One More Taste (One and Only Texas #2)(10)
“Speaking of mothers, how’s Linda?” his grandmother asked, perhaps realizing her error of omission.
“My mom’s doing great. Busy at church, as always.”
Grandmother gave his arm a pat. “That’s good to hear. We have room for her in the family compound, here on the resort grounds, if she’d enjoy being near you.”
It was a kind offer, and one he’d extend to Carina, Haylie, and their grandmother once the resort belonged to him. He would be the bigger person, if only to prove how small and spiteful they’d been in comparison.
“That’s sweet of you, but there’d be no convincing her to change churches.” Guess the members of Ty’s branch of the Briscoe clan weren’t the only ones skilled at pretense because that lie rolled right off Knox’s tongue. There was no way his mom would set foot on Briscoe Ranch Resort. She was still spitting mad at Knox for buying in as an owner. He’d never seen her get so worked up as when she’d tried to persuade him against going into business with Ty, even knowing the partnership would only be temporary and for the express purpose of reclaiming the legacy that should have been his dad’s. He’d assumed she would support him, but clearly she didn’t share Knox’s and his dad’s need for eye-for-an-eye retribution.
“We’ll have to invite Wade and Shayla up soon. I’d love to reconnect with them,” Carina said.
Reconnect? That implied they’d connected a first time. “Shayla runs my office in Dallas, but I’m sure she’ll be around soon for you to meet. And Wade’s a SEAL in the navy, operating out of Germany. We rarely know where in the world he is.”
Carina pulled her face at that news. “He’s a soldier? I had no idea.”
“He enlisted when he was eighteen. It suits him.” While Shayla had a heart of gold, Wade had been born with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas, and since he’d come of age, he’d perfected the art of staying gone.
His grandmother’s attention drifted to the window. “I pray for you and your siblings every night, and I always say a special prayer for Wade, knowing he’s in harm’s way.”
“Thank you, Grandmother.”
She shifted her attention back to Knox, her eyes sad. “Granny June is what everyone calls me ‘round here. I’d love it if you would, too.”
She’d been Grandmother in Knox’s household growing up. As in, Grandmother sent you a birthday card. Take the money, son. You’re owed that and so much more from my thieving brother and father. And, as said by Knox’s mother in hushed whispers when Knox said his nightly prayers, Don’t forget to pray for your grandmother. She aligned herself with that devil of a husband, but that’s something we have to forgive her for, as Christians.
The room descended into an awkward silence that Knox was in no mood to endure. “Ty and I have a lot to do today, he tells me. But the first item on my personal ‘to do’ list is to hire a secretary, preferably someone who’s already an employee of the resort, someone who’s a go-getter and can show me the ropes. So I’d love any suggestions y’all might have.”
Ty smacked Knox’s back again. “I’ll help you hire a secretary, but there’s no need for one who can show you the ropes. That’s my job, so don’t worry.”
“What about me?” Haylie said.
From Knox’s years of studying Ty’s family from afar, Haylie was the other sister—the foil for the competent and successful Carina. She didn’t seem either very secretary-like or motivated to work hard. Sure enough, behind Haylie’s back, Ty cringed and gave a vehement shake of his head.
That was nearly endorsement enough for Knox. Haylie might not seem ambitious, but she’d certainly be able to provide him with an insider’s perspective on the resort. “What are you doing now for work?” he asked her.
Haylie shifted, transforming instantly from a spoiled beauty to a self-conscious young woman before his eyes. “I’m working part-time in the children’s activity program right now, but it’s so boring. Like, I don’t even want kids anymore. I’d kill for a new position. I mean, if you think I’d be any good at it.”
“I think you’d do a great job as Knox’s secretary,” Carina said quietly.
“Carina, don’t go filling her head with notions. Haylie, honey, I love you, but I don’t think you’re up for such a demanding job,” Ty said. “You’ve never worked an honest day in your life.”
“Dad, could you stay out of it? I mean, seriously. I’m a grown woman.”
“You can’t type,” Ty countered.
“I can so. I text people all the time.”
“I meant the proper way, like a secretary needs to be able to do.”
Her face flushed. “Last week I saw a ‘learn to type’ app. I can download that tonight. And I’m an expert at talking on the phone.”
Yikes.
To Knox, Ty said, “See what I mean? Let’s leave Haylie out of this. My secretary can handle both of us until I can find you a qualified candidate for the job. Let me take care of everything around here while you’re getting yourself settled in.”
With a snicker, Wendell hooked his arm around Haylie’s shoulders. “No one cares about her typing skills, Ty. Just put on one of those smart little secretary get-ups like on Mad Men, maybe pop a couple extra buttons open, give the guys in the office a little motivation to work … that’s what really counts. Am I right, Knox?”