He drew a breath and looked at Julie. “You’re welcome.”
“I’m sure your family appreciates it.” Colby smiled at Julie, seeking some assurance that her husband wasn’t going to cause trouble.
“Contrary to what some people think, I love my family.” Frank kept his voice as level as his gaze.
Too aware of their audience, Colby merely said, “The only people whose opinions matter are your wife’s and son’s.”
“Where is Alec?” he asked.
“Busy in the kitchen.” Colby wondered then if inviting him back to the kitchen so he could finally see his son’s gift would rattle Alec. Her gut told her to do it, and, sick of doubting herself for so long, she decided to go with it. “I’ll take you to see him, although he won’t be able to speak with you now.”
“Understood.” His eye twitched, making obvious his discomfort at being the center of the Cabot family’s attention. “Well, let’s get on with it.”
“Polished” would not be a word anyone attributed to him, but she had to give him points for guts.
“Follow me.” She led him through the crowd.
Along the way to the kitchen, he muttered, “You had no business storming into my house and dressing me down”—he cleared his throat—“but you weren’t entirely wrong.”
She chose not to respond. It didn’t matter if he liked her or she liked him. He was here for Alec, and that was all that mattered.
When they reached the kitchen, she held out her arm to keep Frank back for a moment. She wanted him to see Alec as others did: as a man completely in charge. A maestro conducting a grand orchestra of activity. The timing. The chaos. All of it coming together to produce exquisite, elegant food.
They watched for a full two minutes before Alec noticed them. He was so stunned he nearly dropped the plate he’d been inspecting.
He approached them quickly, panic on his face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Mr. Morgan cleared his throat again.
“What are you doing here?” Alec looked at Colby, but she shrugged.
“I came to see what all the fuss is about.” His father cleared his throat. “To apologize to your mom and you.”
She’d done all that she could, and now she’d bow out. Perhaps she’d helped these two men rebuild some kind of relationship. Her time with Alec had taught her that real love is about focusing on what the person you love needs rather than what you need or want. That’s what Alec was trying to do for her by leaving, except he didn’t realize that what she needed was him.
“Alec, Rob Salvetti showed up and already fell in love with the scallops. If we play our cards right, this could be a coup!” Before Alec could say anything, Colby turned to Mr. Morgan. “I’ll give you a minute alone, but then I’m sure Alec needs to attend to the kitchen.”
She turned and tried to sneak to her office unnoticed, but Todd followed her, tissue outstretched.
“What’s wrong, Colby?” He clasped his hands in front of his body.
“Everything and nothing.”
“Riddles?” Todd leaned against her desk.
“It’s complicated. Things with Alec look grim.”
“You don’t have to confide in me, but just remember, I’m here for you. And I’m about as uncomplicated as you can get.” He grinned in his friendly way, and she knew he meant well.
“That’s exactly what Alec said about you when he ended things. He thinks I’m better off with someone less encumbered than him.”
“He’s smarter than he looks,” Todd teased, and then turned earnest. “He must be a good man to be willing to walk away for your sake.”
“He is a good man.” She looked at the empty spot on her desk where the bud vase had been.
“And you love him.”
She nodded. “I do.”
Todd patted her shoulder. “It sucks to be me. But I hope you get your happy ending, Colby.”
She hugged him. “You are a dear, dear man and friend.”
“Like I said, sucks to be me.” Todd nodded toward the door. “We should get back to our foundation party.”
“Yes. Let’s fire up the auction and raise some money.” She didn’t know where the foundation would lead, or what would happen with Alec in the long run, so for now, she would simply take one step at a time.
Alec couldn’t clean the kitchen fast enough. He wanted everyone out so he could speak to Colby.
He’d watched her negotiate resolutions for most of her life, yet he’d never have thought she’d be the one to broker peace in his family. She’d done it, and now he wondered why he’d ever doubted her. On top of that, her machinations might’ve taken a step toward salvaging his reputation. He’d met with Mr. Salvetti at the end of the evening, who’d offered some much-needed and effusive praise.
Alec tossed his hat and coat aside and shut off the lights. Colby’s office was dark, and only one set of sconces remained on in the dining room. The crew would come through in the morning to finish cleaning and set up for Wednesday’s dinner service.
She’d gone. Of course she had. He’d given her no reason to wait.
Maybe it was for the best, because he didn’t quite know what he’d say if she were here. He glanced around the front of the house, remembering the hope he’d experienced the first time he’d walked through its doors. The breathtaking beauty of the space. The pristine kitchen. The calming effect of the lake views.
For a while, he’d almost had everything he’d ever wanted. He should’ve trusted himself more, and trusted her. Instead, he’d resigned.
When he finally returned to his apartment, he found his mother zipping her suitcase.
“You’re going home?”
“It’s time.” She set the suitcase on its wheels. “I’ve imposed on you long enough. I know it was only a small step, but it took a lot for Frank to swallow his pride and to show up tonight. He’s never been one to gush, but he’s apologizing the best he can at this point, and I have to hope it will get easier. Somewhere in there is the man I married, so I need to take a step, too. That’s how marriage works. How love works. You have to forgive. You have to remember that it isn’t always easy. And you have to fight for love, too.”
“Not too subtle.”
“Maybe not, but I don’t think Colby would’ve confronted your dad if she didn’t love you.” She reached into her purse for her keys. “You have a chance to make every one of your dreams come true. Don’t let pride or doubt get in your way.” She hoisted her luggage off the floor.
“I’ll get that.”
“No. You sit and make some decisions about your own life. I can take care of myself, Alec. You don’t need to worry about me anymore.” She kissed his forehead. “Stop living in the past and dwelling on mistakes. We’ve all made them. And now we’re all trying to heal. It’ll take a lot of patience and compassion, but we’ll get there. Don’t let history define your future. Think about your priorities. What, or who, is most important to you? Answer that question and then make a plan. I love you, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”