Chapter Eight – Hank

“How are you feeling today, Lauren?” Hank asked as he prepared a starter for table twelve.

“What do you mean?” Lauren asked suspiciously.

Hank frowned. Lauren was usually easygoing, but today she seemed prickly. Like another person he could think of. “Boy trouble?”

“No,” she protested. “I just…” She sighed. “Things don’t always work out how they’re supposed to, do they?”

“Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t.” Hank put a sprig of parsley garnish on the top of his starter. “But I’ve learned to look for the bright side in everything life throws at you.”

“Sometimes there is no bright side. There is no up. It’s just all down.” With that, Lauren left the kitchen, and Hank stared after her. Whatever was getting to her, it must be bad.

Hank took his order out and as he crossed the restaurant, a prickling sensation down his spine alerted him to…his mate.

He swung his head around. Elise was here. Why? She was supposed to be working at the hospital all day. His heart hammered in his chest. Was she okay?

“Here we are.” Hank placed the orders down on table seven and asked the usual questions, finishing with, “Enjoy.”

Then he headed toward the hotel lobby, the sense of connection to his mate growing stronger. Pushing the door open, he walked out of the restaurant to find Elise talking to Julius and Emily.

“Elise?” Hank asked. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” She smiled brightly, and his heart faltered. “I came to talk to Julius about a fundraiser for the hospital.”

“For the transplant department?” Hank asked.

“Yes. It seems funds are lower than ideal, and since we’re not up and running yet, I volunteered to see what I could organize. And Julius has agreed to host a Midsummer Music Festival.”

“A music festival. Here?” Now Hank sounded as prickly as Lauren and Thor. Emily was right, there was something in the water. Something that put everyone in a bad mood.

“Yes. It’s not something we’ve ever hosted,” Julius said. “But, luckily for Elise and the hospital, we have an opening on that evening.”

“It’s going to take some organizing since it’s only two weeks away. But I think we can do it. Emily’s going to help me with contacts. There’s a lot of local talent.”

“We even have a musical talent of our own.” Emily picked up her iPad and scrolled through. Hank’s breathing sped up and his lungs fought for air. He wasn’t ready for everyone to know his secret. He’d swore never to perform again.

“Elise, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” His strained voice caught the attention of the three people in front of him.

“Why not?” Elise frowned. She didn’t understand, his mate didn’t understand him. The words hammered in his head.

“Hank.” She reached out to him, her fingertips brushing his arm as he stepped back.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Emily said firmly. “It might be just what Lauren needs.”

Lauren’s face appeared on Emily’s iPad. She was holding a guitar, with a bright smile on her face. Hank took a closer look. “I had no idea.”

“She keeps it quiet. Waiting for her big break, she used to tell me. I’ve seen her at some local gigs, she’s good, has a real stage presence.” Emily scrolled through the website. “Although, she hasn’t sung live for a few weeks. Which is unusual, she usually performs at all the bars and festivals during the summer.”

“She was sick a couple of weeks ago. Maybe this is what she needs, something to look forward to,” Julius suggested.

“Why don’t we ask her?” Elise suggested, casting a sidelong glance at Hank.

“She’s in the kitchen,” Hank breathed deeply, but he couldn’t escape Elise, she’d seen his reaction.

“Take Elise and ask her,” Julius suggested. “I’ll start making some phone calls and organize the food. The hotel will donate its grounds and staff for the event and throw in the cost of the catering.”

“Thank you, Julius, that’s so generous.” Elise made a note in her diary, and then followed Hank to the kitchen.

“I had no idea you were planning this,” Hank told her as he opened the door for her.

“Your shocked expression gave you away.” Elise pursed her lips. “You thought you were the hidden secret, didn’t you?”

“No.” He half turned and saw her arched eyebrow. “Yes.”

“And you thought I was the one who told them.” It wasn’t a question. But she deserved an answer.

“Yes. For a moment there, I thought I was the reason you’d come up with the idea of a music festival.”

“You might have been. And although I would appreciate your help and expertise in organizing it, I would never ask you to perform. That is your choice and I’d never pressure you.” Her words were clipped.

“I’m sorry.” He took her hand, they were hidden from view behind a tall shelf, which was stocked with fresh produce ready to go into the large walk-in refrigerator. “As much as us meeting has dredged up memories for you, it’s also dredged up memories for me. Memories of how my dad betrayed me.”

“And you think I’ll betray you, too?” Elise asked, hands on hips and eyes blazing.

“No. Not really, but for an instant…” He searched her face. “I’m sorry.”

“I thought you trusted me. There’s Lauren.” Elise walked around him. He’d hurt her feelings and he didn’t know how to make it right. Perhaps if they could persuade Lauren to perform at the festival, it would be a start.

“Lauren, this is Elise.” Hank introduced the two women. “We’ve come to ask you a favor.”

“What?” Lauren frowned, watching them suspiciously.

“I’m organizing a music festival. Julius has kindly offered to host it for us. And we wanted you to perform. Emily said you are really good.” Emily put on a winning smile, which Lauren mirrored.

“You’re asking me?” Lauren pointed at herself.

“Yes, we’re raising funds for the new transplant department at Bear Bluff Hospital.” Elise’s enthusiasm shone, but Lauren’s diminished.

“Transplant.” Lauren looked down at her feet. “When is this taking place?”

“Midsummer Eve. It’ll be really special, we’ll have fairy lights, and maybe even make it a masquerade festival.”

Lauren’s shoulders sagged forward. “I can’t. I’m sorry, I’m already busy that day.” She smiled and nodded, then got out of there as fast as she could.

“What just happened?” Elise asked quietly.

“I have no idea.” Hank’s forehead creased. “She’s been acting weird the last couple of days. I thought it was boy trouble since Thor was acting strange, too.”

“Makes three of you.” Elise smiled sweetly at him.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Make that four. You have your moments, too, Elise.”

“Well, that’s because I have a new mate.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “Do you think that’s what’s wrong with Lauren and Thor?”

“I have no idea. They’ve never told me they were mates.” Hank switched his attention back to Elise. “I have to get back to work.”

“Try to find out what’s wrong with Lauren, and I’ll ask Thor.” She backed away from him, heading back out the door.

“Wait, how do you know Thor?” Hank asked.

“He’s working at the hospital, installing the new computer system.” Elise waved before she turned and walked away. “I’ll see you later. I have to go and find some acts for the festival.”

Hank wanted to help Elise organize the festival. He also needed to figure what was wrong with Lauren, and why she didn’t want to perform there.

However, Lauren avoided him. Usually, she was in and out of the kitchen, but today her absence was noticeable. Eventually, he resorted to asking Julius.

“Lauren? She’s cleaning the rooms on the top floor. One of the housekeepers is off sick and she offered.” Julius picked up the phone, ready to make another call. “Have you thought about performing?”

“Me?” Hank blurted out.

“Yes. I’m sure you could headline.” Julius set the phone down. “I’ve never told anyone else who you are. That doesn’t mean I don’t know.”

“When you checked my references.” Hank nodded. “You are very discreet.”

“It’s part of the service. But no, it wasn’t when I checked your references. I knew as soon as you walked through that door and sat in that chair.” Julius pointed at the door behind Hank. “My mom was a huge fan. She played that song of yours, “Under the Wishing Tree,” until I wanted to throw her old stereo out of the window. Sorry, Hank, but it wasn’t my taste in music.”

Hank sank down in the chair across the desk from Julius. “I always wondered why you hired me since I had no experience.”

Julius leaned forward. “You looked like you needed it.” He smiled. “My mom was heartbroken when you gave up your career. I figured you had your reasons.”

“I did. And thank you, for not asking.” Hank nodded and got up.

“Just think of all those women out there who would be excited to see you perform.” Julius winked. “Think about it.”

“No one remembers me.” Hank hung in the doorway.

“You believe that if you want to. But your YouTube videos have millions of views. Yes, I did check.” Julius tapped his pencil on the desk. “And you know what? If you did a duet with Lauren, it might launch her career.”

“I don’t know. I swore to myself I’d never perform again.” Hank ran a hand through his hair.

“And how old were you when you made that promise?” Julius asked.

“Twenty.”

“Are you still that person?” Julius asked. “I remember a man who walked away from his mate and swore to leave her be to have a happy life with her husband and family. I wasted a lot of years because of that promise.”

“I’ll bear that in mind,” Hank replied and went to find Lauren before his break ended.

He took the stairs two at a time. With only five minutes of his break left, he was going to have to talk fast. Leaving the stairwell, he followed the sound of the vacuum cleaner, which led him to Lauren.

“Hi, Lauren.” Hank stood in the doorway. He didn’t want to pressure her. As he’d run up the stairs, he’d reflected on how similar Lauren’s situation might be to his. If she didn’t want to perform, that was her prerogative. “I came to check that you’re okay.”

Lauren nodded as she switched off the cleaner. “I’m fine. I’m sorry about earlier, and that I can’t perform at the festival.”

“Is there a reason? That you want to share. I don’t know, stage fright?” Hank shrugged.

“No, nothing like that. I’m busy, that’s all.” Lauren walked over to him and leaned against the back of a sofa. “Thanks for looking out for me.”

“We’ve known each other a while now. You know you can trust me. If there is a problem with a boy. Or at home.” Hank smiled wryly. “I’m not making wild assumptions, but as someone who’s had to cover things up, sweep them under the rug...” He made a sweeping motion. “I just want you to know I’m here for you. Even if it’s to give you moral support. You don’t have to tell me details.”

“There is nothing wrong at home. Honestly, my parents are the best. So supportive.” Her voice caught in her throat, and she closed the space between them and buried her face in his shirt. Hank held her while she sobbed, knowing the minutes were ticking away and he would be late getting back after his break.

“Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what’s going on?” Hank asked, rubbing her back. “Is this about Thor?”

She jerked backward. “Why would you ask that? Did he say something about me?”

“No.” Hank shook his head. “But he has a similar expression on his face as you. And his mood wasn’t good yesterday.”

“This has nothing to do with him.” Lauren wiped her eyes. “I should get back to work.”

“Lauren.” She switched on the vacuum cleaner and stuck her earbuds in her ears to drown him out. Taking the hint, he raced back downstairs, arriving at the kitchen with seconds to spare.

Washing his hands, he got back to work, counting down the minutes until he would see Elise again. Maybe she would have a better idea of what was going on.

Hank had lived among a lot of different people, from many cultures. Yet women seemed to be a mystery to him. Just as they always had been.