Loving Treasures by Gail Gaymer Martin Read Free Book Online Page B

when he could no longer avoid filling the resort’s needs. He’d held open two particular jobs that he thought Jemma would enjoy.
    Ian scowled at the wad of keys and dropped them into his suit jacket pocket. “We’re heading for the prime tourist season and—”
    “Have Personnel fill the slots, Ian. I hear you,” Philip said, monitoring the stress in his voice.
    “If I understood why we’ve waited so long, I’d—”
    “Ian,” Philip said, rising, “I said notify Personnel to process the applications. You’ll have all the help you need in a couple of days.”
    Ian adjusted his eyeglass frames and nodded. “All right, then.” With a final puzzled look, he strode from the office and closed the door.
    Sinking into his chair, Philip shut his eyes. He had no other option. Now if Jemma wanted a job, he would have little to offer except a lower paying position like housekeeping. Why was Jemma so headstrong?
    Philip swiveled his high-backed chair to face the window and Lake Michigan glinting in the late afternoon sun. In the distance, he watched resort guests lolling on the beach or standing on the pier enjoying the scenery. The tennis courts and golf tee-times were booked throughout the day, and in the evening, the resort restaurants had nearly reached capacity seating. Philip was awed that God had blessed him so abundantly.
    But why him? What happened to God’s blessings for his brother, Andrew? From the same parental seed, Philip and Andrew were so different. His brother had been bored with the resort and longed for adventure and freedom, while Philip had stayed by his father’s side and learned the business. By the time his father retired and later died, Philip had beenexperienced and well-trained in handling the resort. But Andrew…?
    Guilt weighed heavily on Philip’s shoulders. His brother had not faired as well—and now what? What would he do if Andrew returned? Philip had sensed something in their telephone conversation a few weeks earlier, as if Andrew wanted forgiveness for breaking his father’s heart, for squandering his share of the family fortune, for walking away from everyone who loved him.
    Philip would never understand that driving need for independence. Take Jemma. She’d rejected his offer. But why? Was it really a desire for this freedom Philip didn’t understand, or was she rejecting him? He wondered if she sensed he cared too much.
    Refocusing on the lake, Philip watched the waves roll in. Hitting the shore, they dragged the sand back to sea, leaving debris behind in their wake. The symbolism smacked him. Did Jemma see him as dashing into her life and knocking her off balance? I need to stand on my own two feet, she’d said. Did she fear he would leave her floundering in the debris of his helpfulness?
    Before he could think the question through, the telephone jolted him to action. He grabbed the receiver and, following his greeting, heard Claire’s exuberant voice.
    “Philip, where have you been?”
    “Busy, Claire.” He felt guilt over his neglect. “The first weeks of the tourist season are always likethis.” He rolled his shoulders in an attempt to dispel the tension. “How are things with you? No problems, I hope.”
    “I’m great. Miss hearing from you, that’s all. I wondered if you’d like to drop by tonight for dinner. I’m making something you like.”
    Her offer sent a buzz of thoughts whirring through his mind. With so many nit-picking details, he’d planned to stay in the office late that evening. Still, how could he refuse? “Give me a hint? What would I miss?”
    “You’ll have to come and see,” she said, her voice teasing. “Any time that’s good for you, Philip.”
    Philip eyed the wall clock. “How about eight, Claire?” With the late hour, he hoped for a counter-offer, a rain check for another day.
    “Great,” she said. “See you then.”
    When he hung up, Philip accepted that his ploy hadn’t worked. Yet, as well as a good meal, another