Free Homecoming Reunion by Carolyne Aarsen

decided she was running to her father with every decision and if her father was sentimentally clinging to the past as Larissa claimed then any change he wanted to make was doomed. He needed Larissa on board and he needed her to be willing to look ahead and make decisions for the inn separate from her father.
    “I told you why we needed that audit done,” he said, trying to stay calm. “It’s not about not trusting Orest, it’s about balance and making sure everything is in order.”
    “It always has been. Orest is the most meticulous bookkeeper we’ve had.”
    “I heard he’s also the only bookkeeper you had,” Garret reminded her. “And it’s a common business practice that has nothing to do trust and everything to do with proper management.”
    Larissa sighed. “I guess I could talk to my father again.”
    “Or you could make the decision on your own,” he said, holding her gaze, fighting his irritation with her. “Larissa, I know you want this inn to succeed. So do I. But I also need to know that you and I can work together. I understand you want to consult your father, but at the same time, I need to know that we are moving ahead with our plans to make this inn successful. There are decisions you have the power and authority to make.”
    She held his gaze a moment, and he could see her uncertainty written all over her features. Then her cell phone rang and she glanced at it and gave Garret an apologetic smile.
    “It’s my dad.”
    And that’s all she needed to say as, once again, she made her choice.

Chapter Six
    L arissa sat down in the church pew and eased out a sigh. She was so ready to sit and let the worship service ease away the troubles of the week. Their housekeeper, Helen Rochester, was balking at the extra work Larissa needed done and had insisted on getting help like Emily had. Larissa’s father was calling her every day now requiring constant updates. Orest was balking at getting an external audit saying it wouldn’t give them more information than what they had already and it was an unnecessary cost. Something her father agreed with.
    And seeing Garret every day was wearing in a way that both bothered and annoyed her.
    Please, Lord, help me to get through all of this. Help me to stop worrying about the money. Help me not focus on Garret and the past. Help me not worry about my future.
    The gentle murmur of the conversation of people coming into church counterpointed by the quiet instrumental music of the worship group soothed away some of her worries and concerns.
    “Hey, Larissa, haven’t seen you in ages.” Alanna Michaels dropped into the pew beside Larissa and set her oversized purse on the floor. “Guess you been busy with Garret and the inn?”
    Larissa caught her friend’s teasing tone, but let the comment slide. “Lots of changes to deal with.”
    Alanna brushed back a strand of platinum blond hair that had come loose from the intricate braid crossed over her head. “I heard Emily is back cooking at the inn. How is that for you?”
    Of course she would know, Larissa thought. Alanna’s chocolate shop was right around the corner from Mug Shots. Alanna had lunch there every day.
    Larissa pulled her hands over her face, drew in a slow breath, then leaned sideways to whisper in her friend’s ear. “I’m here in church to forget about work. Help me out, girlfriend.”
    Alanna’s cornflower eyes gazed into Larissa’s as if searching for the things her friend didn’t want to discuss. She sighed and nodded. “Okay. You got it.”
    “Good. Now tell me what I missed at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting.”
    Alanna pursed her lips. “You really should start coming yourself.”
    The same thing Garret had said.
    “Just tell me.”
    “Okay. Jack Sorenson did a presentation on using Facebook and Twitter to expand your business. Dan Morrow talked about the budget. The history book came up again and got tabled again. Rene Albertson finally joined. And, well...” Alanna