If the Tabiqian people can forgive the Henderson and Lawson families, why can’t we forgive each other?It wasn’t what had happened that stood in the way, it was that his family still didn’t know what really had transpired. Ziva was correct. There was power in knowledge and right now, the Lawson family felt powerless. As soon as he returned to the States, that needed to be rectified. Of course lying to most of the family and coming here by himself wasn’t going to make him popular with them for a while. But Gareth knew he’d do something else soon enough to piss them off. He always did.
He turned his attention back to Ziva and said, “I wish my granddad had made that decision. It might have stopped all this sooner.”
“Gareth, we have no idea what would’ve happened. My brothers and I have questioned things ourselves. What if we had rebelled against the big bad James Henderson when we were young? Or what if my grandmother wasn’t such a cruel evil woman? There are so many what-ifs, but none of them change what was.”
Ziva nodded and reached over to cover Alex’s hand with hers. “Or more importantly, what is now. Because that’s all we have. This moment and hope for the next. One thing about growing up in Tabiq, it made you appreciate what you have, because focusing on what you didn’t was pointless.”
“Seems like Tabiq is a lot stronger than most people give it credit for,” Gareth said.
“Yes it is. But I’m sure you didn’t bring your date here to talk about my country all night. I’d much rather hear about her,” Ziva said. “I heard enough about Gareth the last time he was here. So tell me, how do you like working at New Hope?”
Brooke smiled. “I’m loving it. You have a top notch resort. I’m going to miss it when I’m gone.”
“Janet told me you didn’t want to sign on for another year. Is there a reason why?” Alex asked.
“No. It’s just I . . . well I . . .”
“She likes to travel. What better way to see the world,” Gareth answered for her. She had no problem explaining it to him, but found it odd that she didn’t feel comfortable doing the same with them.
“One adventure after another sounds like a lot of fun. I did that for a long time. If you read my books, you’ll see that is how I decided on the settings for each story,” Alex said.
“You definitely know how to make someone feel like they are living in the story. You’re an amazing author,” Brooke said.
Gareth didn’t realize she knew who was behind that pen name. But Brooke still didn’t know Gareth and Alex were related. So far they’d only introduced each other as friends. Neither were ready to admit to anything more. If so, it would open them up to questions no one wanted. It wasn’t like time was going to change that. The less people that knew the better. Yet there he was with Brooke. What the hell made him think bringing her with him was a good idea? Of course she seemed to be enjoying herself. And Ziva seemed to love having female company as well. Although the one thing they hadn’t talked about tonight was business. Supposedly that’s why he’d been at New Hope. Brooke wasn’t one who missed much. She had to have noticed there was more going on than he and Alex let on.
And then I’ll have to start lying. That sucks.
“Alex, why don’t we let these two head out early? I mean, I’m sure they have something better to do than sit here with us all night. And besides, you promised Charisa you’d read her a story before bed.”
Gareth had to admit, he was glad Ziva suggested they leave. It saved him from coming up with an excuse to go.
“Thank you again for having us over for dinner,” Gareth said.
Brooke added, “I never imagined this was where Gareth was taking me tonight. But it was a very pleasant surprise. You have a lovely daughter. Please let her know, next time, I’ll bring my dolly with me.”
Ziva chuckled. “She has more energy than all four of us put together. If you show up with a doll, I think you’ll be held prisoner for hours upstairs.”
“Growing up as an only child, I remember how much I wanted someone to play with. So if you don’t mind, I’d really enjoy returning sometime. Maybe not for hours, but just to keep my promise to her,” Brooke said.
Alex replied, “You both are welcome any time.”
Somehow knowing that Brooke was welcome anytime at the Henderson home eased his mind a bit about leaving her behind in Tabiq. It wasn’t as though anything was going to happen to her, but he was glad Alex and Ziva would be there to keep an eye on her for him.
On the way back to the resort, Brooke seemed much more relaxed than earlier. She sat closer than before. Not as close as he’d like, but that might be for the best. It wasn’t like they could do anything on the bumpy road back.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked.
She turned to him and said, “It was really nice. But then again, I seem to enjoy myself anytime I’m with you.”
“Does that mean I can talk you into having a nightcap with me when we get back?” Gareth needed to make sure she understood what he was offering. “I know those shoes aren’t great on the beach, but there is a comfortable lounge that serves some awesome tropical drinks.”
He was more of a bourbon guy, but if it meant this night not ending, he’d have one of those fancy fruity umbrella drinks.
“I’d really like that, but you do know I have to work in the morning.”
Gareth was trying to forget that. “So you’re saying only one drink?”
She laughed and slid a bit closer to him. “I’m saying only two.”
Even though this night wasn’t going to end in his bed, he was glad it wasn’t ending soon.