“What happened?” I asked quietly, dreading the answer but unable to hide my curiosity.
“One of the foremen was workin’ on the balcony a few floors above her, and somehow or another, the balcony collapsed right on top of her. She was killed instantly.”
“Oh my gosh,” I whispered, suddenly understanding why Kelly’s Construction was now silenced. “And the foreman?”
“He broke his back and remains paralyzed,” Trina answered and sighed as she turned away. Even though the accident happened years ago, it was still very obvious she was haunted by it. She shook her head and dropped her eyes onto her fidgeting hands.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, at a complete loss as to what I should say.
“It hit Ryan hard,” she continued, glancing up at me. “He closed shop that day and never worked on another construction job again. Luckily for him, he’d made enough money that he didn’t need to.”
I was quiet, searching for something to say. But everything I thought of just seemed to fall flat, sounding inauthentic or flimsy. “I don’t know what to say except I’m really sorry,” I managed at last.
She nodded as if she understood my loss for words. I had nothing to offer that could in any way ease the pain her family had to have endured. “I have one favor to ask you,” she started with a sweet smile.
My eyebrows rose up on their own accord. “Sure.”
“I would really love it if Ryan were the general on your job.”
My eyebrows rose even higher. “Trina,” I started, shaking my head at the realization of the monumental task that would surely be.
“I know what you’re goin’ to say,” she interrupted me. “And the chances of him takin’ your job are next to nothin’; but I’m his sister and I want to see him get better, Peyton.” She was quiet for another few seconds. “It’s been a long time,” she continued. “I expected him to be back in business one or two years ago.”
“Maybe he just doesn’t enjoy it anymore,” I started.
She shook her head. “Ryan loves construction. He often said how restorin’ historical places gave his life meanin’. I know he misses it.” She chewed on her lower lip. “I really want him to put the past behind him, to move on.”
“I definitely get that…”
“Will you please just ask him to take on your job?” she interrupted. “All I’m askin’ is for you to ask him to be the general, and if he says no, we’ll have to leave it at that.”
I studied her for a second and saw the fight in her eyes, which I admired. She was a good sister. But, good sister or not, I didn’t want to disappoint her. “You realize, of course, he’s going to say no, right?”
She shrugged. “You never know until you ask, right?” Then she smiled knowingly. “Besides, I have a feelin’ he might have a soft spot for you.”
“For me?” I asked incredulously. I shook my head and took a few steps away from her, as if my whole body resisted the very idea. “I don’t even know him!”
“I know, I know,” she said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “But he did tell me that he went to check on you in the middle of that nasty storm last night…”
“Hank was the one who suggested it,” I interrupted, feeling as if I were trying to talk not only Trina out of this ridiculousness but myself also. There was no reason to get caught up in thinking that Ryan might be interested in me because there was also a good chance that he wasn’t. Furthermore, I wasn’t shopping for anything romantic…
She frowned at me. “Well, did Hank call me to say I’d better set you up with a free room for as long as you needed it or he’d disown me?”
I laughed. “I’m guessing the answer to that question is no?”
She nodded. “I’m just sayin’ I think my brother has a soft spot for damsels in distress, and given the shoddy nature of your roof, I’d say you’re in dire distress, honey.”
“I guess I can’t really argue that one.”
“So just do us all a favor and tell him you want him as the general. And, trust me,” she continued as she opened the doors to the balcony, and the transparent white curtains beneath the gold tapestry drapes fluttered in the breeze, “he’ll do an amazin’ job on your renovation. He’s remodeled most of the renowned mansions in the Garden District and the French Quarter. He’s sort of a household name around these parts…well, at least he was.”
“I can tell he is very good at his job,” I admitted before returning my attention to Trina, who was smiling back at me.
“Will you ask him, Peyton?”
I nodded but frowned all the while. “Of course I will.”
“That’s all I want,” she said, suddenly excited again, almost like a child. “Who knows, the obstinate man might even say yes!”
Speaking of the obstinate man, I spotted a clock hanging above the dining table and saw it was already noon. Ryan would be waiting in the lobby for me. Trina followed my gaze and nodded, escorting me to the door.
“If you need any help retrievin’ your belongings from your house, just let me know. I can send one of my bellmen.”
I shook my head. “I think I can at least handle packing my own clothes,” I laughed. “Thank you though.”
I followed her down the hallway and into the elevator. In true elevator protocol, neither of us said anything for the entire ride down. When we reached the lobby, Trina held the door for me and I walked out, immediately noticing Ryan’s imposing form on a chair beside a baby grand piano. As soon as he saw us, he stood up and, with a boyish smile, approached us. He immediately threw his bulky arms around his sister, enveloping her until she nearly disappeared.
“You’re gonna suffocate me, you big brute!” she called out as she playfully swatted him away.
He shrugged. “I can always put you in a headlock instead?”
She laughed, taking a few steps away from him before facing me. “He would too.”
I laughed even though I couldn’t help feeling awkward, like I was a third wheel. Ryan cleared his throat and gave me a smile, his big brother antics apparently now behind him. “Did Trina set you up with a nice room?”
I nodded immediately. “It is beautiful, and way more than I could ask for.” Then I faced Trina. “Thank you both so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“She owed me a favor,” Ryan said with a twinkle in his eye. He playfully elbowed Trina in the upper arm.
She rolled her eyes and faced her brother in mock exasperation. “I swear, Ryan, no one would believe you’re thirty-six years old when you act like you’re goin’ on twelve.”
“Key to longevity is stayin’ young at heart, T.”
She shook her head and started to walk away. “Have a good day, Peyton!” she called out behind her. “Let me know if you need anything at all!”
“Thanks, Trina!” I replied before returning my attention to the handsome man in front of me. “Your sister is really wonderful.”
Ryan nodded and his smile told me exactly what he thought of her. “She’s a gem.”
“Yes, she is,” I said softly and then suddenly blanked on anything more to say. Instead, we both just stood there for a few seconds staring at each other like both of our brains had gone on vacation.
“I’m hungry,” Ryan finally announced. “You wanna get somethin’ ta eat, Pey?” he asked, and I couldn’t help but feel giddy that he’d taken it upon himself to shorten my full name into what I hoped might be a…pet name?
“Oh, you gotta take her to Croissant d’Or Patisserie!” Trina piped up from nowhere, suddenly appearing right beside me.
Ryan rolled his eyes. “What is it with you and that place?”