Read You Smiled for Free Online Page B

business major - dad’s influence. I’d thought to go into some kind of counseling, but I guess the whole business management thing was in my blood.”
    Grace nodded, listening.
    “I started at my dad’s company in the city, then after a few years, found the whole troubleshooting niche was a strength. I started my own consulting firm and have been doing that since.”
    “Do you travel a lot?”
    “More than I’d like. It’s exciting, but exhausting, and lonely.” He shrugged. “I’m based in Chicago, but I’m not there enough to really have a life. The running around gets old after a while.”
    “I graduated from UConn with a marketing degree and always hoped I’d have more reason to travel. Guess it isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.”
    “Where’d you do your marketing?”
    “Hoboken, New Jersey. Small company; you wouldn’t know the name. Well,” she paused, “maybe you would.”
    They’d come to an area of the beach where rocks jutted into the gently lapping waves. Alex led her through the maze of boulders until they found a large flat slab. They lowered themselves onto the edge of the rock and Grace took off her shoes and socks so she could dangle her feet in the water.
    “Can’t believe I’m doing this in late October,” she said, cuffing the bottom of her jeans.
    “Bet it feels good.”
    “You could join me.”
    Alex considered his jeans, socks and high top shoes. “Too much work. I’ll enjoy it vicariously through you.”
    She smiled and swished her feet through the cool water.
    “So how did you end up here?” He leaned back, propping himself on his elbows.
    Grace tried not to focus on the reclining version of Alex. “We used to vacation here every summer when I was growing up.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, it was great. My brother and I would leave the cottage in the morning and just play on the beach all day. We loved the ocean. Still do.”
    “Nice that you could find a spot for your business here.”
    “I know. We were very lucky.”
    “We?”
    “My brother and I.” She pulled her feet out of the water and wrapped her arms around her knees. The warm rock felt good under her cold feet. “He actually owns the shop, and I run it. I’m planning to buy it - someday.”
    Alex nodded thoughtfully. “So, does he live in the area, too? Help run things?”
    “Well,” Grace replied slowly, “that’s an interesting question.” She paused, looking out over the water. “He’s not involved in the day-to-day running of the shop, he just basically invested for me. It’s pretty much my deal.”
    “Nice.”
    “Yeah. It’s been scary at times. I’d like to have him more involved, but I also like running the show.”
    Alex grinned. “What does he do, besides invest in his sister?”
    She smiled. “That’s where the whole thing gets interesting. He’s kind of between jobs right now. He plays football - professionally.”             
    Alex whistled.
    “Except that he got injured at the end of last season, and his contract didn’t get renewed. Recurring injury. Papers said his career is over. He says he’s recovering.” She drew a design in the sand on the rock. “He’s only thirty years old. I’m sure he planned on playing for a few more years.”
    “What position does he play?”
    “Linebacker.” She smoothed over the drawing with her hand. “So, anyway, he just kind of disappeared - for months - wouldn’t talk about it to anyone - not even me. ”
    “I’m sorry,” Alex replied. “I can’t imagine how devastating that must be.”
    Grace hugged her knees and shivered a little. “When I got a hold of him to talk about the shop, I thought he might get excited about the possibility. You know, something different. He was great about underwriting my venture, but other than that, we hardly talked at all. He finally showed up here - just before you did, apparently. He’s recouping and planning his next step, so he says.”
    “Is he staying with