CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHARITY CLICKED TO the next screen on her computer. “Now we move into the lifestyle part of the show,” she said. “I’ve uploaded an assortment of real estate listings. Everything from starter homes and condos to doctor-priced beauties on the lake or the golf course.”
She clicked again. “Here’s a few pictures of the wineries, looking pretty. The ski lodge, the awardwinning restaurant. For local flavor we have the farmer’s market, the Fourth of July parade and the obligatory sunset picture.”
The latter showed a family walking by the lake. Dad held a little girl, Mom held the hand of a little boy. The figures were silhouetted against a beautiful orange and red sunset.
“Very nice,” Marsha said, from her seat next to Charity. They were in the mayor’s office, reviewing Charity’s presentation. “What about the financial package?”
Charity went over the information for the hospital itself—tax breaks, potential grants, how much the state, county and city would kick in.
Marsha smiled. “You’ve done your homework,” she said approvingly.
“I’m determined. Fool’s Gold is absolutely the best place for the new hospital campus to be. I’m going to make them see that.” She grinned. “In a very polite, professional way, of course.”
“I have no doubt.”
“The good news is there’s only one other site that’s competitive. So we have a really good chance. At least this time there’s no rich family who wants their name over the door. I’m still annoyed I didn’t know that.”
“You’d been here all of five minutes. How could you?”
“You’re right,” Charity said, but she couldn’t help feeling she should have been able to figure it out. It was her job, after all. “This time is different. There aren’t going to be any surprises.”
“You sound resolute.”
“An immoveable force.”
“Then I have every confidence you’ll succeed.” Marsha picked up her coffee and sipped. “I noticed Josh training with the high school team.”
Her voice was casual, but Charity wasn’t fooled. While she and her grandmother were getting to know each other, they hadn’t spent a whole lot of time talking about Charity’s personal life. As everyone in town knew Charity was seeing Josh, it wasn’t hard to assume Marsha knew, as well. But she’d never brought it up before.
“He has a race coming up,” Charity said, hoping today’s session went better than the last one.
“He’s also determined. Even when he was younger, he was incredibly focused. Talent is never enough. Drive is just as important. He’s a good man.”
Charity leaned back against the sofa. “Is there a ‘but’ in that sentence?”
“No. I think Josh is very special. He needs someone in his life, and I’m going to risk our new relationship by saying you do, as well.”
“I want that,” she admitted. “But I’m not sure about Josh.”
“Because the rumors about his talents are overrated?” Marsha’s lips twitched as she asked the question.
“Are you trying to find out about my love life?”
“Only in the broadest sense. I think too many details would make us both uncomfortable.”
Charity laughed. “You’re right. No, the rumors aren’t exaggerated. Josh is great and I really like being with him. He’s funny and caring and smart. Not to mention gorgeous.”
“Now I’m sensing a ‘but’ in the conversation.”
“But he’s dangerous. The whole fame thing is uncomfortable. I don’t want to be a bright star in the world. I want my life to be anchored here. I want normal.”
“Josh is very normal and this is his home.”
“For now. But what happens when he competes again? What happens if he makes his comeback? He becomes successful racer-guy again. I’m not saying I don’t want that. If it makes him happy, if it heals him, then he should go for it. But I’m not interested in someone who needs the approval of the world to feel good about himself.”
“Is that what you think he wants?”
“I’m not sure,” Charity admitted. “But I’m worried about it. I want to be in a relationship where I’m the most important person in someone’s life. I want to feel the same way about him. I can’t compete with an adoring crowd.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t have to.”
“Maybe.” Charity was less sure. “For now, it’s not an issue. We’re getting to know each other.”
Marsha smiled. “Be careful. That’s how every great love begins.”
AFTER JOSH FINISHED working out with the team, he went back to the hotel and showered. When he was dressed, he glanced at the clock. Charity wouldn’t leave work for another couple of hours. He could go into his office, but he wasn’t in the mood. Restlessness drove him out of the hotel. He walked along the sidewalk, no destination in mind. Then he turned a corner and saw a sign for a familiar business.
Hendrix Construction had been around for about forty years. Ethan’s grandfather had started the company, and his father had taken it over a decade later. When they’d been kids, Ethan had sworn he wasn’t going to follow anyone into the family business. A few weeks after Ethan had graduated from college, his father had died unexpectedly. As the oldest son, it fell to him to take over the company and keep it going.
Maybe Ethan had planned for one of his brothers to join him or buy him out, but that hadn’t happened. Nearly ten years later, Ethan ran both the construction and the windmill businesses.
Josh stared at the building. He could see several people inside and wondered if Ethan was one of them. For all he knew his former friend could be at a job site or out at the windmill building plant. Still, he could walk over and find out.
He took a step, then stopped. Not counting the phone messages he’d left, it had been a long time since he’d talked to Ethan. Over ten years. He wasn’t sure what to say. The truth was he hadn’t done anything wrong. Ethan’s injury wasn’t his responsibility or his fault. So why did he feel so damned bad about it?
Knowing there was only one way to get the answer, he crossed the street and walked into the office.
Nevada Hendrix, one of Ethan’s sisters, sat on the reception desk, her feet dangling. Her jeans and T-shirt were smudged with plaster dust, her boots worn and practical, rather than a fashion statement. She gestured intensely as she spoke.
“You couldn’t be more wrong,” she was saying. “About all of it. If you would just shut up and—” She raised her head and saw Josh. “Dear God!”
She jumped
