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“Maybe Idaho. Her friend from school moved there. I really don’t know.”
His squint said he didn’t believe me.
“You know,” he said as he searched the walls for something. “You wouldn’t be in this position if you’d accepted my offer and moved out of this old…place.” His eyes landed on a family photo on the mantle.
I stiffened. “This is my family’s home and always will be. It’s not aplace,” I spat.
Ernst’s brows wrinkled. “Of course it is. I feel I owe it to you to keep the offer open, with the demise of the company and all—”
Constance’s face showed she’d caught his deceit.
“The company is not in the least bit dead.” I recited Josh’s words. “I’m working… We’re working to revitalize it.”
“Yes. That’s what I meant,” he said. The man needed English lessons if he thoughtdemisewas a synonym forrevitalize. “The money would give you a chance to get back on your feet.”
“Not interested,” I shot back.
“It really would be in your best interest, I think.” He wandered to the mantle and picked up the photograph. “I know your parents wanted you to be able to afford a nice life.”
I moved forward and put my hand out for the picture. “My life is fine, thank you,” I lied. The last thing I would ever do is discuss my issues with him. “And they wouldn’t have wanted me to give up Casa di Rossi, that’s for sure.”
He ignored me and placed the photo on the mantle before turning back. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Your father and I had some very serious discussions about selling this place, and the land, to finance the company’s expansion.”
I shook my head at the obvious lie. “He never felt that way.”
“I understand you wouldn’t have known, because you were off at school. And being in college has a way of insulating one from the realities of life.”
This had gone on long enough. “Thanks for stopping by, Ernst.”
He looked startled that I’d just suggested he leave. “Very well. Keep my offer in mind. You’ll let me know if you hear from Lara.” He said this as a command rather than a question.
“Sure,” I responded.
In a pig’s eye, I would.
The gall he had to suggest Daddy had ever entertained the idea of selling Casa di Rossi. That was insane, seven ways from Sunday. Daddy would never have agreed to that.
That was the last straw for me. “Ernst.”
He turned at the door. “Yes?”
“I don’t want you back here anymore. I’ll take care of the almonds from now on.” I no longer had to work with him, or even see him.
“You can’t do that,” he protested.
“She just did,” Constance said, moving toward him. “And I’ll call the police if I see you here again.”
He spun and slammed the door on his way out.
“Real charmer,” Constance said with a roll of her eyes. “Who’s he?”
“Lara’s stepfather,” I explained.
She nodded. “You think he’s really trying to help you, or does he have some other play?”
“He’s only ever out for himself,” was the nicest thing I could think of to say.
“So you don’t think Lara’s in Idaho?”
