Page 66 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“You’re no bother at all.” Vera looked over my shoulder. “No Emma today?”

“She’s still sleeping.” I smiled. “We were up late last night.”

“Campfires have that effect on people.” Vera patted my arm. “Especially city folks.”

I laughed. “Guilty as charged. There’s just something magical about sitting around the campfire, sharing with the others.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. I think you might have the bug.”

My eyes widened. “I know, right?”

Vera laughed. “Don’t act so surprised.”

“I didn’t mean any offense.”

“No offense taken. I’ve seen plenty of people show up here full of resistance, but they leave feeling completely different. If they let themselves.”

Was I letting myself? Partially. At least more so than Dana, so I’d count it as a win. “It’s out of my comfort zone is all.”

“I know you got laid off.” Vera studied me. “But there’s more to the story, isn’t there?”

I gazed into Vera’s sincere eyes. Something about her put me at ease. Something familiar. Did she remind me of my mom? Whatever it was, I didn’t want to brush her off or avoid her question.

“What gave me away?” I asked.

“I’ve been here a long time. I sense things.”

I found myself spilling the entire story of what Terrence had done and how betrayed I felt. Vera threw in a few questions as I talked, but mostly, she listened. The only other person I told the entire story to was Emma, but with her, I’d focused more on my anger than my hurt.

What was it about this place?When I finished, I said, “And that’s the whole ugly story.” I smiled, hoping to convey that it didn’t bother me.

“It’s okay to be hurt. It’s human.”

“Oh, you noticed I was deflecting?” What the hell, this emotional honesty shit was getting out of hand.

“Yep. I think it’s what you do best when emotions get too close.”

There was no sense in trying to deny it since I suspected Vera would see right through me. “So I’m not special?”

“Oh, no, dear, you’re special. Everyone is. But you’re not unique. You’d be surprised how many people hide behind their careers and success to avoid the other parts of their lives.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing?” I stopped myself from bristling. Still, I wasn’t someone who hid from anything. I was a warrior. Just ask the guys I’d put in their place in the boardroom.

“I think you’re more comfortable closing the deal, charging ahead, taking risks in business than you are being vulnerable with what’s in your heart.” Vera met my gaze. “That scares the hell out of you.”

I wanted to deny it, argue with her, but it would be pointless, so I said, “I almost forgot why I came.”

Vera grinned. “Message received. You’ve had enough for one day. Tell me what you need.”

I explained my conversation with Helena last night and told Vera my plan. At first, Vera argued and said she could front Helena the money, but when I pressed, she relented.

“Oh, hey, one more thing,” I said. “I see signs pointed off toward the cabins. Do you still rent those?”

Sadness filled Vera’s eyes. “I’m afraid the health department would shut me down if I tried.”

“Why? What’s wrong with them?”

Vera sighed. “They should just be torn down, but that isn’t cheap, either.”