Rena's rather candid remark about Abby surprised him, to be sure, and it showed on Thomas' face- his eyebrows raised, and he gaped for a moment once again. "She- that's not true-" he started to protest, but the words were rather half-hearted, he imagined that whatever Abby had said or done, Rena's conclusion was likely a very reasonable one.
Sighing, Thomas ran his fingers through his hair. "I can't say that she particularly likes you, no," he admitted, reluctantly. "But I don't think that's you, per se- she'd feel the same no matter who had been here, when she wasn't. But- that doesn't matter, Rena. Not to me, at least. I don't mean to sound callous or to imply that I don't care for Abby's feelings- but regardless of that, you have a place here, so long as you want it. I promised you that a long time ago, and I'm not breaking my word to you. You're the closest thing to a sister I've had, Rena- and I mean that as a good thing. Bridget and I wouldn't be here without you. This inn would not be the same without you."