Page 25 of Passion and Privilege

I glanced back at the house and the overgrown gardens. Even though there was so much work to be done, it was not hard to see why Timothy loved it. The house was inviting. I liked that I was helping to restore a piece of history.

“I think if you can see the potential in this place, then it’s not past its shelf life. It’s beautiful. Yes, there is some nostalgia, but who cares? In this case, I think you’re restoring your family legacy.”

“I wish I would have taken the time to restore this place earlier. I feel bad I waited so long.”

“But you’re here now,” I said, sighing. “It’s not like it’s beyond hope. I’m guessing it would have been the same restoration process as it was ten years ago. It’s not like you lost anything. Gloriana Manor is something we’re all proud of.”

“Did you grow up in Sleepy Hollow?” he asked.

“I did,” I said, smiling. “Born and raised. A lot of the people I went to school with have left. They always ask me why I’m still here.”

“Why didn’t you leave?”

“My dad needed me,” I answered honestly. “It’s been just the two of us for a very long time. He tends to get a little too devoted to his work. He doesn’t always take care of himself. He’s the only family I have. He took care of me and now it’s my turn to take care of him.”

“That’s noble. I think this is a great place to grow up. I wanted to raise Paisley here, but my ex wasn’t fond of the small-town life.”

“She doesn’t know what she’s missing out on,” I said, laughing.

We started walking around the garden, going nowhere in particular as we talked about small-town living. He was actually decent to talk to for a change.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked softly.

“Sure.”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“Not anymore,” I muttered.

“What does that mean?”

“It means I just got out of a long-term relationship,” I told him.

“What happened?”

“Apparently, only one of us understood the meaning of monogamy. I got to witness his failure to be faithful with my own two eyes.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shrugged. “Honestly, I feel bad that I’m not too upset. I probably should be crushed. Maybe I knew it was over long before it actually ended.”

He looked at me for a long moment, his eyes reflecting a soft understanding. “Sometimes, we know things in our hearts before we’re ready to admit them to ourselves. Trust me, I understand how you feel.”

It sounded like he knew what I was talking about. We fell into silence, strolling through the garden, each of us lost in our own thoughts. His ringing phone broke the comfortable quiet.

“I have to take this,” he said. “Get back to me with a bid for the gazebo.”

He walked away with the phone to his ear.

“I will,” I promised, watching him stride toward the manor.

Timothy’s voice faded away with distance as I turned back to the gazebo. The sun streamed through the missing slats in the roof, casting long shadows on the mossy floor. The worn wood creaked under my weight as I stepped up to examine the structure more closely. I imagined stolen kisses from young lovers sneaking out to meet without anyone knowing.

It was going to be my personal project. I wanted to restore it for Timothy.

Chapter Twelve

Timothy