Page 78 of Never Your Valentine

“They never said that.”

“That might not be what you heard, but that’s what they said.”

“Whatever.” Ender addresses me one last time on his way out. “Think it over, Annabelle. I’ll be in touch.”

Grant gets a coffee and joins me at my table. He nods at the folder. “I’d ask what Ender wanted, but I already know.”

“He must be pretty desperate to track me down in this weather.”

“We’re easier marks in the winter.” He drinks coffee and watches fat snowflakes drift lazily down.

“All it takes is one, you know?” he says softly. He’s still looking outside. “That’s what Ender wants. One building. One business. One street. It starts small. Grand opening specials. Lower prices. Undercutting local establishments until they have to sell or die. Pretty soon, downtown looks like every exit ramp between here and Ohio.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“I hope not. We’re trying to protect what makes Echo Creek worth stopping for.” He turns to me, but his eyes are a thousand miles away. “Our library sits on lakefront property.”

“It does.”

“The Up and Away Café serves perch that were caught this morning.”

“Also true.”

“Farpoint Books has a book club that only reads Michigan authors. I go to the bank and see three people I know, and two of them ask how my parents are doing. Last week, I was caught speeding down US-2. The cop who pulled me over is a guy I used to tutor in algebra. He let me go with a warning.”

“Nice.”

“You haven’t seen summer yet. Screen doors open. Cherries in season. A line at The Twisty Whip all day long. You can go down to the boardwalk at nine at night and still have enough light to read by. The lake is like glass. Fishing boats are returning to the docks. Someone’s got a frisbee, someone else has a cooler of beer. Maybe a little bonfire if you don’t get caught. It’s July, and the money’s coming in, and everyone feels more alive.”

I cover his hand with mine. Give it a squeeze. “You really love this town.”

Grant takes his hand back. He smooths out his beanie that’s sitting on the table, then crushes it in his hand and jams it in his coat pocket. He picks up his coffee cup and looks out the window. “It’s home.”

Chapter 30

Grant

Felix: Did you see that bullshit TripAdvisor review of my glow and arrow party?

Grant: I don’t read TripAdvisor reviews

Felix: Definitely don’t read this one

Grant: You got paid so who cares?

Felix: That reminds me, I need to Venmo you guys

Grant: Keep it. We had a good time

Grant: The Lovey Dove has those almond croissants you like

Annabelle: Putting my coat on now

Grant: I got you one. It’s waiting for you downstairs

Annabelle: On my way

Grant: Move fast. June is circling