Lucy sat at her desk, studying the books in front of her and dutifully taking notes.
"Is it time for a study break yet?" Craig asked as he stood behind her and massaged her neck.
Lucy gave in for a moment before brushing his hands away. "I have to get through this chapter. I'm already so far behind."
"Let me know when you're ready for a break," Craig said, pacing a few steps around the room before relaxing on the bed.
Lucy tried to focus on her studies, but Craig's restless hovering was too much of a distraction. Finally she put her notes aside and turned to face him.
"Craig, why don't you go down to the studio? I know the lawsuit is holding you back, but you can still work on your new songs, can't you?"
Craig shrugged, "I could, I suppose. But I want to get everything in order before I go back to work."
"Oh," Lucy replied and started to turn back towards her work.
"You aren't trying to get rid of me?" Craig asked, only half-joking.
"No, it's just that you've been hanging around the house lately without much to do . . ."
"And I'm not pulling my own weight, is that it? Lucy, you know I'm an artist."
"No, that's not it at all. You just seem so restless and bored lately. I think you would be happier if you had something to keep you busy."
"I was hoping to use this opportunity to spend more time with you, but you always seem to have something else to take your attention."
"I have a lot to do."
After an moment of silence, Craig said, "There has been something I've been thinking of. Since I'm putting down roots here, maybe I should start doing something that takes less travel. I've always wanted to have my own club. I just never had the money for it . . ."
At the mention of money, Lucy frowned.
"You don't like the idea?"
"No, I think it's a good idea. I'm sure you could take out a loan to get started."
"Hmm," Craig replied thoughtfully. He wasn't sold on the suggestion.
When she heard the baby cry, Lucy looked up. "Could you check on him?"
"Sure," Craig replied absently. He barely stepped out into the hallway before coming back into the room.
"The nanny's got him. I'm glad we decided to hire her. You really do have too much to do around here and I hate to think about leaving the two of you alone here without anyone we can trust when I have to go out of town."
"I'm glad she's here too."
"And I was afraid you wouldn't come around to the idea of hiring help around the house again."
"Um hmm," Lucy mumbled as she started forward thoughtfully.
"I think I'm going to go out for awhile and get some air. I'll see you later," he said as he kissed her on the cheek and went out.
"Mr. Jordan, I'd like to have a word with you," Victoria Burgess said as she led Justin into the study. "I have noticed your performance has been lacking lately. And I understand that you've had some personal family issues, but I hope they won't be a problem in the future."
"They won't be," Justin promised. "My sister is no longer living with me. She's moved away."
"I'm glad to hear it. I can't take being close to any more scandalous news from the media."
"More news, ma'am?" Justin asked, confused.
"Yes, it's the 'Stuart ordeal' that I'm referring to. Of course, no one in the Burgess family would be involved in anything criminal."
"I didn't think the Burgesses were involved in the Stuarts' problems at all, ma'am."
"Of course we aren't, but we are tied to the Stuart family by association and that is just as bad . . .I think it would be in the family's best interest to reduce our ties with them as much as possible."
"But, ma'am, Miss Stuart - Mrs. Sexton surely wasn't involved in her father's business dealings. I think she's suffered enough because of this scandal."
For a moment Victoria seemed shocked by his outspokenness. "I sometimes forget you worked for the Stuarts before you came to work for me . . . However, I have already reached a decision. I am resigning from my post at Pheasant Run. If Lucy cannot manage the job herself, I'm sure she can find someone else who is capable."
"On such short notice, ma'am? We have a lot of projects going on right now. How is anyone supposed to take over right in the middle?"
"That's why I think you should stay with the country club, at least until someone new can step into my place. You know what is happening there as well as anyone and I can manage without you for awhile."
"And if the new person doesn't require my assistance?"
"They will certainly need you, at least at first. I will continue to pay your usual wages as my own contribution to the charity. Consider it settled. In a few days, managing Pheasant Run will be your primary task. I'll arrange a meeting with Lucy to settle the details."
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