I’m sure once I settle in to the routine, that’ll get better. Maybe I’m still in the wrong time zone.” The one where bad memories lurked.

  “Sure.” His dad glanced at him over his shoulder. “And maybe it’ll take you a while to see that you could use some help. Believe me, I understand that. When you get the help you need, you’ll wish you hadn’t waited. I have Elaine to thank for that bit of wisdom.”

  Instead of tossing his fishing pole into the water to make a loud, satisfying splash, Dean carefully reeled his line in. He’d been mulling over yesterday’s revelation that the doctor had saved his father’s life. “Care to explain why you couldn’t tell me about your health scare, Dad?” He didn’t want to start a fight, but he had to know. “Seems like a heart attack or whatever it was would make the weekly update.”

  His dad sipped his coffee, and Dean wasn’t sure he was going to answer.

  “Did you believe I wouldn’t care?” Dean crossed his arms over his chest, afraid of the answer. Just like that, it was hard to catch his breath again.

  “You know, some things are hard to put into words.” His father didn’t turn to look at him. “Losing my wife was the hardest thing I ever lived through, but watching my son lose his mother...I don’t think that’s something I’ll ever get over.”

  Amazed at the sting of tears behind his eyelids, Dean tried to clear the lump in his throat.

  “I didn’t want you to come home,” Robert said. “I couldn’t stand to watch you do it again. I love you too much for that.” His dad sipped his coffee calmly, as though he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

  Watching his dad in the days after his mother’s death, seeing him act like the whole world hadn’t ended, had hurt. Dean had wanted the loss to show. After that, Dean was eager to do whatever it took to make the new world different from the old one, the one where she’d held everything together.

  Maybe his father had been trying to make things better, by pretending nothing had changed. That was something he’d never have understood then.

  Dean scrubbed his hands over his face and thought about dropping the conversation right there. Instead, he squatted and draped his arm around his dad’s shoulders, startling them both. “Are you insane? You should have told me. I would have been here as fast as I could, and I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if something had happened to you. I guess I didn’t know how to say that.”

  His father wrapped his hand around Dean’s. “Sure. I feel the same way. Not knowing what you’re going through is a real problem. That’s true whether you’re in Afghanistan or right down the hall. I want you to be happy, no matter what else happens.”

  Dean choked back his tears. “I get it. I’ll tell you more, okay? But I’m going to be safe and sound, rebuilding the Bluebird. I’m glad you’ll be traveling, sending me frequent photos so I can live vicariously through you.”

  His dad laughed. “Right. Send snapshots to the famous photographer. We’ll see.”

  Dean stood up. “You don’t have to worry, Dad. I’m okay.”

  He nodded. “I am, too, thanks to the doc. She could help you.”

  Annoyed all over again that she’d been allowed to help when he’d been completely out of the loop, Dean tapped one finger on his thigh. “I’ll make sure I tell her how much I appreciate everything she did for you.” But he wouldn’t give up on his plan. He needed this place.

  Before he could argue or explain why his case was not the same as his dad’s heart problems, he could hear a car coming down the road. “Sounds like the contractor’s here.”

  They both ambled up the hill to meet the guy sliding out of his truck. “Robert, nice to see you. And you must be Dean. I’m Nick.” Dean shook his hand and watched his face as he surveyed the porch and ragged front yard. “Where should we start?”

  “How about we finish introductions first?” They turned to see Elaine standing on the front porch, hands braced on her hips.

  If anyone had doubts about the benefits of running, one look at Elaine in her bright red shorts and spotless white shirt should answer them. He had to admire her commitment to her plans, but at that moment, he was struck again by how well she fit against the backdrop of the Bluebird. He had no doubt that if she were in charge, the inn would shine as bright as her eyes in the warm morning sunshine.

  Dean could understand his father’s dilemma, too. Given a choice of people to entrust with something as important as the family business, he might go with Elaine. She inspired confidence.

  “Dr. Watson, we already know each other.” Nick glanced at Robert for direction.

  “Wha
t the doctor means is that Elaine and Dean here are both thinking about taking over the inn. So instead of the minor repairs I had in mind, we’re going to start with a tour, get some idea of the improvements each of them wants to make. And the costs. All right with you?”

  Nick tapped his pencil against his clipboard. “They’re not renovating together, right? So they’re probably going to have different inspiration?”

  “Oh, yeah,” Dean said.

  Elaine smiled at his dry answer. When their eyes met, her amusement was irresistible. He fought the chuckle but couldn’t help the way his lips turned up. The thrill of making a pretty girl smile never got old.

  Get a grip, man. She’s the enemy, not the cool girl you’re trying to impress.

  Nick sighed. “All right. Let’s give it a shot. First priority is...”

  “The kitchen,” Dean and Elaine said together. She opened the door and waited for them to follow her inside.

  “Where exactly are the cabinets?” Nick asked and kicked at the linoleum. “And what happened to the floor?”

  “DIY gone wrong. We’ll need the floor repaired and the cabinets replaced. Everything else works.” Dean turned to move on, but Elaine held up a hand.

  “Except if this is going to be a bed-and-breakfast again, the kitchen will have to be updated. New cabinets, counters, stainless steel.” She shrugged. “It’s what visitors would expect, and I want this to be a gathering spot, somewhere guests feel comfortable hanging out and making conversation. We won’t do a meal service, but the continental breakfast will be served right here.” Just as it had been when his mother ran the place and the rose tiles in the backsplash had been quaint instead of faded.

  Nick glanced from Dean to Elaine. “Big difference in those plans.”

  “Fishermen will be content with new linoleum and the old cabinets as long as everything works. Besides, those cabinets were originals. People like antiques, right?” Dean said. “I’ll spend that money on a new marina, where they’ll really appreciate it.”

  “A marina?” Nick clapped his hands together. “Now that’s a project I could get excited about.”

  Elaine turned toward his father as though she was appealing for backup.

  So Dean did the same.

  And his father backed right out of the sticky situation.

  “Well, now, the cabinets are out in the garage so... Let’s finish up in here first. Then we can take a look at the dock.” Robert led them down the hall.

  “We’ll definitely want to take the wallpaper down,” Nick said. “Maybe paint a neutral color. White’s good. Refinish the floors.”

  Dean motioned above the railing. “We could mount fish or maybe pictures of big catches. Keep a record that way.”

  “No way is that wallpaper going anywhere. It’s in fine shape, and I like it.” Elaine draped an arm over the carved banister, her lips twisted in disapproval. “When I think of the Bluebird, I remember these morning glories. My visitors will appreciate a touch of the past while they’re enjoying the new conveniences like stainless steel. That’s why I’ll invest in the guest rooms.” Then she raised an eyebrow.

  He could see where she was coming from. When guests thought about the Bluebird, they’d probably remember that wallpaper fondly. It reminded him of his mother.

  Watching it go would hurt, but he had to move forward.

  The change would be good for him and for the Bluebird.

  Again they turned to his father, and again he declined to offer an opinion.

  Nick glanced from Elaine to Dean. “Well...” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Maybe we look around outside.”

  They headed down the hill. “We’ll expand these docks, repair the boat slips, add a small marina, maybe fifteen by twenty feet, to sell bait and a few convenience items.” Dean walked along the shoreline and pointed at the end of the dock. “What do you think? Wouldn’t be too expensive to build here, would it?”

  Elaine tapped her foot impatiently but before she could fire off a rebuttal, Robert turned and studied the house. “Block the view of the cove, you mean?”

  Dean stared out over the lake. Surely the added revenue would justify a partially blocked view. It would be a big, satisfying change, a way to make his mark.

  “Is the marina something you guys agree on?” Nick asked. Dean and Elaine both shook their heads firmly. “Of course not.”

  Robert sighed. “Maybe it’s too soon. New plan. Let them write up a list, maybe do some drawings or something. Then you can quote them separately and save yourself some confusion.”

  “Perfect. You guys call me in a week or so, and we’ll set something up.” Nick walked to his truck and didn’t look back. He had his phone to his ear as he reversed down the gravel drive, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust.

  They walked slowly up to the porch and inside the disputed territory. “We could have at least had the cabinets put in, even if it was only temporarily. Surely we can agree on that,” Elaine said.

  “I can live with the kitchen as is for a few weeks. Can you?” Dean watched her roll her eyes.

  “Of course, but we didn’t have to. That’s all I’m saying.” She straightened her glasses. “Not making easy decisions because we’re on opposite sides of the fence is just silly.”

  She was right. He hated that.

  Letting her be the reasonable one was a dangerous precedent. Before he could figure out the best recovery, his father held a hand up. “And on that note, I have an announcement. I’m leaving. Today. Now. You kids can work all this out, so wow me with great ideas when I get back.” Then he ran up the stairs, two at a time.

  Dean thought about demanding to see his medical records. His dad didn’t act like a man with a heart condition.

  He acted like a man making a quick getaway.

  * * *

  WHEN DEAN WENT in the opposite direction, right out the door and down to the dock, Elaine considered following Robert and explaining why he had to stay a bit longer. He was her only hope.

  If he left...

  Well, she would be on her own. With Dean at close range. The idea of arguing with him didn’t bother her, but if she got to know him...beating him would be so much harder. Robert was a buffer.

  But she’d been fighting her own battles for years. She could handle this.

  Elaine paced in the small foyer and lectured herself on getting too worked up over the situation. That was not what the Bluebird was about.

  Her phone rang, and she realized she already had plenty of things to worry about. This was supposed to be her new hobby, something she enjoyed.

  She stepped out onto the porch, slipped into the rocker that was going to be her chair and answered. “Morning, Mom. How are you?” They made their usual small talk and finally her mother said, “I’ve been thinking about your inn. Maybe I should visit. It’s been a long time. I want to see what you’re excited about.”

  Elaine blinked and then took a look around the porch and yard, neither of which were anything to get excited about. “Wow, I didn’t expect that. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get the place, but you could definitely come for a visit. See what you think. Just give me a couple of weeks.”

  “Great. I signed up for a cooking camp at the community college. It starts next week. I’ll come up after and impress you with all I’ve learned. How’s that? I’m actually taking your advice.”

  “That is a surprise. I’m a doctor. I’m used to people ignoring my advice.”

  Elaine checked her phone display to make sure her mother’s name was showing. Her clear, reasonable tone of voice was nice this early in recovery. “I’d love to see you, Mom.”

  “Wonderful. Now, I have to go. I’m going to practice in the kitchen so I don’t look like a helpless fool in front of the other ladies in the class. I have plenty of cookbooks to
work with, thanks to Jerry. I should put them to good use.” Her mother laughed, and at least one of the worries weighing Elaine down eased.

  “Studying even before the class starts? What’s gotten into you?” she asked.

  “Where do you think you got your overachiever tendencies? Your father? He never met a last minute he didn’t love.” Her mother sighed. “I’m looking forward to seeing you. We’ve got a plan?”

  “It’s a date.” When she ended the call, Elaine could feel the grin on her face. It was unusual, but she was so excited to hear about her mother trying something new. Something new might be what they both needed.

  “A date, huh?” Robert said as he stepped onto the porch carrying a duffel bag. “I didn’t expect that.”

  Stumped on the correct way to answer, Elaine said, “You’re packed already? Don’t let me drive you away, Robert.”

  He shook his head. “Nah, got a call yesterday that my travel trailer was ready, so I was planning to leave next week. Get a jump on my journey to the Grand Canyon, that’s all.”

  They were both silent as they stared at Dean sitting by the water.

  “Doc, could you do me a favor while I’m gone?”

  “Will I earn a few extra points?” Elaine asked with a smile.

  Instead of giving her his usual half smile, he scratched his temple. “No, but...you’re a doctor first? Before the Bluebird. You’d help anyone you could, right?”

  “Sure. Yes. Of course.” She felt like the worst jerk for teasing when he had a medical question.

  “If you have a chance, see if you can get him to talk. He’s... Maybe you can help. You and I both know you’re experienced at treating difficult patients.” Robert rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “I would really appreciate it.”

  Elaine didn’t know how she would manage that without compromising her chances of winning, but she nodded. “I’ll try.” Sure. I’ll just get him to tell me his problems, help him to the best of my ability, destroy my competitive edge and lose. No problem.