Stubborn Hearts

CHAPTER THREE

She woke up around 6 o’clock in the morning and was sleepily laying still on the comforts of her bed. It was the most full-rested sleep she ever had in her life so far. Lazily, she turned to her side and faced the glass door.

It was like a dream. She intentionally left it half-open last night, with just the white, outer curtains to cover it. And just like what she imagined; the curtains flowed softly with the cool morning breeze as she watched the sun start to throw colors into the sky. Slowly, its warm rays glazed through the glass, like smiling light.

In her robe, she got out of the bed and headed to the terrace, sliding the glass door wider. She wanted to embrace the morning like this. Everyday. Ah, the sunrise. It would vary each day – the shades of the sky, the fluffy clouds, the morning air. Still, always so charming and lovely.

This called for a coffee – a first in her little vacation home.

 After a quick shower, she headed downstairs in white tee and flannel pants. She opened the fridge and looked for something easy to prepare. She found butter and honey, good enough for a toast or two to pair her coffee with. She was used to just having coffee in the morning and would be lucky enough to have a sliced wheat before going to work.

She grabbed her breakfast to the patio. It was an open space with a wooden floor, laid atop of which were four bench chairs made for long relaxing hours with a cute centerpiece table. One of these days, she’d be back here reading her butt out and would enjoy the fresh outdoors. For now, she’d be contented with her coffee and toast.

To the farthest right, she could see another cabin but a bit smaller. Mrs. Arving mentioned that she had there an existing tenant of three years. Initially, she never liked the idea to rent the cottages as these served as vacation houses whenever her family visited the place. But when her husband died five years ago and her children started their own families, visits became so rare that she had to hire someone to maintain the cabins.

As suggested by a local friend, who also ran a set of cottages further north, she eventually considered having her own rented as well. She had help posting the place in AirBnb which was the most convenient way of marketing your place these days.  It was a good find and she was lucky to book it for two full months at a discounted price, and was even offered an open contract in case she’d like to stay longer. Mrs. Arving said that she would hold off the remaining months for her so it would be easy to arrange once she decided to do so.

Perhaps she sensed her search for adventure and air of uncertainty on her plans when they talked over the phone the first time. Mrs. Arving was kind and a good conversationalist. She was happily living with her daughter in Toronto and was contented to tend to her little garden and look after her grandkids. In one of their email exchanges, she hinted on just selling the property and suggested to let her think about it. She was just not sure if the other cottage was part of the offer to consider though.

Hmmm. Huge thoughts for a supposed easy morning. It would be best to pause for a while. She still had so many weeks ahead to think it through.

Finishing up her coffee, she headed back inside. It was almost seven in the morning. She washed her mug, plate and spoon and placed them neatly in the rack. She ran upstairs to brush her teeth and tied her hair. Reaching out in the closet, she grabbed her gray jacket and sneakers before going downstairs. She made sure all doors were locked, recalling the conversation she had yesterday. She slipped the keys in one of the side pockets of her jacket, and the other had her phone in it. Closing the front door, she took the trail to the woods. Time for a quick stroll.

THE SOUND OF THE ALARM woke Marcus up from a dreamy sleep. He had a rough night and went home at almost 1 o’clock in the morning. He reached for the alarm to shut it off and dug back his face on the pillow for more sleep. Instead, he suddenly jerked up, irritated.

Why, seeing his brother’s face in his winning smile was enough to kick him out of bed this early. Looking at his bedside, the clock displayed it was already 7:30 am.

“It could not be that bad,” he mumbled absently.

He was never an early riser, but the game was on and he’d better be stepping up right now. Dragging himself out of bed, he went straight to the shower hoping to wash away the conversation he had with his brother last night.

Neill paid him an unexpected visit and he could have just let him wait in the corner for as long as he could, not minding him. But he couldn’t. Just by his mere presence, he could sense another heated argument about the same old thing. So, he had to cut the last set short to face him.

He got out of the bar for some fresh air. He knew what was coming.

“You found me,” he smirked as he heard Neill’s footsteps.

“I have my sources.” So plain, so like Neill.

“Of course, you have! What money can do, right?”

“Marky, I would do anything just to find you and get you home.” Neill was beside him now, looking straight to an empty road.

“I’m sure you do,” he answered sarcastically. “Or, tell me. Is it father’s only condition before you can take over the company?”

The air became tense. Neill was both a brother and a boss. He could sense he was torn between posing as either because he knew his being a boss would always outtake the former, and it would make him feel more powerful, more capable.

Neill was one to master control and this family thing might just be as easy as managing his people. He used to see him working – on calls, meetings and conferences. He was full of authority just like his father, while he was his brother’s little apprentice that time.

It took a few moments before he heard Neill’s voice again.

“His condition or not, you have to come with me. We have a lot of things to discuss.” Neill’s voice was still firm as always.

“I am not interested. I already have a life here.”

“Life. How well do you know about it, little brother?”

“Well enough that I managed to fend for myself for years using my own money.” He answered proudly.

“The restaurant and the bar?” Neill knew enough, yes. Something in his tone irritated him. “They won’t last that long, so you better think twice.”

“You are really persistent, aren’t you, brother?” His anger was slowly rising now. He was well aware of how influential his family had been. And, he sure knew how Neill’s mind worked. But he would not back out.

“As always,” he smiled coolly. “You know I am good at this.”

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” he challenged.

He had to start planning out on his next moves. For sure, his brother would try to find ways on buying both the restaurant and the bar he co-owned. It would not be easy but knowing Neill, he was always up for a challenge and would never stop until he aced it.

Neill smiled and tapped his back lightly.

“I’ll see you again soon, Marky.”

His jaw tightened. He loved his brother, but he could just not let him – them win. He went back inside for a drink. He needed to cool his head.

After about 20 minutes, he was out of the door and was heading to the restaurant.