Weird, but none of her business. If it was a boating problem, the kayaker had come to the right place. Corey’s repair skills were legendary around here. The Brookwell marina was lucky to have him.
Reaching the gallery, Natalie spent her day working up various knots until she had several examples and a good handle on how she wanted to teach that project. Satisfied, she pulled out her work computer and a lawn chair and sat in the alley drawing up notes for her scheduled classes. She started with supply lists, then shifted gears to presentation notes. The teacher who had asked her to come in, wanted her to inspire his students to use sculpture as an expression of their personal worldview.
With plans to meet Trent at seven, she set her alarms to allow plenty of time to get back and clean up. It wasn’t as if Brookwell Island had much of a rush hour—once she crossed Central Avenue, it was all cozy neighborhoods tucked under the canopy of live oak and magnolia and sweetgum trees.
“What are you doing home so early?” Veronica asked when Natalie walked in the door. “I swung by the gallery and you were so focused I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.”
Guilt crept in. “Seriously? I’m sorry I didn’t notice. Why didn’t you say something?”
Veronica rolled her eyes. “Because you were focused. I don’t make a practice of interrupting you for no reason.”
“You’re my favorite sister,” Natalie said, giving Roni a squeeze. “I’m early because I have dinner plans.” Natalie headed for her bedroom and Veronica hurried to catch up.
“A date? Do I need to give you a curfew?”
“You need to give me space,” Natalie said, laughing.
“Not a chance. You’re the baby of the family. You need supervision.” Veronica continued to tease her through the door as Nat went into the bathroom for a quick shower.
“Make yourself useful and find a dress for me,” Natalie suggested.
“Is this a date? I need info to guide my choice.”
“It’s dinner,” Nat replied.
“With who? I haven’t heard a word… Is it that hot teacher from the private high school in Charleston?”
Natalie groaned. “You cannot be referring to themarriedteacher again.”
“Right, I forgot the married part.”
“No worries. It’s not relevant with this guy.”
“Which guy? And why not?”
“Just a new guy who came through town.” Natalie turned off the water and grabbed a towel. “Because he’s passing through.We have a mutual interest, that’s all. I doubt we’ll see each other after tonight.”
“Don’t say that,” Veronica grumbled. “That crappy talk pisses me off. Makes me want to find Jackson and wring his neck.”
“Feel free. The slime trail he left behind when he headed back to Georgia should be easy to follow.”
“Yeah… About that.”
Natalie wiped away the fog from the mirror and glared at the reflection of her sister behind her. Roni looked guilty, but not entirely unhappy. “What did you do?”
“The same thing you were going to do,” Veronica said defensively. “I looked him up.”
A stone lodged in Natalie’s stomach, cold and heavy. “What did you find?” She figured it was too late to say a prayer that he wasn’t connected to the offer on the Hideaway.
“He does work in the samebuildingas the Indigo Reef group that made an offer for the Hideaway. He’s employed by a different branch of a company with a different name, but everything I found looks like he’s essentially under the same umbrella.”
The stone in her stomach got heavier as she turned. This couldn’t be a coincidence. “You’re saying he has at least passing knowledge or loose ties orsomethingwith the development group building condos so close to the Hideaway?”
“Yes.” Veronica shook her head. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut. It’s not something to dwell on tonight. We’re not selling. Your ex isn’t in town. Forget I said anything and just go have fun.”
“Because that’ll be such a breeze now.”
“I’m sorry.” Roni looked seriously contrite. “Whoever he is, he’s lucky to have you join him for dinner.” Veronica rested her hands on Nat’s shoulders. “You can’t let one bad apple wreck your whole life.”
