“Why don’t people come now? The weather’s nice.”
“The water’s still freezing. And we’re tucked away from the bigger beaches.”
He considers that, then looks back at me. “If they had the right buildings and some more entertainment, do you think the town could handle more people?”
I’m surprised by his question. He seems to be the one who has a handle on business ideas, and yet, he’s getting my opinion. My very unresearched opinion.
“The town would love it. I heard about some company trying to turn things into a luxury destination.” I study his face as he looks at a point on the wall behind me.
Shaking his head, he says, “I don’t think that’s the answer. If people have been coming here for years, even with how rundown things are in some spots, I would think a facelift and more things to do that aren’t so beach-specific would be helpful. Then they can come and enjoy the beach but also have other activities.”
“You seem to be liking this area,” I say. He speaks with so much passion, and again, that attraction sensor in my brain is going off. But how long will he be here?
His smile makes me melt a little more. “I do. Sure, it’s smaller than where I live, but it’s relaxing here. But will it still be so when the crowds come?”
I bob my head back and forth. “I think if you look for it, you can find your spot anywhere.”
His grin is big and beautiful, sending my stomach for a loop. “I like that. Find happiness where you are. It’s probably something I need to work on.”
Lila groans. “Why are adults so weird?”
It’s only then that I realize just how close I am to Max. Henever moved after taking the photo of the email, and well, I don’t mind.
“Thank you,” Max says softly. “And sorry for disturbing your morning.”
“It’s not a big deal. Good luck with…whatever this turns into.” I twirl my fingers around the open space.
Lila waves goodbye, and we head back to the apartment. I start on the waffle batter again, but my mind is still upstairs. It would be nice to have the rest of the spaces finished—filled with people instead of empty frames. Maybe even a new friend for Lila to hang out with.
And yet, I’m stuck on a man who seems like a total catch. But how long until he gets sick of Penrose Beach and leaves?
11
MAX
The new information I received from Avery makes me more frustrated than I was thirty minutes ago. How much have I invested in remodeling this building, only to have one space finished—and poorly at that? The fact that Avery had to spend her own money to renovate the commercial space also irks me.
I’ll have to find a way to reimburse her. But how do I do that without giving away my identity?
What’s the end goal on that aspect? Am I hoping to leave this town without anyone knowing my true identity? For some reason that feels like a bigger decision than my father’s proposal.
I have an urge to tell Avery who I am, but would that make whatever chemistry going on between us vanish? I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up.
Maybe it’s a fool’s venture to even encourage anything between us when I’ll have to leave soon, but I don’t want it to end. My biggest hope is that the embers I feel aren’t only on my end.
The next item on my list to is hire a contractor. From whatAvery said, finding local builders might not be easy. I’ll have to try, though. Small towns prefer their own people for jobs like this.
I walk back down the sidewalk and cross the street to get to the diner. It’s my second time here, but I enjoyed the last meal. Most of the restaurants and food places aren’t open yet, but I’m interested to try them.
“Have a seat anywhere,” the woman behind the counter calls, juggling a few plates as she carries them to a table. She wasn’t here the last time I came in.
I slide onto one of the counter stools. I used to love these as a kid, but my parents rarely took us to places like this.
I grab a menu from the condiment holder and glance over the options.
“What will you be having?” the woman asks as she comes back. I glance up and catch her name tag—Gina.
“Eggs, toast, bacon, and some fruit, please.”
