The Old Fashioned Way (A Homespun Romance) Page 10

  "There's something I wanted to talk to you about before the meeting," Daniel said.

  "Yes?"

  "The accounts show the store has reached a breakeven point."

  Abby knew that the next two weeks might not be enough to show a profit large enough to make this month's payment.

  "Do you think....?" she began, but the hope in her voice died out at the look on Daniel's face.

  "You don't think we'll make it, do you?"

  Daniel shook his head. "Not unless we double our business or you let me lend you some money for next month's payment."

  He knew the answer to his offer already, but the suggestion had been worth a try.

  "We cannot borrow money we have no way of repaying. We will have to foreclose. I don't know how to tell G…Gran and the others the news."

  Daniel hated the tremor of disappointment in Abby's voice. Hated the fact he'd failed. It no longer mattered that his integrity was in question. All he wanted was to help Abby. He'd spent part of last night wondering what he could do to turn things around for The Busy Bee.

  "Don't tell them yet. I have an idea that just might work. I met someone last night who might help us."

  "What is it?" asked Abby.

  "A friend of mine, Hank Trammell, is an editor at the Times. We shared our first apartment together in college. Bumping into him in the Castilian was sheer chance. He was just leaving after a big publicity bash for a presidential candidate, when I arrived. We had dinner together and I mentioned the store."

  Daniel held his breath, waiting for Abby to say something. When she didn't, he proceeded carefully. "Hank expressed interest in doing an article on The Busy Bee."

  "Why? We're not important, or successful."

  "You're unusual," said Daniel firmly, not sure if he meant Abby or the business. "Hank said he hadn't heard of entrepreneurship with such a unique slant in a long time. An article in the Times could get you more publicity than you'll ever need."

  He saw hope kindle in Abby's eyes again. "Do you think it will work?"

  Daniel glanced at his watch. "We can give it a try if you don't think...." He stopped.

  "Think what?" asked Abby.

  "Think I'm exploiting the trio or something."

  Abby stared at him. Daniel had grounds for his doubts. She had been as protective as a mother tigress when he'd first arrived.

  "I don't think you are capable of exploiting anyone," Abby said, "especially the trio. You care about them."

  "Shall I call Hank and find out if he still wants to come?"

  "Yes, please."

  As Daniel left the room, Abby went back to her whittling. Last night she had received a warning. Daniel's time here was limited. They were from two entirely different worlds. Their paths had collided for a while, but things would eventually go back to the way they had been.

  Abby's heart contracted at the thought. Daniel was being very kind about helping them, but he must be impatient to get back to his own life. He couldn't carry them and their problems around forever.

  The sharp crack made her jump. Abby stared at the dog she was working on. She had broken the blade of her knife. Throwing it into a trash can, Abby decided the sooner Daniel left Carbon Canyon the sooner life would return to normal.

  Daniel returned as she took a new knife out of Hamish's drawer. "Hank says he's tossed the idea around with some of his colleagues. Everyone likes the idea of doing an article on The Busy Bee. He's coming down here tomorrow."

  "So soon?"

  Daniel must have really pulled strings to get someone as important as an editor at the Times to come down at a moment's notice. On the other hand it could be because the sooner he got things sorted out here, the sooner Daniel could get back to Los Angeles.

  "Hank says he's going to have the article out in this Sunday's edition. That's how keen he is on it. People are tired of constantly hearing about the recession and the poor economy. This is something really positive, and he feels it will have far reaching results. Human interest stories always do."

  Abby tried to smile. Getting what she wanted so badly, meant losing Daniel.

  "I'd better tell Gran and the others." There was never any question that the work Gran was doing here was more important than Abby's muddled feelings.

  Daniel nodded. "I've already had breakfast. I'll be in the guest house if you need me."

  He'd barely slept last night. That must be why he had imagined the sadness in Abby's eyes.

  The sight of her in the white skirt and sweater had convinced him going to Los Angeles had been an absolute waste of his time.

  Daniel looked at the new laptop he'd brought back with him. He planned to start working out ideas for his next book. His work might accomplish something nothing else could these days. It might shut out thoughts of Abby.

  A couple of hours later, Daniel got up from his desk and walked over to the window. He frowned. It looked as if someone had set up a housecleaning movie set in the yard. Hamish was on a ladder checking the drains, Sarah had her hair tied up in a scarf and was carrying a small pail of water. Agnes was sweeping the drive while a few others were clipping the hedges.

  "What's happening?" Daniel enquired, stepping out of the guest house.

  "Daniel," Sarah called. "We won't be able to have the meeting today."

  "Why not?"

  "We have to get the place cleaned up for your friend from the Times."

  "But the place is clean enough," said Daniel.

  Sarah looked at him in surprise. "Of course it isn't. Now, let me get on with my work."

  Daniel decided to go in search of Abby. He found her in the store, washing the front window.

  "The store is perfectly clean," Daniel said, feeling guilty about all the work he had created.

  "Of course, it isn't," Abby used exactly the same tone Sarah had.

  Sighing Daniel climbed into the window. If you couldn't beat them, you may as well join them. It was one of Sarah's sayings that fit this occasion perfectly.

  "Shall I do this side?" He asked.

  Abby paused in her scrubbing. "You don't have to help."

  "I know I don't have to help," said Daniel. "Is it okay if I help because I want to?"

  "I guess."

  Five minutes later, Abby looked over her shoulder. The side of the window Daniel was working in was spotless. Turning around, she looked at him.

  He didn't seem to mind helping. In fact, Daniel looked as if he belonged here.

  Abby's heart missed a beat. That line of thinking brought nothing but trouble.

  Three hours later, Daniel looked around the store. Everything had been taken off the shelves. The shelves had been wiped down, and the merchandise rearranged. For the last half hour Abby had kept changing things around.

  "I'm done," she announced at last.

  Daniel stretched his hands overhead, trying to get the kinks out of his back. "This place would pass a white glove inspection," he said. "I didn't know you were such a fanatic about cleanliness."

  Abby looked at him, and the color in her face faded. "I'm sorry," she said stiffly.

  "I meant it as a joke." Daniel cursed himself. "The place looks beautiful."

  Abby turned away and began picking up the rags and polish they had used. Daniel wondered what he could say to set things right.

  "Rod said I was never satisfied because I was a perfectionist. He said even a saint wouldn't please me."

  Anger filled Daniel at Abby's words. He looked around the store, and then said slowly. "That is just a matter of opinion. I think the world needs more people who care enough to do their work really well. We have plenty who do barely enough to get by."

  Abby looked at Daniel. His words healed her emotional wounds. This is what she would miss the most when he left. His way of making her feel good about herself. Abby looked at him and saw the light in his eyes change. Daniel took a step forward and her heart began to race.

  "Lunch is ready."

  Abby told herself Hamish's voice ov
er the intercom was a welcome interruption.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Hank Trammell arrived at ten the next morning with a photographer and an assistant. Daniel noticed Abby kept well out of camera range and left it to the trio and their friends to do all the talking.

  "How's it going?" He asked Hank after a while.

  "Great. This is even better than I hoped for. I'm going to do a centerspread. Our readers are going to love it. There's just one thing..."

  "What?" This had turned out even better than anything Daniel had ever expected.

  "Introduce me to the granddaughter, will you? She's a real looker."

  Daniel's head snapped around and his mouth tightened. "Abby's not available," he said curtly.

  "Oh, ho! Do I detect a note of jealousy here? Has the invincible Daniel Hawthorn fallen in love at last?"

  Someone called to Hank and he turned away with a grin. Daniel stalked off in the direction of the office.

  Had Hank been right about the jealousy? Remembering the urge to take his friend by the neck and throw him against the wall, Daniel wondered what was wrong with him. He had no claim on Abby.

  Abby glanced at the picnic table covered with food. Gran had insisted on serving refreshments out here to Hank Trammell and his men.

  Eyeing the iced tea in the jug, Abby decided to replenish it. Everyone seemed to want some.

  "Ah Ms. Silver. Just the person I wanted to have a word with."

  Abby looked up in surprise as Hank fell into step beside her. He asked her a few questions about the store, and then said, "Is Daniel planning on staying here long?"

  "I don't know." She hoped he would, but a month had already gone by. Daniel only had four weeks left of his vacation.

  "Tell me," said Hank casually, "do you ever come up to L.A.? If you do, I'd like to meet you for lunch."

  Amazed, Abby looked at Hank. Why was he inviting her to lunch?

  "I'm really busy right now with the store and my interior decorating business."

  "Pity." Was it her imagination or did the editor actually look disappointed? "I'll give you my card, and if you change your mind, give me a call."

  "I thought that went very well," Sarah said that night at dinner. "What did your friend think Daniel?"

  "He wants to do a centerspread of the article in the People section."

  "He also wants Abby to go out with him." Everyone looked at Agnes in surprise and she said quickly. "I just came into the house for an aspirin, and I heard them talking in the kitchen."

  Abby couldn't stop herself blushing. What on earth was the matter with Agnes, blurting out something like that?

  Daniel looked at his plate. He should have punched Hank when he'd had the chance.

  "I think he's a very nice young man," Sarah said. "He asked me a great many questions about you, Abby. Come to think of it, he asked more questions about you than the store."

  Daniel's hand tightened over the fork.

  "He's single and a bachelor," said Hamish. "I talked to him and he's quite well to do."

  Abby knew exactly what they were up to. "If you'll excuse me," she said picking up her plate. "I have work to do."

  "Hank struck me as a patient sort," said Sarah, after Abby left. "I think he'll get her to change her mind about going out with him."

  "Definitely," said Agnes.

  "Excuse me," Daniel said abruptly. "It's been a long day. I think I'll take Princess and Muffy for a walk and turn in early."

  There was only so much a man could take.

  As soon as the front door closed, Sarah and Agnes turned to Hamish in surprise.

  "Never thought we'd see the day you'd help us," Sarah said.

  "Well," Hamish shrugged as he helped himself to another piece of pie. "I like Daniel. He'll never make a whittler, but he's all right."

  As he concentrated on the pie, the two women exchanged smug, we-knew-that-all-along looks.

  In her room, Abby stood by the window. Why had Hank asked her to go out? She hadn't been mistaken about the gleam of interest in his eyes, or the disappointment when she'd said she couldn't go.

  She wasn't the least bit interested in Hank Trammell, but being asked out by him had done wonders for her ego. Abby turned to the triple mirror on her dresser, searching for what Hank had seen in her. All she saw was a reflection of Daniel's disapproving face as he glared at her across the dining table.

  "Wonder what's gotten into him," Abby murmured, as she sat down at the writing table in her room. She had a collection of magazines to go through in her search for ideas for Mrs. G's new house. She still preferred browsing through magazines than surfing the Internet.

  The house had more glass than wall. Drapes would be the biggest expense. Looking over the measurements she'd taken when Mrs. G had asked her to submit an estimate, Abby wondered if she should check out the outlet plaza in Carbon Canyon as well. If they had what she wanted, delivery would be quicker and cost less.

  It was going to take her one day to verify prices, another to come up with her bid. It was a good thing she had agreed to Gran and Agnes's suggestion that she take the next couple of days off from the store to concentrate on getting her bid ready.

  Daniel walked fast but he couldn't get away from his thoughts.

  He wanted Abby. The thought that someone else might think her as attractive as he did, irked. What if Abby preferred Hank Trammell to him? What had Sarah said? Hank was just right for Abby. Trammell was all the things Daniel was not. Patient, kind, fun loving.

  Daniel shook his head. Abby didn't belong to him. He had no right to be so angry about what had happened.

  Daniel walked faster into the night.

  Preparing the estimate was more frightening than Abby had anticipated. The day she'd spent in L.A. had been fun. Discovering she hadn't lost her knack for spotting a bargain had made her feel good.

  The feeling had lasted till today. Throughout the morning, she found herself taking frequent breaks to worry. The band of anxiety around her chest tightened as the hours passed. By mid-morning, she wasn't sure she could handle the job even if she got it.

  When she couldn't stand it a minute longer, Abby went downstairs. Hamish had been baking and a tray of enormous chocolate chip cookies stood on the kitchen counter. Abby poured herself a glass of milk. Placing two cookies on a plate, she carried it over to the kitchen table.

  Doubts lapped against the edges of her mind eroding her new resolutions. Mrs. G's house was very big. Too big for her to handle. Why couldn't someone have called her with a small job? What if she did everything and Mrs. G's didn't like it?

  It was easy for Daniel to talk about being in control. Talking was one thing. Doing it quite another. She would never get the hang of it.

  A little later, Abby looked from her plate to the tray on the counter. Six giant cookies were gone.

  It was the last straw. She couldn't do a single thing right. Not even controlling what she ate.

  Before she could stop them tears rolled down her cheeks, and she was sobbing. She would never be anything but a good-natured, well-mannered failure.

  Daniel entered the kitchen and stopped dead at the sight of Abby crying her heart out. "What's wrong?"

  Abby seemed to cry even harder at the sight of him. "Wh..What are you doing here?" she asked.

  "Hamish asked to me fetch the cookies," said Daniel.

  "I've...I've eaten half of them," sobbed Abby.

  Was that why she was so upset?

  "There are still plenty here," Daniel pointed out. "Want to tell me what's really bothering you?"

  Abby plucked a tissue out of the box on the counter and blew her nose. "I can't stay in control," she said defiantly. "I don't have the power. I never will."

  Daniel bit back a smile. Abby sounded as if believing in oneself was nothing more than the wish to do so. "It isn't something that can be acquired overnight. Is the thought of doing the bid for Mrs. G's house scaring you?"

  "Yes. I know she won't give me the contract. I h
ave very little experience and hardly any references."

  "Have you got the estimate ready?"

  "No," said Abby. "It's no use."

  Daniel leaned against the counter. "Isn't that for Mrs. G. to decide?" he asked. "Your part is merely to get it ready and give it to her, not anticipate her refusal. In business you have to hope for the best."

  "What if I make a mess of decorating her house and she doesn't like it? What if she sues me for ruining her five hundred thousand dollar house?" The hiccup that followed had Daniel clenching his hands.

  "What if she loves it and a dozen of her friends call you asking you to re-do their houses?" he demanded. "What if someone sees your work and decides you are good enough to do an office building, or a private clinic?"

  Abby stared at him in silence.

  "Every situation has more than one angle of looking at it," he pointed out. "You have to consider them all."

  Daniel's words were like a foothold in the slippery well of her misgivings. Part of the lump in Abby's throat dissolved. He was right, as usual.

  "I'm not big in the confidence department." Abby's voice sounded dismal. "Do you think developing the power improves with practice?"

  Daniel fought the urge to take Abby into his arms. He'd thought her a failure at their first meeting. These past few weeks had shown him how wrong first impressions could be. She may not know it but she was a fighter.

  "You don't have to be a certain type to be successful. Just be yourself, Abby."

  Abby sniffed.

  "About being in control," Daniel went on casually, "it's done bit by bit, over a lifetime. I can't say I'm in complete control of my life yet. I haven't met anyone who can claim that."

  Abby reached for another tissue as Daniel said, "Everyone slips back sometimes. The important thing is to get back on track, not to give up trying. It's what life is all about."

  Put like that, it seemed trying was the least she could do. "I guess I should finish getting the estimate ready."