Chapter Fourteen

Kate

"Find anything out?" Henry asks as I walk in the kitchen. He's fixing the handle on the oven door. It fell off when I was testing recipes. The guy who installed the oven didn't screw the handle in all the way.

"Find what out?" I ask, hiding my purse in one of the drawers under the stainless steel counter.

"If your father is dating Celeste." Henry sets his screwdriver down and wipes his hands on the rag that's hung over his shoulder.

"How'd you know that's why I went to see him?"

"Because Gavin didn't get a clear answer out of his mother, which means you had to go ask your father."

I grab an apron and tie it on. "Well, I got an answer."

"What did he say?"

"That the other night was definitely a date and that they're going out again this Saturday."

He nods. "So that's why she didn't mind me having company over to the house on Saturday. She won't be home."

"Who are you having over on Saturday?"

"Just some buddies of mine. It's our weekly poker game. I missed it last week because I was down here, so I invited them to Celeste's house for this week's game. I could've just made the drive back to my own place but I thought it'd be more fun to rile up Celeste. But when I told her she didn't seem to care. Your father must've loosened her up a bit."

"Stop." I cover my ears. "I don't want to hear about him..." I cringe, "loosening her up...or whatever else the two of them are doing."

He chuckles. "Relax. I'm sure it won't last. Celeste is just bored and looking for something different. That's why she went after Niles years ago."

"Yeah, and look what happened. She ended up marrying him!"

"She wouldn't marry your father. He doesn't fit in her world. Niles didn't either, but he wanted to, and he made sure he did."

"So you're saying she's using my dad." I get the tray of meat from the refrigerator and set it on the counter. I'm retesting my meatball recipe today because they seemed a little dry when I made them last week.

"She'll go out with him a few times, then get bored and move on." Henry tugs on the oven door. "This should be good to go now."

"I don't want Celeste using my dad like that," I say as I wash my hands at the sink. "If she's bored, she can find someone else to go out with. I'm going to tell him to stay away from her."

His brows rise. "And you think he'll listen to you?"

I sigh. "No. He never listens when people tell him what to do. Except for my mom. He always listened to her."

"I wouldn't worry about it. Give it a few weeks. I can't imagine this lasting any longer than that."

My phone rings. I see Gavin's picture on my screen and smile.

"Hey, Gavin, what's going on?"

"I was going to try to leave work early tonight but I just found out I have to stay late."

"Why? What happened?"

"There was a problem with the website and the stuff I did last week got deleted. I have to try to recreate it."

"So this is for the senator." I slump down on the stool that's sitting next to the counter.

"Yeah. Kate, I'm really sorry. I know I've been gone a lot lately. I promise to make it up to you. I'll take you to dinner tomorrow, wherever you want."

"I can't. I have to be here at the restaurant. I have so much to do."

"You can take an hour for dinner. And afterward, I'll go to the restaurant with you and help you with whatever you need."

"Really?" I hear the happiness in my voice. I've really wanted him to be here with me as I get ready for the opening. This is my dream and I want Gavin here to share it with me.

"I feel bad I haven't been there to help out. But I'll be there tomorrow. I promise."

"You don't need to help. I mean, you can, but it would really mean a lot to me just to have you here."

"Then I'll be there. Tomorrow night. It's a date. Dinner wherever you want and then the rest of the night we'll hang out at the restaurant."

"That'd be great." I'm smiling, already looking forward to tomorrow night. "I'll let you get back to work so you can hurry up and get home."

"It'll be probably be late, like maybe eleven."

"That's fine. I'll wait up."

"I love you, Kate."

"Love you too. See you soon."

"Sounds like you two made up," I hear Henry say. I turn and see him tightening the screws on the shelving units that were delivered last week.

"What do you mean?" I say, walking over to him. "We weren't fighting."

"Then what do you call it when two people aren't getting along?" He continues to tighten the screws.

"Gavin and I get along. We get along great."

"You used to, but then something happened and it seems like you two aren't on the same page anymore."

"Did Gavin say that?"

"He didn't need to. I can tell when my grandson isn't himself. And after all the time I've spent with you the past week, I'd say I know you well enough to know when something's bothering you. So what is it? What'd he do?"

"Gavin didn't do anything. We just..." I pause, not sure if I should be talking to Henry about this.

"You just what?" He sets the screwdriver on the shelf next to him.

"I don't like Gavin working all these extra hours. It's getting to the point that I never see him."

"And you don't like him working for a politician." He cocks his head. "Isn't that the main reason you're angry with Gavin?"

I hesitate, then say, "Yes."

"Why didn't you just tell me that? Because Niles was a politician?"

"Yes. I don't want to be disrespectful."

"You're allowed to have an opinion. And for the record, I hate politicians too. Despise them. I loved my son but I didn't love what he did for a living. And I don't like Gavin being involved with it either."

"Have you said anything to Gavin about this? About how you don't want him working for the senator?"

"I don't need to. He knows how I feel. He's going to do what he wants regardless of what I think."

"I still don't like him working for the senator."

"My advice?" Henry says. "Focus less on what you two do for a job and more on each other. Work on your relationship and all that other stuff will work itself out. Always does."

"It's hard to work on our relationship when he's never around," I say, sounding annoyed.

"And you are?" He grins. "Seems to me like you've been away just as much as Gavin. Didn't you go home at midnight the other night?"

I smile. "Okay, fine. You're right, I've been gone a lot. But Gavin could be here with me. I can't be with him at his job."

He pats my shoulder. "Stop worrying so much. Just keep loving each other and everything will work out. My father gave me that advice on my wedding day and it's some of the best advice he ever gave me. It's how I stayed married for all those years."

"I love Gavin but—"

"You love him. That's all that counts. Just keep reminding yourself of that." He turns toward the shelving unit. "I need to finish this, then go caulk the tile in the restrooms."

"Thanks again for all your help, Henry. And for your advice."

He nods. "Anytime. You may not always like it but I've got plenty of it to share. That's what happens when you get old like me. You got a whole lifetime of advice." He kneels down and starts tightening screws on the bottom shelf.

"I'll let you get back to work."

Henry's right. As long as Gavin and I keep loving each other, we'll get through this rough patch, and whatever other challenges lie ahead.

I get home at nine-thirty and take a quick shower then slip on the black silky nightie that Gavin loves and get into bed. It seems like forever since we had sex, and even though it's late and I'm tired, I want it. I need to be with Gavin.

At midnight, he sneaks into the bedroom. I hear him undressing, then feel the bed move as he gets in.

"Hey." I snuggle up next to him and give him a kiss.

"Sorry. I was trying not to wake you up."

"I was already up. I was waiting for you." I run my hand over his lean, smooth chest. I've missed touching him, being with him.

"What time did you get home?" He puts one arm behind his head, while the other lies above me on the pillow, his hand gently playing with my hair. I love when he does that. I've missed it.

"I got home around ten." I reach up and kiss him. "I missed you."

"Missed you too." He lifts up and gives me a quick kiss then lets his head fall back on the pillow as he yawns. "I'm so tired. It was a really long day."

"So you, um...don't want to do it?" I lift my head up to look at him.

He runs his hand over my hair. "I'm sorry, Kate, but I'm wiped out. Could we do it tomorrow?"

"Sure," I mutter, lowering my head to his chest.

I feel him kiss my forehead. "I love you."

"Love you too." I wrap my arm around him, wanting to be closer to him because I feel like every day, we get farther apart. I lie there quietly for a moment, then say, "I miss you, Gavin."

"What was that?" he mumbles, half-asleep.

"Nothing. Goodnight."

In the morning, he's gone. My alarm goes off at six and when I check my phone, I see a text from Gavin that reads, Have a good day! Love you!

He never used to leave this early. Why would he need to be at the office at the crack of dawn? It's not like there's some urgent need to review proposals. He said proposals are worked on for months, or even a year, before being sent out, so why is he in the office so early?

Is he avoiding me? But why would he do that? We're not fighting about anything. And yet last night, he kept turning away from me in bed. Instead of holding me, like he usually does, he turned his back to me and slept on his side.

But he loves me. I know he does. And I love him. So I'm going to do as Henry said and stop worrying about this and instead focus on the fact that Gavin and I love each other.

I text him back, Love you too! Can't wait to see you tonight!

He doesn't text back but I'm not going to worry about it.

"Hey, Henry," I say as I walk in the restaurant. He's in the dining area, fixing the wobbly tables. To save money, I bought used tables and chairs. They look brand new but some of the legs on the tables aren't even.

"Morning!" He gives me a big smile. "Made some coffee and I brought in donuts for you and the crew."

"Thanks!" I walk past him.

"How'd everything go last night?"

I turn back. "With what?"

"With Gavin. You two back on track?"

"Um, yeah...I guess." I avoid his gaze, my eyes going to the crack in the wall that needs to be fixed. It's an old building that needs a lot of repairs but I love it because it has charm and character and is in a great location.

"So that would be a no." Henry walks up to me.

"Gavin was tired. He got home at midnight and fell asleep as soon as he got into bed."

He shakes his head. "I need to have a talk with that boy. He's too young to be working this much. He should be enjoying life. Enjoying his youth. Enjoying his beautiful girlfriend."

I smile. "He will. He just had to fix something at work last night. He's not normally that late. And tonight he'll be home early. We're going to dinner and then he's coming here to the restaurant."

"I was planning to do some painting here tonight. But if you two want some privacy, I can do it tomorrow."

"Tonight is fine. Gavin will like having you here. Maybe you can get him to help paint."

"The boy's never painted anything in his life. I'm afraid to give him a brush."

I laugh. "I'm sure you could teach him."

"Will do." He nods toward the kitchen. "Go get yourself a donut before the guys eat 'em all."

I go in there and find just two donuts left and no coffee. I make some more, then take a donut and sit on the kitchen stool and review my to-do list.

My phone rings. It's Megan. I've been so busy I haven't talked to her in almost a week.

"Hey, Megan. Sorry I haven't called you back."

"It's fine. I know you're busy. I'm actually at work so I can't talk long. I just wanted to ask if you signed up for that Moorhurst class."

"I haven't had time yet. Why?"

"It's too late. Decker said the deadline to register was weeks ago, even for people just auditing a class, which is what you were planning to do, right?"

"Yeah, but I guess I can't now. Damn. I should've signed up. I totally forgot about it."

"It's for the best. I didn't want you going there with all those rich kids and their secret societies."

"They don't have secret societies."

"They do," she says matter-of-factly. "Decker confirmed it."

"He did?"

"He was drunk at the time but the truth always comes out when people are drunk."

"If he was drunk, he didn't know what he was saying. He could've been making it up."

"I asked him about it later, when he wasn't drunk."

"And what did he say?"

"That he didn't know that much about them. He just knows they exist."

"So there's more than one?"

"Decker only knows of one, but there could be more."

"How does Decker know about this? Has he been asked to join?"

"No, but some of the guys on his floor disappeared for a week last spring. Decker thinks they were at some kind of initiation. He said when they came back, they seemed different."

"Different how?"

"Some were really quiet, like they were freaked out by whatever happened that week, and some got really cocky, like they thought they were suddenly better than everyone else because they were part of this group. Oh, and get this! They missed classes and tests and didn't turn in papers that week and they all still got A's."

"How does Decker know that?"

"Because he's in their classes."

"Maybe they made up their work for the week they were gone."

"Maybe. It doesn't matter. The point is, they disappeared for a week and didn't get in trouble. And they came back acting differently."

"That doesn't prove anything. You're just making guesses. You have no idea where those guys were or what happened."

"True, but the evidence points to membership in some kind of secret group. I have to keep digging. I'm just glad you're not going to Moorhurst. Any place is better than there."

"Ms. Norris?"

I look over and see Tom, the electrician, walking into the kitchen.

"Megan, I have to go. Can I call you tomorrow?"

"You could but you won't. You're too busy."

"I'm sorry. I promise to call more when things settle down. Bye!"

As I set my phone down, Tom comes up to me. "Everything's set to go. I did everything on your list. If you need anything else, just give me a call."

"Okay, thanks. Do you have the final invoice?"

He takes it from his shirt pocket and sets it in front of me. "It's a little more than the original bid, but we talked about that last week."

I glance down at the bill. It's almost twice the original bid. Shit. I didn't budget nearly enough for electrical work.

"Have a good day." Tom walks away while I sit there staring at the bill, wondering where I'll get the money to pay it. The money from Mr. Walcott is running out and I don't want to go back to him for more.

"Kate, you have some visitors."

I hear Henry's voice and look up to see him holding open the door that leads from the dining area to the kitchen for four older men wearing dark suits.

"Do you work for Mr. Walcott?" I ask as I go over to them.

One of the men laughs. "We don't work for Walcott. We're his acquaintances."

"Meaning you're investors?" I ask.

"Not exactly," one of the other men says. "Walcott mentioned you in our meeting the other day and invited us to come assess his latest investment."

"Oh." I don't know what that means. If they're not investors, then why would they be here? "Mr. Walcott didn't mention you'd be coming by to check out the place."

The man chuckles. "I wasn't referring to the restaurant."

Now I'm even more confused. Is he saying I'm the investment?

He and the other men glance around the kitchen. One of them picks up a spatula like he's never seen one before, then sets it down.

"When is the opening?" the man who picked up the spatula asks.

"A week from Friday," I say.

"Do you think you'll be ready?" the first man asks.

"I think so. There's still a lot to do but I'm sure it'll all get done." I smile, although it's a nervous smile. These men are making me uneasy. "I just hope people show up once we're open."

"They will," the man says with a wink. "The restaurant will be a success. No need to think otherwise."

"Why do you say that?" I ask with a laugh. "Do you have a crystal ball?"

His lips slowly move up to a smile. "We don't tolerate failure."

"We?" I ask, confused.

"Our investments always perform the way we want them to," the man next to him says, ignoring my question.

"And if they don't?" I ask.

All four men chuckle, then the first one says, "We have to get going. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Norris." He turns to leave and the other men follow him back to the dining room.

Henry walks in. "Who were the suits?"

"I'm not sure," I mutter, confused by what just happened. "They didn't really say."

"Then what were they doing here?"

"I don't know. They said they knew Mr. Walcott. They said they're not investors so I'm not really sure why they were here. Why'd you let them in?"

"I didn't. They just walked in on their own."

"Wasn't the front door locked?"

"It was, so they must've had a key. Walcott must've given it to them."

"Why would he do that? That doesn't make sense."

Henry steps forward until he's right in front of me. "How much do you know about Walcott?"

"Not much, other than some stuff I read online about his investment firm. Why do you ask?"

"Walcott donated money to Niles' campaign. And now he's investing in your restaurant."

"Yeah? So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying Tad Walcott seems overly interested in the Bishop family."

"But I'm not a Bishop."

"You're dating Gavin. You're going to marry him someday, which will make you a Bishop."

"Maybe it's just a coincidence he gave money to both Niles and me."

"It's not a coincidence. Men like Tad Walcott do things intentionally. There's always a reason. So what is it? Why does he care so much about this restaurant? As far as I know, he's never invested in restaurants before, so why now?"

Hearing Henry talk about this is making me as nervous as I was when those men were here. What is Mr. Walcott up to? Knowing he supported Niles changes everything. It makes me think Walcott is more than just a businessman trying to help out a struggling entrepreneur.

"Why didn't you tell me before now that Mr. Walcott contributed to Niles' campaign?" I ask.

"I just found out. Walcott's wife was at the house yesterday and I overheard Celeste talking to her. She mentioned the donation they made to Niles' campaign last year, saying how much Niles appreciated their support. Normally, I'd think nothing of it but I knew Walcott was funding your restaurant and that's when I started to become suspicious."

"Did you hear his wife say anything else?"

"Not about Niles. She started telling Celeste about her plans to remodel her dining room and I stopped listening." He lowers his voice. "Maybe I'm making something out of nothing, but when it comes to these rich bastards, I don't trust them. Like I said, they don't hand out their money without a reason. A reason that'll benefit them somehow. And no offense, but this restaurant isn't going to earn him much. It may not even earn him anything the first year or two."

I think back to what the man in the suit said about how the restaurant will be a success. Why did he say that? How does he know?

"Just be careful," Henry says. "Don't let Walcott or any of his people bully you into making decisions that aren't right for you. And never feel you have to decide something right away. You can always call me for advice. Or talk to Gavin, or your parents. We're all on your side. Walcott's not. He's only looking out for himself."

"Maybe I shouldn't have taken his money."

"Too late now. You signed a deal. He owns more of this place than you do, but that doesn't mean he owns you."

Carl, one of my painters, peeks his head in the kitchen. "Henry, we need you out here."

"Yeah, I'm coming." He takes off.

What have I done? I'm in business with a guy I'm not sure I can trust. What was the real reason he gave me the Young Entrepreneur Award? Did he really see potential in me? Or did he make all that up to get me to agree to take his money?

Whatever his motives were, it's too late to go back. Like Henry said, I signed a contract. Mr. Walcott owns part of my business. But he doesn't own me. So then why did that man refer to me as an investment?

Maybe Walcott really does see me that way. He invested in Niles, and now he's investing in me. But why me? What does he think I can offer him?