The door opened to reveal Red, and my momentary relief vanished. He had red-rimmed eyes, andtear tracks showed on his freckled cheeks. His usual buoyant energy was absent.
I sat up straighter with concern. “What happened?”
He stepped into my office, closing the door behind him with a trembling hand. “Sorry to interrupt.”
I gestured to the chair across from my desk. “Sit down. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
Red sank into it, looking smaller than I’d ever seen him. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “Knox called me and told me Dad had a heart attack this morning.” Fresh tears welled in his eyes.
“Shit.” I pushed aside the stack of papers. “What did the doctors say?”
“He’s stable, but it was close. We almost lost him.” Red’s voice cracked with grief. “Knox said Dad’s been working himself into the ground at the bar lately because more employees left. He’s pulling double shifts, staying late to do inventory, and never asking for help because he thinks he can do it all himself.”
I nodded, understanding all too well. Family businesses demanded everything you had and then some. Thankfully, I had Early to keep me from going down the same dangerous path.
“What can I do?” I asked, my protective instincts flaring. Red wasn’t a regular employee. He was family under my protective care. “Whatever time off you need, it’s yours.”
Red wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. “That’s so generous of you, but I have to move back to Wintervale.” More tears fell, as did my heart.
The news was more devastating than I expected. Red had been with me for years and was my best and most loyal employee. He was the heart of the place, beloved by the regulars and the staff alike.
“Knox needs help running Just the Tipsy,” Red continued, his voice thick with emotion. “Dad’s going to be out of commission for months, and there’s nobody else who can step in. Wilder’s in the middle of hockey season with the Puck Chuckers. And Buster…” He gave a watery laugh. “Well, Knox would rather burn the place down than let Buster run it.”
I snorted despite myself. I’d heard enough stories about the troublemaking Buster to understand the oldest Hartley brother’s objections.
“Bowen’s off on some adventure in South America. Tobin already works too many hours at his job. Knox refuses to let Halcyon work at the bar while he’s in school.” Red shook his head. “That leaves only me.”
My core belief was that family came first—always had, always would. I’d dropped everything when my mother got sick during college and Fitzy needed me. I understood Red’s position better than most.
“When do you need to leave?” I asked, already reshuffling the staff schedule.
“End of the week, if possible.” Red looked down at his hands. “I’m sorry for the short notice. But I have to pack, and?—”
I held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t apologize for taking care of your family. You’re doing what you’re supposed to do.”
Red nodded, looking relieved but still miserable. “I love it here, Duke. I love Hurly-burly, and my regulars, my apartment, my whole life is here.” His voice caught. “Wintervale is where I’m from, but Sunnyside became my home.”
My chest tightened. I wasn’t good with emotional displays, but seeing Red’s pain made my heart ache. I’d have given anything for more time with my mother. “It’s hard, but you’re doing the right thing. Your dad needs you. And when he’s back on his feet, your job will be waiting for you here.”
Red’s eyes widened. “Really? You’d hold my position?”
“Of course I would. You’re irreplaceable.”
A small smile broke through his tears. “Thanks, that means a lot.”
“Take the next few days to get your affairs in order,” I said. “Don’t worry about your shifts. I’ll cover them myself if I have to.”
“I can work tonight?—”
“No.” My tone brooked no argument. “Go home. Pack. Spend time saying goodbye to your friends. Take care of whatever needsto be done.”
Red sniffled. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them,” I said, thinking of my own unexpected path. “But you’re strong. You’ll get through this, and so will your dad. Your family will come out stronger.”
He stood up, and I rose as well, intending to see him out. Before I could move around the desk, Red stepped forward and threw his arms around me in a tight hug.
I stiffened for a moment, surprised by the contact, then relaxed and returned the embrace. Red needed it, and honestly, so did I.
