“How’d you manage that?”
She chuckled. “You know people just sort of pour their hearts out to me. I listened, and he spoke freely.”
She did have that gift. Her warmth invited an immediate sense of trust. Had she ever met a stranger? While he wouldn’t trust her not to burn down the property, he put his faith in her ability to charm people. She was far better in that regard than he was. Too bad he’d never learned or gleaned her skills.
“What’s next? Wait for the ghost?” she asked.
“Did you ask Zach and the others about it?”
She nodded. “I did, and no one believes in it. Except for the Prims, although I didn’t have a chance to ask them specifically.”
He rolled his eyes.
“What? You have issues with them, too?”
“Not quite.” He loosened his tie. “I don’t understand how such a gullible family has kept their business going for so long.”
“Did you analyze their business plans?”
His ears burned. His throat squeezed shut. He’d done that for the advantage of the business owners. He wouldn’t take money from someone failing. Especially if they couldn’t see they were in trouble. He’d helped the arcade owners get out while they could and salvage a nice retirement down south. But everyone latched on to the angle he ran them out. It didn’t do him any favors to defend himself. “I don’t have any involvement with the Prims business or vice versa. It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship.”
“Except for the dinner cruises?” She arched a brow, curling her lips too.
“I’m glad you’re amused.”
“Maybe I think brand ambassador is a better use of my talents. I could be the liaison between the Inn and the local businesses.”
A compromise? He drew back his chin. “Have you given up on your plans to take over the Inn?”
She threw back her head and laughed. “Try again. I meant instead of working on your checklist in the interim. Before I rightfully inherit my legal property.”
He wouldn’t give her an easy out for learning every role. She’d need a better working knowledge of the day-to-day to oversee the Inn. “We’re not having that discussion. As far as the Prims are concerned, I have no reason to change. And I won’t put you up to interviewing them. It’ll be a lost cause. Carl’s mean and Steve’s naive. You wouldn’t get answers. Although I would love to know why they keep delaying the start of the boating season.”
“You’re in charge. You tell me what to do. I’ll go ask them why they’re disappointing our guests.”
She would. He admired that bit of backbone. But he wouldn’t force her to interact with the pair. “Let’s settle our business first.” Did he imagine her sharp intake of breath? Or the fluttering at the base of her neck? He didn’t want to proceed with a divorce. But dragging the situation out wasn’t in anyone’s best interests. And he had to protect his future. He’d already lost control of his heart. “About finding your arsonist.”
“I didn’t make headway with any living persons.”
Not the ghost again.
“But I do have a few questions, I’m hoping you can answer. I wasn’t sure how to ask without alienating myself. I’m curious,” she said, her tone low. “About Soupy?”
“The lake monster? Did you see the merch? It’s not half bad.Society of Soupy: the truth always surfaces.”
“SOS? As in a cry for help?” She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t realize what a community project the beast is.” Her voice was tense. “Seth brought in a couple of his motivational stickers for Zach to sell. He’s busy.”
Christopher wasn’t sure what to make of her reaction. The community’s shift towards embracing conspiracies and the extraordinary must be sudden and shocking. He’d had plenty of time to witness the transition from the staid to the unexplained. But he downplayed her insistence on a ghost encounter.
“You’re having problems with the menus?” she asked. “Maybe he should focus. He’s dividing his attention. Only one is his actual, profitable business, and he’s giving that the least of his time.”
Christopher waved a hand. Once Seth figured out what he was doing, he’d be great at the print shop. He needed time. Christopher was happy to give him that. He was curious about her response. Before her return, the version of her he’d created in his mind would have jumped in and helped. He’d offered his support because he figured she’d want him to be encouraging. “You don’t support Soupy?”
“I’ve never heard of a lake monster. I grew up on these shores. Why is the legend taking off now?”
Her question held shades of regret.Did she not believe? Or did she feel left out?He didn’t have a fear of missing out. If he didn’t do something, he didn’t waste a thought consideringwhat if?
She suffered from major FOMO. Did Soupy symbolize the length of her self-imposed exile and the distance between herself and the community? The town wasn’t quite the same as she left it. Loon Lake had room for two dreamers. “Your concerns are about his workload? Or are you against his mythologizing? Because I don’t quite follow your argument.”
