‘Because I believe in value for money.’
‘So you’d undervalue yourself?’
‘No, but?—’
‘Do you realise that’s the going rate for what you’re doing?’
She shook her head, a puzzled look on her face. ‘Really?’
‘Really. So Brendon the bull is getting a good payout, which is exactly what you are worth. But you’re not getting the money. He is.’
‘I had no idea.’
Their conversation over, Ava thought about what Jack had said. Could she really start her own business and do this? Withthose figures she might at least have a chance if she could pull in a couple of jobs for herself.
So for the rest of the evening, she left her mind to dwell on it.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
After a long walk with Graham, Jack went back to the hotel. Before searching out his mum, he settled his pet in reception. Thankfully, it was dry so Graham wouldn’t be wet and smelly when guests came and went.
He popped into the kitchen for a pot of tea, two mugs, and a plate of biscuits. The door was ajar when he got to the office.
‘Knock-knock,’ he said, pushing it open with his hip. ‘Thought you might like a break.’
Stella glanced up from her paperwork. She smiled when she saw him.
‘Jack, what a lovely surprise.’
He chuckled, then put out the contents on the tray at the small conference table in front of the desk. ‘Come and join me.’ He poured the drinks and passed a mug over to his mum.
Stella stirred her tea. ‘There’s something I want to say to you, while I have you here.’
‘Can I go first?’ Jack asked.
She nodded, a little surprised.
‘I feel like things have gone out of whack since I reconnected with Ava.’
‘In a good way, I hope.’
‘Yes, definitely. It was really hard to find out about Dan and Katrina. I was lost for a while, and I wanted to say thanks for looking out for me.’
‘That’s what mums are for.’
‘I know, but you were always there in the background, keeping an eye on me. I know you can be pushy at times?—’
‘Outrageous!’
‘—but it’s always in the best way and for our own good. Yet, I think because you left me to it a lot of the time, I healed but wasn’t ready for a relationship. I can finally move forward and be happy about the future. I know it’s early days, but I really do feel such a lot for Ava. She’s brought joy into my life, something I never thought I’d find again. I think I love her, Mum.’
‘I know you do, son.’ Stella reached across the table and patted his hand. ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’
‘It also made me realise that if you and Dad don’t want to change the hotel, it’s fine. I know you’ve been chatting to Ava about it, but I’d hate to push you into something you didn’t want to do. Perhaps I could do more work here to help you out until you retire, and then maybe I might fall in love with the old place again, too.’
Stella smiled. ‘So all you need to do now is persuade Ava to stay and you have everything you wished for.’
‘If she wants to give it a go.’ Jack sighed. ‘I’ll miss her during the week, but we can see each other at the weekends. It’s not ideal, but it will have to be enough.’
