“Another thing your husband and I disagree on. He doesn’t get what I’m doing, and he definitely doesn’t respect my process. I deliver product I’m proud of whether its buttons or mint chocolate chip.”
While she savored the result of his efforts, she couldn’t stop wondering what was wrong with making a profit. Christopher would have suggested ways to optimize production, increase efficiency, and cut costs. He was predictable and steady. While his micromanaging ways could feel oppressive at times, she knew from experience, he wanted the best for others.
Zach balking at Christopher’s ideas wasn’t a surprise. He’d been their town’s undisputed golden boy for years. She remembered Zach ignoring advice in their youth.
They’d all grown up, but maybe the two men reverted to childish patterns without a referee. Zach and Christopher fought the same battle, to stay in business. Together, they could be a formidable team.
Zach sighed heavily, shaking his head. “But then again, why should he? He’s never been a creator. He isn’t in his family’s business. He swoops in and focuses on the bottom line.”
He’s been successful. Without a doubt, what Zach described was overstepping. Somewhere between the two sides of the story lurked the truth. Was she that middle ground? She could defend her husband and help ease some of his harsher rules and regulations. At the moment, that didn’t help her plan or his. If she stayed…
“Hey, have you heard anything about a ghost at the lighthouse?” she asked. A complete change of topic was her only option to save the meeting.
“A ghost?” He wrinkled his brow.
“It’s closed. Looks like something happened there.”
“Hasn’t it always been closed?” He tipped his head to the side.
“When we were kids, visitors were allowed inside.” Her voice cracked. She hated the forceful fragility.
“Were they? I don’t remember.” He shrugged. “I haven’t heard anything about a ghost. Why would the lighthouse be haunted?”
“Why not?” She almost flinched at the defensive edge in her question.
“The building wasn’t functional. A ghost in the Inn would make way more sense.”
“The Inn has never had a mysterious death.”
“Except your father?” Zach stroked his jaw. “A healthy man doesn’t wake up? Seems like he’d have unfinished business he’d want to hang around and resolve.”
Only regarding me. Dad would have wanted to rub her nose in his being right. She’d never given him that satisfaction. Her victory was hollow. “No, the Inn is fine. But really? You haven’t heard any mysterious sounds or bright lights from the little island?” She really had failed as a spirit. No one was talking about her. She had made her haunting very specific for one person. But she had experienced something else. Had she been the only one?
“I mean, the Prims are always talking about stuff like that.” Zach dropped his arms to his sides. “If anyone would know what happens out there, they would. They drive their boats past that island all the time. I can’t really see much of the lighthouse except for the top. But I do hear a lot. Everything carries over the water. The lake is practically an amplifier. I couldn’t pinpoint the direction of the whispers and laughter. I suppose the sounds could have come from the lighthouse.”
She shoveled another large scoop into her mouth. If what Zach said was true, she might have announced her uneasy partnership with her husband to the whole town. She’d never realized how far the sound could travel. At least she knew Zach Jenkins wouldn’t hold back if he thought she was in league with his enemy. Zach came straight out with every argument and opinion. It was, at times, frustrating and refreshing. But at least she knew where she stood.
She’d like such clarity with her husband. Or was it her soon-to-be ex? “I’ll be sure to look through your blog. What you’re describing is mind-boggling overreach. He’s not the king of Loon Lake. What on earth could he be thinking?”
“You’ve got hours of reading ahead. We’re starting a little newspaper, too. Maybe it’s more of a circular, but we’ll write a few articles.”
She wanted to ask who was included inwe.She needed answers about who was against her husband to come up with her best course of action. “Will you offer sales and coupons in the paper?”
She could have kicked herself as soon as she asked the question. It was such an unimportant detail. But she struggled to make sense of the information Zach told her fast enough for a thoughtful response.
He nodded. “Absolutely. Good deals drive a lot of business.”
“What a great idea,” she said.
“Glad you’re back.” Zach grinned, a broad cheek to cheek smile.
He’d stepped off of his soap box for long enough to show an expression of genuine gratitude at the presence of a peer and potential ally. She hadn’t ruined his impression of her. “Me, too,” she said. “Thanks for breakfast.”
The door opened, jingling the bell.
“Good morning, Zach. I’ve got more stickers.” Seth Boyd strode in, carrying a box.
With blond hair that always needed a trim and a perpetual smile on his handsome face, Seth was someone she’d know anywhere. The nicest guy in town. No one else came close to his genuine kindness.
