He shrugged his shoulders. “Does it really matter? She got some sort of a deal so it wouldn’t impact on me. Not sure what the ending was and I never really cared enough to find out.” Adam lifted his hand to cover his mouth and belched loudly.
“What bank did she work at?” Lena sat forward in her chair and waited for him to speak, apprehension spinning in her gut. Oh God.
“Who cares what bank it was? Newcombe First or something. I forget. But what was the point of that anyway? I had to do a despicable thing today. I had to cull out my herd because someone hadn’t given them the care they were entitled too and they suffered for it.”
“And I’m sorry for that, Adam. I really am.”
“Yes well, my father would probably call it justice. After all, I did turn my back on him and leave his employment after only a few years out of law school. I rather embarrassed him I think. He had such great plans for me and I didn’t fulfill them. I doubt he could hold his head up after I let him down like that.”
“So what does this have to do with your father anyway, I don’t quite understand.”
“Forgive me, dear Lena. I fear I’m rambling on about nothing. The problem with drinking on your own, you see. I was sitting here thinking of things and what might have been if I’d done as was expected of me instead of rebelling as I did and rushing out to settle in the country. The only good thing would have been I wouldn’t have had to shoot those animals today.” He frowned and dropped his chin, for a moment looking contrite.
God, please don’t cry, I don’t know if I can handle that. “I suppose that’s true, but if you’d done what your father wanted, would you be happy? And I ask that in general, not today.”
“Wise as well as beautiful I see.” He let his head fall back on the couch and laughed. “Probably not. But who can say for sure.” Adam crossed his ankles on the coffee table and squinted at her. “Enough of me. What have you done so far with your plans? Your father gave me the lease back last night.”
“Did he? Thank you for the dairy, I really do appreciate it more than you could ever know.”
He waved a hand in the air, brushing off her appreciation. “What have you worked out so far?”
“Well, I stepped everything out today, did some measurements, and I’ve ordered my stove and dishwasher already.” She smiled remembering the buzz placing the order. “They should be here in a few days and then I can get the tradies in to fit them. I have to think about tables and chairs, and organize all of the crockery I need. It’s all going to take time, but I have that in spades at the moment.” Thank goodness he’s put down his glass, maybe this was the right conversation after all.
* * *
“I’m just glad the building won’t rot away from not being used.” And it means I get to see more of you. Bonus, right? He reached over and picked up the wine bottle, tipped it up over his glass, and smacked it on the bottom. “Drat, damn thing is empty. Let me go and get another one.” Probably don’t need it but what the hell, it’s been a shit of a day and I rarely drink. He stood up and wobbled slightly, laughing as he did.
“Not for me thanks, I’m not really a big drinker besides, I’d better go home.” Lena stood up and he blocked the door.
Hell, she looks scared. I didn’t mean that to happen. You idiot, Adam. “I thought you came over to keep me company, make me feel better?” Adam leaned closer, his wine infused breath rolling over her face.
She moved back out of the way. “I did, but you seem more intent on writing yourself off and I don’t want to be a part of that.”
“Not being prudish are you, Lena? I didn’t think you were that type to be honest.”
“I’m not a prude. I just don’t like heavy drinking is all I’m saying, and I think you’ve had enough.” She glared at him.
I’ve stuffed this up and all she wanted to do was help me out. Way to go, dick head. Adam thumped the doorframe with his hand and stepped away. “I’m sorry. I don’t usually indulge, but things got on top of me today.” He rubbed his hands over his face, trying to wake himself up. The look of fear in her eyes hit him in the gut. Had he really come across as someone likely to hurt her? He was an idiot! Frightening Lena was the last thing he wanted to do. She deserved better after the hardship she’d endured over the years. Ben would never forgive him if he scared his daughter. Crawl buddy, do what you have to do, but don’t you dare let her go home scared of you.
Coffee! “I’m really very sorry. Would it help if I put on a pot of coffee? I don’t want you to leave just yet. I need a friend, Lena, just a friend.” He waited while she tossed the idea around. Her eyes were very expressive and easy to read. She was torn and he had to make the best of it. Play on her emotions if that works. Do whatever you can. “You can even feed me. I’m sure that’s the reason the wine hit me so hard. I haven’t eaten all day and if you hadn’t come over, I more than likely wouldn’t have either.”
She ran her tongue around her lips and nodded her head. “Okay, but I’ll do the coffee while you talk to me. Deal?”
Saved! Now suck up and be nice, the guy she thought you were, not the drunken fool wallowing in self-pity. “Yes!” Adam grinned and
