The Bluebird Bet

“I expected the doctor to have already sounded an alarm, mustered the troops and conquered something.” Dean checked his watch, the one he could dump now that he was back in Tall Pines. Everything moved at its own pace in this town. “I mean, it’s almost eight. Daylight’s wasting.”

His father nodded. “You could both stand to do a better job at relaxing.”

“I am sitting at the end of a dock, not catching fish. It doesn’t get any more relaxed than this.” Dean shifted his pole and watched the ripples in the water.

“Sure. After staring out the window all night long. I bet that’s pretty relaxing, too.” His dad didn’t look at him when he added, “We have a doctor in the house. She might be able to help.”

“I don’t need any help,” Dean snapped. “I’m fine.”

How did his father know about his long nights? Dean stood up so quickly he had to take a step back from the edge of the dock or risk landing in the lake. Another surge of those ridiculous emotions, this time anger. He had to get a grip.

“Sorry, Dad. I appreciate you worrying about me, but losing sleep is no big deal. I’m sure once I settle in to the routine, that’ll get better. Maybe I’m still in the wrong time zone.” The one where bad memories lurked.

“Sure.” His dad glanced at him over his shoulder. “And maybe it’ll take you a while to see that you could use some help. Believe me, I understand that. When you get the help you need, you’ll wish you hadn’t waited. I have Elaine to thank for that bit of wisdom.”

Instead of tossing his fishing pole into the water to make a loud, satisfying splash, Dean carefully reeled his line in. He’d been mulling over yesterday’s revelation that the doctor had saved his father’s life. “Care to explain why you couldn’t tell me about your health scare, Dad?” He didn’t want to start a fight, but he had to know. “Seems like a heart attack or whatever it was would make the weekly update.”

His dad sipped his coffee, and Dean wasn’t sure he was going to answer.

“Did you believe I wouldn’t care?” Dean crossed his arms over his chest, afraid of the answer. Just like that, it was hard to catch his breath again.

“You know, some things are hard to put into words.” His father didn’t turn to look at him. “Losing my wife was the hardest thing I ever lived through, but watching my son lose his mother...I don’t think that’s something I’ll ever get over.”

Amazed at the sting of tears behind his eyelids, Dean tried to clear the lump in his throat.

“I didn’t want you to come home,” Robert said. “I couldn’t stand to watch you do it again. I love you too much for that.” His dad sipped his coffee calmly, as though he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

Watching his dad in the days after his mother’s death, seeing him act like the whole world hadn’t ended, had hurt. Dean had wanted the loss to show. After that, Dean was eager to do whatever it took to make the new world different from the old one, the one where she’d held everything together.

Maybe his father had been trying to make things better, by pretending nothing had changed. That was something he’d never have understood then.

Dean scrubbed his hands over his face and thought about dropping the conversation right there. Instead, he squatted and draped his arm around his dad’s shoulders, startling them both. “Are you insane? You should have told me. I would have been here as fast as I could, and I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if something had happened to you. I guess I didn’t know how to say that.”

His father wrapped his hand around Dean’s. “Sure. I feel the same way. Not knowing what you’re going through is a real problem. That’s true whether you’re in Afghanistan or right down the hall. I want you to be happy, no matter what else happens.”

Dean choked back his tears. “I get it. I’ll tell you more, okay? But I’m going to be safe and sound, rebuilding the Bluebird. I’m glad you’ll be traveling, sending me frequent photos so I can live vicariously through you.”

His dad laughed. “Right. Send snapshots to the famous photographer. We’ll see.”

Dean stood up. “You don’t have to worry, Dad. I’m okay.”

He nodded. “I am, too, thanks to the doc. She could help you.”

Annoyed all over again that she’d been allowed to help when he’d been completely out of the loop, Dean tapped one finger on his thigh. “I’ll make sure I tell her how much I appreciate everything she did for you.” But he wouldn’t give up on his plan. He needed this place.

Before he could argue or explain why his case was not the same as his dad’s heart problems, he could hear a car coming down the road. “Sounds like the contractor’s here.”

They both ambled up the hill to meet the guy sliding out of his truck. “Robert, nice to see you. And you must be Dean. I’m Nick.” Dean shook his hand and watched his face as he surveyed the porch and ragged front yard. “Where should we start?”

“How about we finish introductions first?” They turned to see Elaine standing on the front porch, hands braced on her hips.

If anyone had doubts about the benefits of running, one look at Elaine in her bright red shorts and spotless white shirt should answer them. He had to admire her commitment to her plans, but at that moment, he was struck again by how well she fit against the backdrop of the Bluebird. He had no doubt that if she were in charge, the inn would shine as bright as her eyes in the warm morning sunshine.

Dean could understand his father’s dilemma, too. Given a choice of people to entrust with something as important as the family business, he might go with Elaine. She inspired confidence.

“Dr. Watson, we already know each other.” Nick glanced at Robert for direction.

“What the doctor means is that Elaine and Dean here are both thinking about taking over the inn. So instead of the minor repairs I had in mind, we’re going to start with a tour, get some idea of the improvements each of them wants to make. And the costs. All right with you?”

Nick tapped his pencil against his clipboard. “They’re not renovating together, right? So they’re probably going to have different inspiration?”

“Oh, yeah,” Dean said.

Elaine smiled at his dry answer. When their eyes met, her amusement was irresistible. He fought the chuckle but couldn’t help the way his lips turned up. The thrill of making a pretty girl smile never got old.

Get a grip, man. She’s the enemy, not the cool girl you’re trying to impress.

Nick sighed. “All right. Let’s give it a shot. First priority is...”

“The kitchen,” Dean and Elaine said together. She opened the door and waited for them to follow her inside.

“Where exactly are the cabinets?” Nick asked and kicked at the linoleum. “And what happened to the floor?”

“DIY gone wrong. We’ll need the floor repaired and the cabinets replaced. Everything else works.” Dean turned to move on, but Elaine held up a hand.

“Except if this is going to be a bed-and-breakfast again, the kitchen will have to be updated. New cabinets, counters, stainless steel.” She shrugged. “It’s what visitors would expect, and I want this to be a gathering spot, somewhere guests feel comfortable hanging out and making conversation. We won’t do a meal service, but the continental breakfast will be served right here.” Just as it had been when his mother ran the place and the rose tiles in the backsplash had been quaint instead of faded.

Nick glanced from Dean to Elaine. “Big difference in those plans.”

“Fishermen will be content with new linoleum and the old cabinets as long as everything works. Besides, those cabinets were originals. People like antiques, right?” Dean said. “I’ll spend that money on a new marina, where they’ll really appreciate it.”

“A marina?” Nick clapped his hands together. “Now that’s a project I could get excited about.”

Elaine turned toward his father as though she was appealing for backup.

So Dean did the same.

And his father backed right out of the sticky situation.

“Well, now, the cabinets are out in the garage so... Let’s finish up in here first. Then we can take a look at the dock.” Robert led them down the hall.

“We’ll definitely want to take the wallpaper down,” Nick said. “Maybe paint a neutral color. White’s good. Refinish the floors.”

Dean motioned above the railing. “We could mount fish or maybe pictures of big catches. Keep a record that way.”

“No way is that wallpaper going anywhere. It’s in fine shape, and I like it.” Elaine draped an arm over the carved banister, her lips twisted in disapproval. “When I think of the Bluebird, I remember these morning glories. My visitors will appreciate a touch of the past while they’re enjoying the new conveniences like stainless steel. That’s why I’ll invest in the guest rooms.” Then she raised an eyebrow.

He could see where she was coming from. When guests thought about the Bluebird, they’d probably remember that wallpaper fondly. It reminded him of his mother.