Page 26 of Hideaway Reunion

“I hope so. I overheard Betty Jo’s staff talking in the hallway. They think Natalie and Celeste and I are sabotaging the developers because we can’t compete. Rumors like that could destroy everything we’ve built.”

“Shh,” Brayden murmured, his hand gliding up and down her back. “Those rumors aren’t anything of substance.” He scrambled for the right words. “It’s nothing more than a thin fog, easily burned away with the smallest ray of sunshine. People here know you and your sisters have integrity. They know y’all care about this town as much as your personal business interests. Never once have any of you been selfish.” His fingers gently tangled in her blonde hair. He held her tight, willing his confidence into her. “Come on, now. Take a breath.”

She pulled back slightly, her blue eyes wide, vulnerable. “You’re right. It’s just a moment.”

“One you’re entitled to,” Brayden said. “But remember, whatever the rumors, the developers didn’t win. They’re stuck in a mess of their own design.”

Veronica blinked, a tear spilling over her lashes. “You’re right.”

Brayden gently wiped the tear from her cheek before giving her a sweet kiss. “Let’s focus on enjoying the quiet at the Hideaway while the research team digs up the evidence you need to shut them down for good.”

“You think that’s possible?”

He nodded. “I absolutely do. It will probably take some time, but this gaffe will cost them. Time, construction costs, plus money and more time in court when their fake witness and the fraud come to light.”

“Good. The sooner the better.”

He couldn’t agree more.

A watery laugh suddenly escaped Veronica’s lips, her grip on his arms tightening. “They’re shut down and we’re not enjoying the silence nearly enough. We need to make the most of it.”

Smiling, he opened the door and she hopped in. She caught his shoulders, indulging in a lingering kiss. “One more client. I hope you don’t have other plans for this afternoon.”

“I’m all yours,” he replied. And his brain was a storm of ideas for ways to enjoy several hours alone with Roni on that private beach.

“You’re incredible,” she said when he slid into the driver’s seat. “I’m so glad you’re helping me through this mess.”

“I told you,” he whispered, reaching out to hold her hand. “You’ll never be without me. Now, let’s get you some lunch so you can go into your next appointment feeling strong.”

CHAPTER 8

It turned out Roni’s second client wasn’t her last appointment of the day. After half a day of fielding questions from neighbors and friends, Celeste and Natalie had scheduled an interview with Holly Brooks, editor of the Brookwell Bugle, to set the record straight. They’d left text messages with both Roni and Brayden to meet them as soon as possible.

Instead of spending the afternoon on her quiet private beach with Brayden, Roni found herself in the Bugle office, hoping this would be quick and painless. Located in an historic brick storefront a couple blocks off Central Avenue, the front office was modern on the inside. There was a cozy seating area in the window, two large desks set further back, and a conference table in the back corner. The walls were decorated with articles and photos, past to present.

An oddly comforting blend of stale coffee, old paper, and freshly printed newsprint drifted through the air. Roni had come inside on a few occasions, mainly with a short blurb for a summer class or ad copy for events at the Hideaway. Quick, no-stress visits.

Unlike today. Despite being flanked by her sisters and Brayden, she was a ball of nerves as they waited. What did Holly know? What did she think? And how would those factors translate into any article she might decide to write?

As a journalist, Holly was a stickler for facts and transparency. She was passionate about the community and residents, persistent in her efforts to highlight everything that made Brookwell Island special.

Holly came out of the back room, a bright smile on her face, her laptop tucked under one arm. “Hey, y’all. Come on back.” She waved them over to the conference table. “Anyone need refreshment? We keep the fridge stocked with water and soft drinks. Or help yourself to coffee or tea.” She tipped her head toward a beverage bar stocked with a single-cup coffee maker, drink cooler, and hot water spigot.

“This is new,” Celeste observed. “Nice.”

“Right? Vince and I were so excited about the upgrade,” Holly gushed. “Friends of mine helped build it, offsetting the labor cost. The rest came out of our operating budget.”

Of course, Holly would volunteer those details, Roni thought, hiding her smile.

When they were all seated, Brayden stepped back, taking up a watchful position near the door.

Roni popped up. “One second.” She darted after him. “You can stay.” She wanted him close.

“My job is protection.” His smile was so kind and tender and she knew Natalie clocked it.

“But—”

“You’ve got this,” he said, his voice low. “You know the facts, though you can’t spill everything on the record yet.”