“If it doesn’t, I have a friend who works on a cruise line. I could always call and get you a job there.”
That was really nice of Janet, but it wasn’t a financial issue. She wanted to continue her dream of traveling the world.
Then why am I going back to someplace I’ve already seen?
That had nothing to do with finishing a job. She felt lost, and she hoped by going back, maybe she wouldn’t feel that way any longer.
“Thanks, but that isn’t what I’m looking for, Janet. If Alex doesn’t need me, I have a few other places in mind.”
“Okay. Hey have you heard from Gareth? I was wondering how he is doing.”
Brooke wasn’t going to admit it, but she was following him in the media. There had been a photo of all six Lawson men standing together at Dylan’s wedding. From what she could tell, he looked like he was happy and back to his old life.
“I haven’t spoken to him, but I hear he’s doing well.”
“You mean you haven’t called him?” Janet asked.
“No. He had a lot going on, remember?”
“Had. But that was over a month ago. The last I heard, they were able to clear up the infection. Thank God. I was really concerned the last time I saw him. It . . . didn’t look good.”
No. It didn’t.“He’s a fighter.”
“But that doesn’t answer why you didn’t call him. It seemed like you two were really getting along. I would’ve bet that you ended up as a couple.”
“And you would’ve lost that bet. Our lifestyles don’t mesh with the word couple. And long distance relationships aren’t for me before you even suggest that.” Brooke knew Janet was a hopeless romantic now since Vinny had swept her off her feet. But that fairy tale didn’t happen to everyone.
“Okay, so you’re not going to live happily ever after. But you can still call the man. After all you saved his life.”
“After he saved mine. I’m sure he wants to forget that piece of his life. It’s probably bad enough that he has visual scars to remind him, he doesn’t need to hear from me to bring it all up again.” What else would they have to talk about? The accident was the one thing that would always define their time together. She wished it wasn’t so, but hoping for something didn’t make it happen.
“I guess you’re right. I hadn’t thought about it like that. How are you doing dealing with it, by the way?”
“I’m okay.” When I’m busy enough not to think about it. Which is hardly ever.
“That’s good to hear. Everything happened so fast that it felt like we never really got to say goodbye.”
Brooke felt the same way. And not just with Janet and the others at New Hope. But Gareth had been in a coma. Did he know what she had said to him? Did he even know she’d been there? Does he know why I wasn’t there when he woke up? Since he never called her, she assumed not. And also figured he . . . didn’t want to.
“Well, if Alex says yes, the next time I leave Tabiq it won’t be in such a rush.”
“Speaking of rush, I have to go. I pulled together a staff meeting, and we’re talking about changing some of the activities here. Can you believe it, they are getting rid of karaoke?”
“Really. Why?”
Janet chuckled. “If you ask Vinny, it is because they heard me sing. But actually the interest has declined.”
“For the entire resort?” That wouldn’t be good.
“Yes. I’m not sure why. It was like someone slammed us and we haven’t figured out who. But I’m sure the Hendersons will figure it out, and we’ll be back on track.”
That didn’t make any sense to her. A month ago the place was jamming. Why would it change that quickly? They had a wonderful reputation. “I hope they do quickly. I’d hate to think of New Hope closing.”
Janet added in a serious tone. “I think it would crush the Hendersons. I’m not sure why, but this place seems to mean more to them than their businesses in the States. They are a wonderful, but odd, family. I don’t think I’ll ever figure them out.”
“The life of the rich, Janet. You can’t ever guess what drives their happiness. Sometimes it’s something you’d never even think of.” Like the ability to live a normal life traveling as a waitress.
“I guess you’re right. Okay, keep me posted, and good luck when you talk to Alex. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.”
Me too. I just don’t know what it is I’m wishing for.
Brooke doubted Alex would say yes based on what Janet mentioned. There would be no benefit in taking her back. But she’d call him in a few days. What did she have to lose? Not a job. I don’t have one right now.