Page 3 of Breaking the Ice
“How much does he want?” Having grown up wearing a long line of hand-me-downs, I have a soft spot for children in need. So much so, I would gladly hand my brother a blank check.
“He wants you to match all corporate donations up to two million.”
I don’t hesitate before answering, “Done. What else?”
“He wants you on site for the whole thing. The way the press has been hounding you, he’ll have the attention of the world. Which should bring in corporate sponsors out the wazoo.”
Even though I’m sick to death of the press, this kind of exposure could do a lot to help me regain my previous reputation. “How long would I have to be in Washington?”
“The team has already been picked and they start arriving next week. Troy figures six weeks ought to do the trick. You can leave for meetings and stuff, you just have to make Maple Falls your base.”
Without hesitation, I walk toward the back of my condo and call out, “Belle, I’m leaving town!”
CHAPTER TWO
Ellie
“Come on, Brooklyn, you got this!” I cheer as one of my favorite beginners makes her second attempt at a three jump. It’s only a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn, but to a novice that can feel like you’re trying to circle the planet.
As my seven-year-old student’s skates leave the ice, her upper body rotates and darn if she doesn’t nearly complete a full axel. Unfortunately, her landing isn’t quite as successful. She comes down on a wobbly ankle and winds up smack on her bottom. Even though she’s got to be in some pain, Brooklyn calls out, “I did it, Ellie! I really did it!” Her smile is as bright as the sun.
Skating over to her, I bend down to check out her leg. “You’re a superstar, Brookie!” Her ankle doesn’t look too bad, so I gingerly help her to her feet. “Come on, let’s get you to the bench.”
Kelly Hart, who’s been watching from behind the boards, steps over a break in the barrier and hurries to Brooklyn’s side. “You did a fantastic job, kiddo!” She brushes her hand over Brookie’s box braids. Lifting her phone, she announces, “I got it all on video. Your mom’s going to flip when she sees this.”
The little girl’s look of pride makes my heart clench. Like many of my students, Brooklyn doesn’t come from a well-to-do family and her lessons are being funded by Kelly and her husband Troy. “You’re the best, Mrs. Hart!”
Kelly shoots her a double thumbs up before pulling me off to the side. While Brooklyn takes off her skates, my boss says, “I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything for you.” The Harts have singlehandedly kept me in work for the last year since my flower shop closed. They’ve been super flexible with my schedule too, which means the world to me as I’m my mom’s primary caregiver.
Both my mom’s health and her income have dwindled significantly since my dad died. As such, I try to stay on top of the upkeep and maintenance at her house. I also make sure she has food in her cupboards and drive her to her various doctor’s appointments. Osteoarthritis is no joke and I’m afraid that one of these days, I’m going to have to liquidate her assets so I can afford to put her into an assisted living situation. That day appears to be coming much sooner than I would have ever thought.
Kelly interrupts my thoughts. “My brother-in-law is coming to town, and I was hoping he could stay in the cabin on your mom’s property.” My parents have a small cottage behind their house that they used to rent out during the summer months. Unfortunately, there have been no takers for five years. While Maple Creek is a fabulous vacation destination, these days most people want more excitement for their money. Therefore, they either stay at the Hawk River Lodge or the Regent Hotel.
“Which brother-in-law?” I demand like I’m questioning her in an espionage case. I’d be fine with any of them except for Zachary. That arrogant man makes me mad just looking at him. All six foot two, wide shouldered, chiseled jaw, and grey-green eyes that resemble a mossy pond … Where was I going with this?
Brushing a wisp of light brown hair aside, Kelly answers, “Zach. I know your mom wants a long-term renter, but I figure while she’s waiting, she might as well make a few bucks.”
“Zachary Hart?” I spit like I’ve just taken a bite out of a rotten apple. My expression contorts into a look of pure disgust. My inability to control my facial features is the main reason I’m such a horrible poker player. Everyone knows what kind of hand I have just by looking at me.
“You can’t possibly hate him so much you’d cut off your nose to spite your face.” She gives me one of her famous “talk your way out of that” looks.
I ram my hands into my pockets and turn her logic back on her. “How can I hate him when I don’t even know him?”
“I know you think Zach is a stuck-up playboy with too much money and too little compassion.” She knows this because I recently told her as much after watching an interview with Yolanda Simms.
“Well, isn’t he?” As far as I’m concerned, people like Troy’s stinky little stuck-up brat of a brother are the reason we have so many poor people in this country. Zach is a Mr. Moneybags always looking to build his own worth instead of helping others. How much money does one person need anyway?
Narrowing her eyes to half-mast, Kelly says, “He’s nothing like you think he is.”
“That’s not what’s being said on the news.”
My boss’s spine straightens. “Yes, well, they’ve got it wrong. Why would you ever believe those yellow journalists over me?”
She’s got me there. Not only do I run errands for Kelly and Troy, but I’ve also taken on the job of their housecleaner, pet sitter, and I occasionally stay with their kids when they’re out of town.
Kelly takes my silence for capitulation. “So, you’ll talk to your mom about renting him the cottage?”