“Horror movies,” I say.
“And why’s that?”
“When I was about ten, Dylan had a few of his friends over and I begged to watch Jaws with them.”
Brody chuckles. “Is that why you never learned how to swim?”
“Yes.” I shrug with embarrassment. “When my mom found out, she grounded Dylan.”
“Why him and not you?”
“I tried to tell Mama it was all my idea. But Dylan stepped in and took responsibility.”
“What was his punishment?”
“Mama not only gave him extra chores but took away his television privileges. And since I was so scared to sleep alone in my own bed, I slept in his bed for a month.”
“You slept in his bed for a month? I have to give him props. Dylan’s got more patience than I would have if Avery did that to me.”
I laugh at the memory and love it at the same time. This was how we became closer.
“It was one of the best childhood memories I have with him,” I admit. “Ever since then, Dylan and I have been close.”
“And you’re not close to Drake?”
“We’re close too. But at fifteen, who would want their baby sister tagging along?”
Brody sighs, rubbing my arms with his hands. “I had a great time meeting your family.”
“I think you won Mama over.” I giggle. “She called me the other day asking about you. Not about me, but about you, and when I was planning on making a trip out to the ranch so she can cook for you.”
“She made some killer apple pie.”
“She is the best when it comes to baking,” I say as my stomach growls.
“Okay, no horror movies on Netflix night. Check . . . Anything else?”
“Other than that, I think I’m good.”
Maybe there’s one more thing . . . afraid of losing you.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Delilah
Kayla is pleased as we scan the new sales data and the booked-out reservations for Evergreen for the rest of the year, including the commercials and the ad campaign as we discuss it in Peter’s office.
“The numbers look promising and the decline in profits she predicted has since vanished.” Peter removes his glasses and rubs his eyes.
“Delilah, the figures are very encouraging,” Kayla says as she closes the folder and smiles. “How in the world did you get Phoebe Powell to mention it on her talk show?”
I giggle and my eyes meet Peter’s. “Well, she’s my future sister-in-law.”
“Delilah has a few connections up her sleeve we were just as surprised about,” Peter says. “The moment she left the resort, I swear she was like the Tasmanian Devil. It’s amazing how quickly this all turned around the last couple of weeks.”
I pick up the carafe and pour myself more coffee in my mug that has a hot air balloon on it. Brody bought it in the gift shop after we captured the sunrise and it’s now one of my favorite memories.
“Kayla, I think you should start considering booking weddings,” I tell her, pointing to her empty cup as my offering for a refill.
“You think?” She raises her cup and I pour. “My parents and I never thought of it as anything other than a campground and a honeymoon destination. You really see it as a wedding destination?”
“Are you kidding? When I was there, I thought it was the most romantic place to have weddings, showers, or any other function.”
My mind wanders for a beat to the unforgettable weekend I had with Brody just a few short weeks ago.
Then him meeting my family, then me meeting Gerard, and reading an excerpt from his precious journals. We sat there, hand in hand, and I never would have guessed his father had Alzheimer’s by the way Gerard spoke of Brody as a child. The emotions swirling in Gerard’s room were palpable, and I will cherish that intimate moment Brody shared with me.
“Do you have a facility to hold such events?” Peter asks Kayla, bringing me back to the here and now.
“There is an outdoor venue we have used for banquets for the staff and the arboretum may be small but is doable to house about thirty guests.”
“There’s so much potential,” I say.
We casually go over plans to expand the grounds and another way to increase profits for the next hour when my phone chimes. I glance at the screen at a text from Brody about Avery’s fashion show tomorrow night and that he’ll pick me up at seven sharp. He told me all about his sister after the hot air balloon trip and I’m finally going to meet her.
He’s been in Virginia all week, and I miss him. I shoot a quick text to let him know I will call him after my meeting and how I’m looking forward to seeing him.
Ever since we got back from Phoebe and Dylan’s engagement party, things have been going so well. He’s been staying at the house when Sydney sleeps over at Levi’s. Last Saturday, we went to see Jerick.
I got over my fear of water and learned how to boogie board . . . unsuccessfully, but it was a start. I still haven’t coordinated paddling my legs while holding onto the board for balance to stay afloat. And since that time was dedicated to Jerick, I didn’t want to steal the moment away from him.
“Delilah is full of ideas,” Peter tells Kayla. “With the profits, this may be something you can look into. Weddings are big bucks, Kayla.”
“Absolutely,” I say as I think about my wedding catalog and all the cutouts I have glued to it since I was a kid.
Peter gathers the documents and straightens them in a pile. “Now that’s settled, let’s grab some lunch. There’s a new seafood restaurant I’m dying to try.”
“Seafood sounds divine. But I will have to take a raincheck,” Kayla says as she glances at her watch then looks back up at us. She smiles as she rises from her chair and shakes our hands. “I can’t thank you enough. And anytime you want to stay at Evergreen, just let me know. The rooms are on us.”
“I may take you up on that offer. Me and the Mrs. have been wondering what we should do for our ten-year anniversary.” Peter chuckles. “Delilah talks highly of the amenities.”
“I had a fabulous time when I was there,” I say.
“Well, I’ll have my secretary call you to make the arrangements,” she says, slipping the folder in her leather case. “Until then, keep me posted on the winter edition.”
“Absolutely,” I say.
Settling back in my office after lunch with Peter, I lean back in my chair and just when I am about to call Brody there’s a couple of thuds at the door. Today is just one of those days.
“Knock, Knock.” A sweet southern accent startles me and yet it’s a reprieve from the stress warring in my head. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.” Bea is one of the publicists I met my first week on the job. She enters my office with a few boards in her hand. Her strawberry blonde hair and warm smile brightens the space as I motion for her to have a seat in the empty chair in front of my desk.
“Bea. Hi, please come in.” I quickly gather papers, clearing my desk. “This is a pleasant surprise.”
“Well, I heard you nailed the Evergreen project, and needed your opinion on something. You got a sec?” She holds up the 11x17 of an actor I recognize all too well.