on a stool at the counter. “Mr. Reid?”
“The handyman.”
“You hired him?”
“Sort of. We agreed he’d work for room and board temporarily. He’s going to stay in the apartment. This way he’ll be available whenever I need him.”
Shelley frowned and leaned forward. “You’re telling me you hired a stranger, who’s also going to live in your apartment? Tori, what were you thinking?”
“He’s not a stranger exactly. Floyd recommended him. He’s nice. A bit solemn and mysterious, but he does good work and he’s eager. He finished painting my floor without being asked.” Tori pulled a glass from the cupboard and filled it with the Smiley girls’ famous mint iced tea and set it before her friend. “It’s only for a few weeks. Once I have some funds I’ll pay him and hire a professional to finish the work.”
Giggles and thumping sounded before Lily and Emily burst into the main kitchen. Reid was right behind them. He stepped into the room and nodded. “All the doors work. They only needed a little adjusting.”
“Oh, Reid, this is my friend and neighbor, Shelley Vinton.”
Reid nodded. “Emily’s mother. Nice to meet you.” He faced Tori. “What’s next on your list? I can’t start the windows until I pick up replacement materials.”
“How are you with pocket doors? The one between the two parlors is wedged into the slot. Floyd wasn’t sure they could be restored. I’ll show you.”
Shelley’s expression was beyond curious when Tori returned. She braced herself for a flood of questions.
“That is your handyman? Tori, he may be a lot of things, but a handyman? Really?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve hired a few in my day and they never looked like him. Did you notice the biceps on the man?”
Not only had she noticed, she had firsthand knowledge from when he’d plucked her from the makeshift bridge he’d used to rescue her. “He used to be in law enforcement, so of course he’d be strong.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing. That man is dangerous.”
“What are you talking about?”
Shelley placed her hands over her heart as she batted her lashes. “Guard your heart, girlfriend.”
Tori rolled her eyes. “You forget this heart has been closed for business for a while now.”
“If you say so. Oh, I saw the list of volunteers for this weekend. With all that help, we should have those flooded homes ready for carpenters by the end of the day. Maybe you should ask for volunteers to help with the B and B.”
“In exchange for what?”
“A free night’s stay when you open, or a romantic night for two.”
“Not a bad idea, but the clock is ticking and I’m nowhere near ready to open. I still have decorating to do, a registration desk to set up, marketing, the menu. I don’t know when I’ll be able to reopen the tearoom.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t. You said the girls had shut it because business had dried up.”
“The Camellia Tea Room is part of the home’s history. I’d hate to see it end.”
“And when would you have time to run that and the B and B, too?”
Tori sighed. “I know. Too bad I can’t clone myself.”
Shelley patted her arm. “What you need is a partner. Someone to work with you here, to share the load and give you moral support. Someone who would care as much as you do.”
Tori sent a warning glare at her friend. “Stop right there. I know what you’re doing. Every time you see an attractive man you start hinting. I’m not going down that path again. Third time wasn’t a charm, it was a disaster. He lied to me about everything. Lily is my life now. There’s no room for anyone else.”
Shelley smiled and picked up her purse. “Not even a very intriguing handyman who’s right under your nose?”
Tori pointed to the door. “Take your sweet child and your sweet self and move along please. There’s nothing to see here.”
“Fine. I’m going.”
Her friend’s heart was in the right place, but her suggestion wouldn’t work. Although now that Shelley had planted the seed, the idea of having a partner began to take root...
* * *
Reid aimed the flashlight into the slot encasing the old pocket door. Something was jammed between the door and the wall, but he couldn’t see it or reach it. He tried tugging the door back and forth to dislodge the blockage. When the stubborn door refused to budge, he stepped to the opposite door and applied the same technique. His efforts were rewarded when the door slid outward a foot, bringing with it a thick strip of insulation.
A little more tugging produced more insulation and a few more inches of exposed door. If insulation was the culprit on the other door, and if he could remove it all, the doors might slide closed. Barring any mechanical problems, in which case he’d have to do more research. For some reason he wasn’t quite sure of, it was important for him to fix one of Tori’s concerns.
It was obvious, even in the short time he’d been around, that Tori was determined to get her bed-and-breakfast open on time. And her motivation, to give Lily a stable home where she could spend as much time with her as possible, was reassuring. His conscience flared again. He had to come clean and tell her who he was and why he was here. His concerns about Tori being a suitable guardian had all but disappeared.
Reid cocked his head when he heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen. It sounded like crying. Then he realized—Lily was sobbing.
He hesitated, then made his way down the hallway to the kitchen door. He stopped, catching his breath at what he saw. His employer and her little girl were seated at the round breakfast table. Lily was sobbing uncontrollably as Tori cradled her in her lap, making comforting noises.
“But Miss Shelley said Emily was going away. I don’t want her to go. Mommy went away.”
“Emily isn’t going away, sweetheart. She’s going to her grandma’s, the same way you go to visit yours. She’ll be back in a few days.”
“But Mrs. Fisher said Mommy went away. Will Mommy be back, too?”
Reid watched the tears flow down Tori’s cheek as she brushed the dark hair from Lily’s face. “No, sweetie. Remember we talked about how sick Mommy was and how her body was too tired to keep working?”
Lily nodded. “She’s in heaven with Jesus and she’s happy.”
“That’s right. And now you’re here with me and I’m very happy to have you and we’ll be a family. Just you and me.”
“And our bee bees?”
Tori smiled. “Yes, and our guests. You’ll be a big help to me. You can help me make them feel very special, and they’ll want to come see us again and again.”
Lily snuggled close to Tori, her little fists hugged up against her chin while Tori stroked her hair.
Reid moved quietly back from the door, his chest twisted into a hot, uncomfortable knot. But the area around his heart felt strangely soft. If he’d had any doubts about Tori taking care of Lily, they were put to rest now. She loved the little girl. Wasn’t that all that mattered?
He rubbed his forehead. He’d tell her today before he left. Before he moved in. Once she knew who he was, he might be fired—again.
“Reid.”
He spun around to see Tori, with Lily in her arms, staring at him, both of their eyes moist and cheeks pink from tears.