Page 57 of Never and Always
“We started with good bones, but the upgrades will really add to the hotel. To the benefit of our guests and the town.”
Dad sat on the stool beside her. “I’m sure.”
Bear leaped up on Piper, and she gasped.
“Bear, down.” I couldn’t imagine Piper was a fan of dogs.
“Who’s this handsome fellow?” She slid off the stool and bent down to pet an ever-grateful Bear. He did a few hops like he was a small puppy and not a large dog.
I watched, mesmerized as she lavished love on my father’s animal.
“He’s gorgeous.”
“You like dogs,” I said, slowly.
“I always wanted a pet growing up. It was going to be a golden retriever called Maple.” She lifted a shoulder. “Unfortunately, I never got my Maple, and I travel too much now for a pet.”
I dragged my gaze off her. “Dad, a beer?”
“That would be great, son.” My dad was watching me steadily. “I shouldn’t horn in on your dinner…” His gaze swung between me and Piper.
“No, please stay,” Piper said. “Your son is taking pity on me and saving me from another room service meal. Not that the food at the Langston Windward isn’t good, especially since our new chef just started. It’s just living in a hotel, you start to crave a little variety, and definitely a home-cooked meal.”
Dad took his beer and relaxed. “If you’re sure.” He took a swig as I washed my hands and got back to finishing the dinner.
“So, you’re a city girl, Piper.”
“Busted.” Her smile was rueful. “I grew up in Chicago.”
“Your parents must me proud.”
“My mom and grandmother are. They raised me.”
I saw my Dad’s mouth pinch. “You lost your dad?”
“Well, he lost us. Decided family life wasn’t for him.”
Oh yeah, Dad did not look happy. He was big on providing and taking care of your family.
“We were better off without him.” Piper sipped her wine, still rubbing Bear’s head. “Luckily, I have an amazing mom, and then we moved in with Gram a few years later. I have two wonderful role models.”
I served up dinner and we moved to the table. Dad and Piper kept chatting. I enjoyed listening to her, hearing her laugh. And it was clear she’d charmed Dad.
“You like Windward, Piper?” Dad asked.
“Well…there are some lovely boutiques. And the internet is high speed.”
He laughed.
She glanced at the window. “I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the snow.”
“Especially when you’re wearing your ankle breakers,” I added.
She sniffed. “I choose my footwear for how it looks, not dependent on the weather.”
I’d seen Dad eye her still-grazed hands a few times, but he didn’t ask any questions.
Once we’d had coffee, Piper rose. “I think I’d better head back to the hotel. I have a few more emails to send before I call it a night.”
