To Thine Own Self

Gerald spoke as he turned away. "I think that's my cue to go clean up. I'll see you later."

He strode off toward the guest house. Carmen watched him until he reached the footbridge. Had Alex confided in him? If he needed someone to talk to, he could have talked to her. She frowned. Actually, he had talked to her, but she hadn't taken him seriously. He told her not to encourage Rob. And yet she was the one who felt uncomfortable about him. It was all beginning to make sense. She'd have to be more careful in Rob's presence. Maybe Gerald was trying to warn her of that as well.

As she turned toward the house, a cloud of dust caught her attention. Finally Aaron and Felipa were returning. At the porch she paused, watching the car coming up the drive. Katie and Bill would be arriving soon with the children. She had an idea about a way to put Alex back in his own element. If she wanted to catch him alone, she'd better get it done now.

Alex glanced up from his computer when she walked into his office.

"Are the guests arriving?"

She shook her head as she shut the door. "Aaron and Felipa just got back."

He turned away from the computer, glancing at the door with a wary expression.

"Is something wrong?"

She smiled. "No, I just wanted to discuss business with you."

His gaze was fixed on her, so she continued.

"I thought maybe you could hire someone to help me. You have experience with that sort of thing and I really don't know where to start."

He frowned. "I don't have any more experience hiring people than you. Call the employment office. You know what you want."

Actually, she did know what she wanted - no one. He was the one who insisted that she hire help. He said if she didn't he would. Obviously that was merely a ploy.

He leaned back and ran fingers through his hair.

"Look, I have enough on my plate right now. You can do this. I know you can - and you will too after you've done it once."

Her initial reaction was an urge to crawl under the table. He was treating her like a child. But then, maybe he felt she was acting like a child. If he was feeling overwhelmed, the last thing he wanted to do was take on her problems. That idea fell flat. What was overwhelming him?

"If there's something I can help you with, I'd be glad to."