Welcome to Westbrook

Chapter 4

Four

"So Ruby and Liam really don't like each other?" I asked Jack. By now, I was curled on the end of the couch next to Jack's chair, both of us soaking up the fire's warmth. Ben had just fallen asleep for a nap, which is why I chose to go back downstairs since I wasn't tired myself.

"I wouldn't say that, exactly. They're usually on decent terms and are cordial with each other. It's just that their personalities rub each other the wrong way sometimes," he said.

I nodded, seeing how that makes sense. "Ruby said that she's known you for years because of your parents. Have you known Liam that long?"

"Yeah, we've been friends since we were kids. He's been there for me through a lot of problems, so I'm used to his way of life now," Jack commented, smiling at his tame way of putting it.

I paused for a moment. "She also told me about the loss of your dad. I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Jack's smile slowly faded and his expression quickly grew serious. "Thanks, but it happened a while ago."

I shrugged, still feeling empathetic. "Even so, I can't even imagine what you and Lorena had to go through. Plus you went through a breakup too. I don't even know what I would've done if I had to experience all that at once."

Suddenly Jack's eyes darkened with anger as his gaze flashed over to me. "Did you and Ruby have a long talk about my entire life?"

My eyes widened with surprise. "What? No—"

"Clearly she told you a good deal about my life, including my past relationship. Ruby should know better, but I guess I should tell you now to mind your own business. You're just a customer of this inn, so I'll leave it at that. Get Lorena if you need anything." Seconds later, he was storming out of the room, leaving me looking at the burning fireplace with a loss of words.

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Hours later, I was in the eating area on my laptop, reading my emails. Often I had my assistant research areas to visit for my upcoming articles and book flights or rooms under my name. However, it was close to Christmas, so lately I was just reading the emails I received directly from small business owners. I often had individuals in desperate need of attention email me if they were a fan of my articles. Usually I ended up visiting them without telling them beforehand to see how they normally acted with customers.

"Mom, I'm bored," Ben said, interrupting my thoughts about work.

"How about you go watch some TV," I suggested, glancing over my laptop at him. Ben frowned but got up and walked in the next room over to turn on the television. Unfortunately there weren't a lot of entertaining options in Westbrook, especially during the winter season.

In the middle of replying to another email, my phone started to ring. I saw that it was my sister calling, so I answered immediately. "Hey Phoebe, what's up?"

"Hey. Nothing much, I'm just checking in on you and Ben. Still in Vermont?"

"Yeah, still in Vermont. It's been snowing almost nonstop. And when it does stop, there isn't enough time to clear the roads before it starts up again."

"Wow, that sounds intense. Are you going to make it here for Christmas?" my sister asked.

"I think so. I'm going to try to leave the day after tomorrow." That still gave Ben and me a short time to make it home before Christmas Eve.