At first, he didn’t understand her meaning, but when he followed her gaze to the mound of vegetables, he realized it was obvious he was shopping for more than one person. “This isn’t for me,” he explained. “It’s for Kat. She had some unexpected guests and I got roped into helping.”
Hugh chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s how it goes with Kat. You find yourself helping even when you never intended to, all because she’s such a force of nature that it makes you feel like a no-good sloth in comparison.” He turned to Betty. “I notice the Bridge Club still visit to help in the garden every week.”
“It’s no hardship lending a hand to that lovely girl.” Betty’s eyes narrowed at Sterling. “She’s had a rough time of it. Besides, it’s good for us old souls to take to the sunlight now and then.”
“Never said it wasn’t, Betty. Now let’s leave this young man to do his shopping.” He nodded to Sterling. “Welcome to the bay. I’ll be keeping my eye on you. Good day.” He strolled off, and Betty—who offered a parting glare—trotted along at his side.
Sterling shook his head, bemused. What a bizarre conversation.
He finished his shopping, carried the bags to his car, and fired up the engine. He’d made it as far as Marine Parade when he spotted the stooped form of Betty on the opposite side of the road, a grocery bag in each hand. She was shuffling along, her progress incredibly slow. Sterling would rather not spend any more time with the difficult woman than necessary, but even watching her was painful. Did she not have a car, or someone who could drive her around?
Sighing, he pulled over. Then he wound down his window and called, “Betty, would you like a ride?”
She glanced over, eyes narrowing to slits. “No, thank you, Mr. Knight. I’m perfectly capable of walking.”
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she wouldn’t make this easy. “Are you sure? I don’t mind. It looks like those bags are heavy.”
She positively bristled. “I’m visiting a friend, and I’d rather you didn’t know where they live, in case you decide their home would make a nice resort, too.”
He held up his hands. “My apologies. I was only trying to help.”
“I don’t need your variety of help.”
No, it appeared she didn’t. Or at least, she’d never accept it. So Sterling nodded politely, checked for traffic, and resumed the trip back to Sanctuary.
* * *
Kat wason her hands and knees, scrubbing muddy paw prints out of the carpet when Phil the plumber called to let her know he’d arrived. She tipped the remaining water onto the carpet, dabbed at it with a towel, then propped the external door open and switched on the dehumidifier, positioning it beside the wet carpet. Satisfied, she headed to the foyer and greeted Phil with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. The plumber was a stocky bald man with very little neck and bulging biceps. He was surprisingly sweet, despite a propensity for coarseness.
“How you doing, sweetheart?” he asked, giving her a one-armed hug.
“Been better. Trevor got inside again, then Tione threw a tantrum because he doesn’t have enough ingredients, and now the hot water isn’t working. Please tell me you can fix it.”
“’Course I can.” He grinned. “Is it working in some rooms, or is it out of action everywhere?”
“Everywhere.” She glanced toward the kitchen. “I’m lucky Tee hasn’t needed it yet.”
“Is that grouchy bastard being difficult today?”
She rolled her eyes. “Always.” The front door swung inward and she heard the rustle of shopping bags. Sterling was back. She gave a mental cheer. She’d half expected him to take the list and do a runner.
“Are you all right if I leave you to it?” she asked Phil. He nodded. “Give me a call if you need anything.”
Sterling held up the bags. “I’ve got the food you wanted.”
“Fantastic.” She ignored the flashes of light dancing across her vision, the first sign of an impending migraine. “Take them through the dining room over there and knock on the door at the other end. Tione will be thrilled.”
He strode in the direction she indicated, and she pressed her fingertips to her temples and squeezed her eyes shut. She counted to twenty and opened them. The flashes of light blinked again. Damn. She went to her office and rummaged in the desk, searching for the tablets her doctor had prescribed. She didn’t like to take them, but sometimes it couldn’t be helped. Swallowing one, she washed it down with a swig of water, then collapsed into her chair and rested her forehead on the edge of the desk. Paper poked her face. Why did there have to be so much paperwork involved in running a place like this?
She enjoyed the brief moment of peace and quiet. Then someone knocked on the office door. Groaning, she looked up to see Sterling hovering in the doorway. Of course. She should have known better than to think she could escape for a few seconds of respite.
“I really appreciate you helping out,” she said, giving him a weary smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “Have you got a couple of minutes free?”
She raised her hands and gestured at the piles of paper. “I’m always busy, but it’s nothing that can’t wait.” Truth be told, she probably wouldn’t be able to read in her current state, but knowing that didn’t give her any more patience. She’d had a shorter fuse since the accident. “As I explained earlier,” she said, willing herself not to snap, “I’m not interested in selling my home, but I’ll listen to your argument if you give the bay lifestyle a chance.”
“Have you honestly considered the possibility of selling?” he asked, sitting across from her, somehow managing to look crisp and fresh while she felt wilted. “You’re in over your head. After a couple of hours, I can see that much. This place needs more work than you can afford, and from what I’ve read, you’re a sportswoman, not a businesswoman. I admire what you’re trying to do, but it’s important to recognize your limitations before you burn yourself out.”