Page 82 of His Wounded Heart

“Hell no. Keep me away from that mealy-mouthed ba—” Harvey looks down at Bella who’s looking up at him with a gleam in her eye. “I didn’t say it, baby girl, I don’t owe you a dime.”

“Not this time,” she grins. “Wanna take some cookies with you?” she asks as she holds up the bag.

“No way, I’m taking another unicorn cupcake.” He steals one as he passes the box to the commander. I watch Harvey wait until Bella is busy handing out cookies to the brothers then he gives his attention to Simon. “At least now you have something to compensate you for having to listen to that weasel-faced asshole. Everybody in town knows that Trenda is the best cook we have.”

I know my face is now the color of my sweater.

“Good job dodging Bella,” Simon praises Harvey. “I worry that if I stay around her too long I might have to hand over the keys to my car,” Simon chuckles.

All three of us look over at Bella to see if she’s paying attention. She’s not, the Murphy boys are keeping her entertained.

“Uh-oh. Here comes trouble. I’m outta here.” I see what Harvey is talking about. Arthur is climbing down off his ivory tower and is heading our way.

“Hi Mr. Reynolds!” Bella shouts. “We brought treats. There’s even unicorn cupcakes. Do you want some?”

Arthur is practically on top of all of us before he turns his attention to Bella. “I don’t know what a unicorn cupcake is, and it doesn’t matter. We have a lot of work to do, and your Mommy knows it. I’m going to have to ask you both to leave.”

I see the commander opening his mouth, but this is one I can handle. God knows I’ve been handling this boy for years as it is.

“Arthur, everybody here is a volunteer, and even if they weren’t they’d be entitled to a break. Now I know how important this recreation center is to all of us.”

“My daddy in particular,” he horns in.

“It means a lot to all of our sponsors, the community, and especially the kids. Bella and I came to provide some well-deserved baked goods to the volunteers working here, and that isn’t something that you have any say over.”

“But—”

“Arthur,” Simon interrupts smoothly. “I know we introduced ourselves a couple of hours ago, but I didn’t really go into why I thought I might be a good fit in helping out today. I mentioned I recently retired from the Navy, but what I didn’t mention is that I have liaised with the Army Corps of Engineers on a couple different occasions. That means I have some experience dealing with disaster relief. Do you mind me asking what it is you do, and what your qualifications are?”

Jesus. Simon just put it out there. Plain, simple and to the point.

I watch as Arthur, who is already on the short side, slumps down and loses at least two more inches in height as he listens to what Simon has to say. He looks around to the others in the group. Dave. Aaron from the nursery. Even the Murphy brothers. Anybody who might be willing to speak on his behalf. When he looks over at me I just shake my head. I mean, really?

Really?

Harvey is right; he really is a weasel-faced asshole.

“I own and operate two locations of Friendly Dry Cleaners, one here in Jasper Creek and another one in Pigeon Forge,” he finally states.

“And?” Simon asks.

“What do you mean, and? I run two successful businesses; I bring a lot to the table.”

“So, you helped to build your shops? Renovate the premises?”

“No, I bought them when the last owner wanted to sell.”

“With your Daddy’s money,” Aaron pipes in.

“Shut up, Aaron, nobody was talking to you. I’m also on the recreation center’s board of directors, and I have acted as the treasurer for the last four years. I know what I’m talking about. All of you need to start listening to me.”

“Arthur, I’m sure they will listen to you, after they have their break,” I say in a soothing manner. “But I have to say, you’re looking just a little tired. What time did you get up? Have you already put in time at Friendly’s before coming here? That’s a lot,” I commiserate.

He perks up and gives me a grateful smile. “I am a little tired. You’re right, Trenda, it is a lot.”

“That’s what I thought. You’re actually the one who really needs a break. Did you have time to get a thermos of coffee this morning?”

“No, Effy didn’t think to make one up for me.”