Caroline hates my guts because I rock her precious boat.
“It’s long overdue,” Carl Sutton, a local bait store owner, states. “Everyone’s tired of them.”
“They are the backbone of our festival,” Caroline says tersely. “Their booth rent and the traffic they draw in are necessary to the success of our event.”
Same argument, different day.
“They’re abusive in my opinion,” I toss back, throwing my hands in the air. “They get away with it because our town lets them. It’s time to lay down the law.”
Caroline sighs but most everyone nods their head in agreement.
“Fine,” Caroline says, flicking her wrinkled hand at me. “Do your thing. But when we lose revenue, you’ll have your answer as to why.”
Prepared for her negativity, I sit up straighter and beam at her. “Which is why I’m proposing a new festival.”
“We already have a Christmas one,” Caroline snaps. “Sorry.”
Isabel stifles a groan beside me. Carl rolls his eyes.
“Okay, so hear me out,” I say, grinning at everyone. “Budgie Love Adoption Event. We do it on Valentine’s Day. Keep it local. Our focus is matching rescues to legitimate pet owners who already live in our community. There are a few certified rescue non-profits, including mine, Everhart Cove Budgie Rescue. No breeders.”
Caroline shakes her head. “Too expensive. We need to bring in money. Not just spend it.”
She’s an Asbury. Apparently, they’re the loaded ones in town who own all of the new development. Makes sense why she wants BudgieFest to keep growing. Keeps her family rich.
“It’ll make money,” I assure her. “Not as much as BudgieFest, but it won’t be in the red. I’ll make sure of it.”
Sometimes watching Caroline’s eye twitch brings me more joy than I’d like to admit. Mom gets onto me for goading her, but Elias always supports me.
The rest of the meeting goes on without a hitch. After it’s over, I buy a couple of books for Grandpa and then leave with Isabel.
“She’s such a witch,” Isabel complains when we’re out of earshot. “I think you enjoy going toe to toe with her.”
“I do it in my grandma’s honor.”
“Do I want to know?” She chuckles. “Doubtful. I’m starving. You headed to The Icehouse?”
I nod as we cross the street. “Elias is hanging out with Monroe and Silas while I had my meeting. We’re probably going to eat dinner there. You should come too.”
“And be a third wheel? Pass. I’ll catch you next time. There’s a frozen dinner calling my name.”
“Isabel!” I cry out. “Don’t say that ever again. I’ll tell your brother.”
She groans. “I do not need Mateo pulling up with his food truck. Just leave me with my sad, solitary life, okay?”
I make a note to do more things just the two of us. Sounds like she needs it.
After we hug, I make my way down Wing Whirr Way until I reach The Icehouse. I can smell the onion rings cooking from here and my stomach grumbles happily. At least Denver doesn’t post his command center here.
I open the door and it’s steady for a weeknight. The Flock, including Isabel’s brother, Mateo, are already in their reserved spots. When Elias’s brother, Corbin, sees me, he raises his glass in greeting. I give them a wave and then search for my husband.
It’s so strange to call him that.
We finally tied the knot in a simple ceremony at the courthouse last week. It was just the two of us. The reception will be sometime after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. All of our friends and family can attend that one. Jessi and Maggie havetaken over the planning. At this point, all me and Elias need to do is show up.
I spy Elias and Monroe sitting at the bar, chatting it up with Silas. They’re both nursing their beers. It’s funny to me how they pretend to drink. Honestly, I think they do it just to give Silas the sale.
“Hello, handsome,” I say, hugging Elias from behind. “Meet me upstairs. Don’t tell your wife.”
