He tucked his hands in his pockets, like usual. “I appreciate the pep talk, but I can’t stay here and work with you every day.”
“I don’t care about Mark’s note. You’re not the reason he’s dead. His illness is. And as far as honesty goes, you were right. We both made mistakes, but we can learn from them. They don’t have to mean the end of everything.”
All week she’d fantasized that a speech like that would end in a passionate kiss. When it didn’t, she simply hung her head.
“I’m not good for you.” He sounded so certain he almost convinced her. “Look around. My mother lives in my apartment. My family is in shambles. My career is in neutral. None of that makes me happy, or fun. I want you to be happy. I want you to have fun.”
“I’m not having fun now.”
“You will soon enough. And if we’re being completely honest, until I come to terms with my new reality, I can’t be a good partner for anyone. Not in any way. I don’t want you waiting around, or spending your time trying to fix me. You’ve spent enough of your life trying to fix people. You should be with someone who makes your stomach hurt from laughing, not from stress. But I can’t stick around and watch you fall in love with someone else, so I have to go.”
She thought to shove her right hand at his face and show him that she’d taken off Mark’s ring. To tell him how she’d gone to his dad on his behalf. How she’d missed him and would happily “wait” or help him get back on his feet. But looking at the resolve in his expression, she knew it wouldn’t matter. He’d made up his mind, and nothing she said now would change it.
“You say you love me, but apparently not enough.” She turned her back to him, chin to chest. “I accept your resignation.”
He stood there in silence. When she didn’t turn around, he finally left, dragging her heart on the floor behind him.
Two hours later, the din of the vibrant crowd drowned out the music. Large platters of hors d’oeuvres passed by, looking elegant and tasty. A festive celebration ensued, just like she’d envisioned when this building had been crumbling to the ground. Yet the happiness she’d imagined eluded her.
Colby set aside her hurt feelings and mingled with the patrons, thanking them for coming. She occasionally glanced toward the kitchen, fighting the urge to march back there and punch or kiss Alec. Either one might break him out of his self-imposed prison.
Her father appeared beside her, putting his arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple. “Smashing success, honey. I’m so proud.”
His warm smile helped a little, just not enough.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“How are you holding up?”
“I’ve been better.”
“I know. I wonder if this restaurant idea isn’t exactly the fix you’d hoped it would be. You’ve never lit up over it the way you do anytime you talk about the foundation. Maybe you ought to reconsider your career path and focus more on what makes you really happy.”
“I’d need to win the lottery so I could repay CTC before I’d be free to make that change.”
“You never know. Maybe the lottery is coming your way.”
Colby thought of Hunter, who’d politely been steering clear of Jenna and their dad all night. She’d made him a promise she hadn’t yet kept. “Hunter mentioned a rumor about Pure Foods. I have to say I can’t believe you’d consider selling the family business.”
“I’m not getting younger. If I had less responsibility, I could be more focused on what my kids need. I could be a better father.” He shrugged.
“You’re not a bad father, Dad. Besides, we’re all grown up. And what about all the promises you made to Hunter? How can you take all that away from him, especially after he walked away from other opportunities? If you want to slow down, retire and let him run things, but don’t sell out.”
“Let’s not get into this here.” He patted her shoulder. “Nothing’s even on the table yet . . . just whispers and rumors. Besides, we’re at a party, and this night is about celebrating you and this wonderful idea. Speaking of which, I have a little something for you.”
He handed her a generous five-figure check. “Dad, this is amazing. Thank you.”
“Think about what I said. If you have the right people in charge here, you could dedicate more time to the foundation.”
“It’s ironic that the foundation was Alec’s idea.” She sighed, glancing at the kitchen again.
“I hear he’s back there tonight.”
“Yes, but only for the party.”
Her dad kissed her temple. “I’m sorry, honey. But remember, it’s never over until you quit. And, on that note, I need to introduce you to Rob.”
Mr. Salvetti showed up? “He never RSVP’d!”
“He texted me two days ago, didn’t I tell you? Sorry. I would’ve sworn I passed that along. What’s one more, right? You got what you wanted.”
Her father walked her over to a dark-haired man who was taking a flute of champagne from a waiter. “Jed, good to see you.”
“So glad you could come.” The men shook hands. “I wanted to introduce you to my daughter, Colby. This place and the foundation are hers.”
“Nice to meet you,” she said, also offering her trembling hand. He’d come! She should tell Alec as soon as possible. Maybe this was a sign of things turning around.
“You as well. This is a beautiful space, and the Scallop Carpaccio with Ginger Chive Pesto is amazing.”
“That’s all Alec Morgan. I’d be happy to introduce you if you’d like.”
“Perhaps later. I’m sure he’s busy now,” Rob chuckled.
“True.” Now wouldn’t be a good time to interrupt him.
Todd walked over, unaware of his poor timing. “Hello, Mr. Cabot.”
“Todd.” Her father shook hands and then looked at Colby.
“I’ll let you two catch up,” Colby said to her dad and Mr. Salvetti. She could barely think, torn about whether or not to race back and tell Alec now. But Todd tugged at her arm.
“How does it feel to be a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist?” He winked.
“I think you may be jumping the gun on both—” She broke off when she noticed Frank Morgan stroll through the doors. Before she could draw a breath, her mother rushed to her side.
“This is a surprise.” She laid her hand on Colby’s back.
Todd followed their gazes. “A big donor?”
“Alec’s father.” When Todd frowned in confusion, Colby added, “His estranged father. Excuse me, please. I need to warn Alec.”
Her mother held her arm. “Maybe you ought to first see what the man wants before you get Alec worked up.”
By then, Julie had made her way to her husband, while the rest of Colby’s family subtly closed ranks around her.
Frank surveyed the Cabot group, jaw set, avoiding making direct eye contact with Colby. He didn’t look as threatening as he had at his house. But this was her turf. He murmured something to Julie, and then, together, they crossed the room.
“Jed.” Frank reached for her father’s hand. “Leslie. Hunter.” Then finally he met Colby’s gaze. “Colby.”
“Mr. Morgan, thank you for supporting the cause.” She wished her voice sounded stronger, but anxiety strangled it to something thready.