Tara Randel - His Honour, Her Family

“Grace Marie Harper. When I heard you were back in town I had to come and see for myself.”

The shrill voice of Lissy Ann Tremaine sent shivers over her spine, in a horror-movie, run-for-your-life kind of way. And why did everyone in town insist on using two first names?

“Hello, Lissy Ann.”

The slim woman, her dark hair pulled back in a stylish updo, was dressed in a trendy blouse, slacks and peep-toe pumps and dripping in gold jewelry. She crossed the room, pushed her way to the counter, elbowing Mr. Matthews aside, and rested her designer purse on top.

“I heard your mama took a fall.”

“You know those front steps. Real killers.”

“So you’ve actually graced Golden with your presence.” She stopped. Giggled. “Graced. Did you get that?”

Grace held back an eye roll but smiled. Why? she silently moaned. It was bad enough Lissy Ann and her insufferable husband had made her life miserable in high school. Did Grace have to deal with this woman as well as juggle her mother’s doctor appointments and singlehandedly run the family business?

“I’ll be here until Mama can get back on her feet.” Which Grace refused to do, remaining seated at the desk as she talked to her childhood...well, not friend.

Lissy Ann glanced around. Wrinkled her pert nose. “I suppose that’s a good idea. You always did make this place work.”

Which is exactly why she’d gone to law school and taken a job elsewhere, hoping her mother would finally accept the fact that this was her business, not Grace’s.

“I hope you get things under control. We’re having a huge, and I do mean huge, Summer Gold Celebration coming up. An entire week dedicated to merchant specials, making sure all the local lodging is booked solid, holding mini-events.” She waved a hand with a huge honking diamond on it. “You know the drill. Your mama promised to get involved. The tourist numbers should be phenomenal so we need everyone in town working overtime to make Golden the hot vacation spot.”

After dropping her conversation bomb, Lissy Ann looped her purse strap over her arm. “We can count on you, right, Grace?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll send the promotional materials right over.”

“Oh, yay.”

Lissy Ann huffed and left. The glass door panel rattled in the wake of her departure.

The silence felt good after having that unwelcome voice echoing off the rafters. Until a different voice said, “Friend?”

She’d almost forgotten Mr. Matthews was still in the room. “More like mortal enemy.”

“I didn’t know people really had those.”

“If you had one, you’d know it...”

He tilted his head. “Sounds like big goings-on this summer.”

“Lissy Ann is married to the head of the chamber of commerce. They have plans to put Golden on the map.”

“You don’t sound excited about it.”

She shrugged. “I haven’t been engaged in town functions for a while.” With luck she’d be gone before the huge celebration. One could hope.

“I’m finished,” he said, pushing the paper across the counter.

Grace rose, smoothing her skirt. Why she’d worn a work suit to the office today was anyone’s guess. Folks weren’t keen on formal clothing here in the mountain towns, going instead for a more laid-back look, except for Lissy Ann. By dressing professionally, Grace wouldn’t let anyone forget for one minute the thriving law practice waiting for her seventy minutes south.

“Let’s see,” she said, lifting the completed paper. She noted his home address. “You live in Atlanta?”

“Decatur, but like I said, I’ll be spending the summer in Golden.”

She continued reading. He was thirty-one, three years older than her. She stopped short at his employment history, specifically when special agent popped out at her. “You work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation?”

He nodded.

“Why on earth would you apply as an outdoor guide?” she blurted.

“Due to circumstances, I’ve taken a leave of absence from the bureau.”

Should she ask what kind of circumstances? Like was he forced to take time off? Was he in some kind of trouble? She’d certainly find out when she checked his references, but in the meantime... Her eyes went wide when she continued reading. “You’re a crime scene specialist?”

“You’re familiar with GBI?”

“I’m an attorney. I work in Atlanta.”

“An attorney?”

Why did it sound like Mr. Matthews spoke around something nasty tasting in his mouth?

“Yes, I’m surprised we didn’t run into each other in court when I worked for the public defender’s office.”

“You don’t work there now?”

“No. A private firm handling criminal cases.”

His eyes became hooded. Uh-oh. Her suspicion meter went haywire.

“So,” he asked, “do I get the job?”

Obviously his career was not a topic for conversation. She bit her lower lip. Did she hire him? He was qualified in a completely different line of work, but as he said, he’d taken a leave of absence. He needed a job. She needed an employee. Her brother, Nathan, had flaked out on her and her sister, Faith, was less than reliable these days, so to be honest, Grace was desperate. She couldn’t do this alone and the tour schedule was quickly filling up. The cool, refreshing mountain air lured families and outdoor enthusiasts who wanted time away from the rush and summer heat of the big city. Spending time in a smaller town like Golden, which operated on mountain time, thereby alleviating stress, had become big business. She needed to help Mama by getting the season started and running smoothly.

“As I said, my mother is indisposed. I should run your application by her and see what she thinks. It’ll also give me time to check your references.”

He regarded her with an expression she couldn’t decipher.

“I can promise you, I live a boring life. No past indiscretions to keep me from employment.”

Maybe, but she wasn’t willing to take any chances.

“So if your mother can’t work and you have no one else to run the tours, do you have an idea of when you might come to your decision? If it’s going to take a while, I’ll need to apply elsewhere.”

Logical question. Why was she suddenly stalling? “Technically I’m just taking care of the company until she can come back full-time. She’s still the principal owner.”

“But she transferred her authority to you?”

“For the time being.”

“Unless you find me unqualified or you just don’t like me, I don’t see the holdup.”

He didn’t see the holdup? Who did he think he was?

“I don’t mean to give you an ultimatum, but there are other businesses looking for help,” he pointed out.

“Then perhaps you should apply at those other places, where, I might add, the owners will also want references.”

“You’d send me away, even though you need me?”

“I never said I needed you.”

His eyes gleamed. “But you do.”

“I have other interviews lined up.” Liar.

He rested his elbows on the scuffed countertop. “Until then do you plan on running the office and hiking up the mountain at the same time? Handling the town celebration by yourself?”

Why was she even arguing with him? She’d thought he might be the answer to her problem until he started questioning her methods. She hesitated until a voice in the back of her mind taunted, Hire him so you can get back to Atlanta sooner than later .

She couldn’t allow herself to be sucked into family drama again. Her mother would try everything in her power to keep Grace in Golden. Hadn’t it been an ongoing battle just to attend college and law school? If Mama could find a way to milk her injuries—very possible for Wanda Sue—Grace might end up back where she started, stuck in a town she’d dreamed of leaving since she was a teen. Everyone knew her here, knew the family’s worst history and her part in it, a time when she’d been unable to manage events that had spun out of control. The sooner she was at her real job, assuming the firm didn’t fire her if her mother didn’t get back on track soon, the quicker she’d gain control of her life.