Roadside Attraction (Castle View Series Book 2) by Lynn Cahoon Page B

seriously considering going? What would you do with the restaurant?”
    “I suppose I could hire a manager easy enough. Mark likes messing with my plans. He could take over some of the strategic planning and oversight.” She twisted the silver bracelet on her wrist. Her dad had given it to her when she’d opened the restaurant. A small tiger was the only charm he’d added. Was she dishonoring his memory by even thinking about leaving Castle View behind?
    “Yeah, he’s been all up in my business this last week too. I know he means well, but the guy needs to back off. We survived fine without him all those years he lived in California.” Brad leaned back on the couch.
    “We both know that’s not true. Dad was amazing, but a crappy businessman. Mark needs to learn to have some kind of bedside manners while he’s cutting the fat from the business. And he forgets we might know something about what’s fat and what’s not.” She shook her head. “I’m just worn out. And worried.”
    “You could go for a while, see how you like being away. I don’t think you’ve even taken a vacation since you left college. Castle View may or may not survive, but you being here or not, isn’t going to make the difference.”
    She reached out to slap his arm but he dodged her half-hearted attempt. “Thanks for making me feel important.”
    “Hold on, I’m just saying the company isn’t resting on your back alone. Maybe Mark and I could step up to cover you while you’re gone.”
    “And then there’s Mom.” The more Maggie thought about the problems, the more she was convinced she couldn’t leave. For a short while or not. Too many people counted on her.
    Brad looked at his watch. “The answer to that problem should be stepping in the door right about now.”
    As if he’d conjured her, a knock sounded at the office door and a petite blond walked into the office. She looked at the two of them and smiled. “I’m Destiny Brooks. I’m here for the medical assistant interview.”
    Brad bounced up out of his seat and held out a hand. “Brad Castle. This is my sister, Maggie.”
    The newcomer nodded to Maggie. “Nice to meet you. I’m assuming neither of you need a physical therapist or medication assistance so who is the patient?  I’d rather interview with them as it’s a very personal relationship. I want to make sure they like me.”
    Brad motioned for the woman to have a seat and after a slight hesitation, she sat on the chair next to the couch. After he returned to his place on the couch, he looked at Maggie. “So the patient is our mother. Sandy Castle. She’s in her early 70’s, mostly gets around fine, but there have been some incidents lately.”
    “Incidents? Like what?” Destiny pulled out a notebook and scribbled some notes.
    “We believe she fell last week and she’s been having some memory problems.” Brad answered.
    “That’s it? One fall and a bit of forgetfulness and you’re ready to hire her a companion? By your standards, I should be considered for assistance since I’m constantly misplacing my keys and I’m not the most graceful person.” She put the cap back on her pen.
    “Look, my brother may not be explaining everything correctly. Maybe you should meet her. And then you could let us know if we’re off base here.” Maggie scooted up on the couch.
    “But first, we need to settle on the particulars.” Brad held up his hand as Destiny started to speak. “We know you’re trying to open a physical therapy business in St. Josephs. We’d like to be your capital partner.”
    “Brad,” Maggie interrupted, but he waved her back.
    “Like I was saying, we’d like to help you be successful. All we need is for you to evaluate Mom and let us know if she needs assistance. If you agree, then you move in to the big house and live there as her roommate until other situations are deemed necessary. You can even hire caregivers, run your business, but you would live with Mom as long as she needs