AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t want there to be a blow at all. I want to guide you so that you can make the best decisions possible. I’d love to see you make Zosca a huge success doing it all your way.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Is that true?”
“Absolutely.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Like I said, I admire what you’re trying to do. Maybe it’s because you remind me of my grandad in some ways, and I would love to believe that he could have made it if I’d been around to help him.”
She smiled. “But you’re not sentimental?”
“That really was the wrong word. I guess I am sentimental at heart.”
“I’m glad. I wouldn’t be able to work with you if I didn’t think you had a heart hiding in there somewhere.”
He met her gaze, and for a moment he looked so serious. “I have a heart, Chelsea.”
Chapter Twelve
Grant was getting used to his walks around town. He had a couple of favorite routes. One that he took in the morning before heading to work, and another, the one he was on now. This took him on a bigger loop around downtown, bringing him back down Fifth Street. At the bottom of Fifth, he took his time strolling by the river. It was like a walk down memory lane to wander the promenade and watch the water and the boats. It was a bit busy for his liking today—though, what did he expect? It was Saturday. He turned away from the water and headed toward Molly’s. He’d discovered the place on one of his evening strolls his first week in town. It was great. They made coffee in the mornings and had an awesome bistro, wine bar feel in the evenings. He hadn’t been in there for lunch yet, but that was about to change.
He found himself a seat by the window and looked around. It was busy, but not overcrowded yet. He was on the early side of the lunch rush. The owner, Molly herself, came toward him with a smile. “Good morning. It’s good to see you again. I’m guessing you’re not a tourist. You’ve been around for a few weeks now.”
“No, I’m here for a few months—for a work project.”
Molly held out her hand. “Well, since you’re going to be around for a while, welcome to the community, and let me introduce myself properly. I’m Molly.”
He shook her hand with a smile. “Nice to officially meet you, Molly. I’m Grant.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh. Are you working with Hamilton-Groves?”
He nodded, wondering what kind of reaction he’d get now that she knew who he was. He was relieved when she smiled.
“I should warn you, I’m a good friend of Chelsea’s. We go back a long way. All the way to grade school.”
“Lucky you.” And where the hell had that come from? What did it even mean?
Molly seemed to think she knew. “I think so. She’s awesome. She’s one of my best friends. So, listen. If we’re going to get along, I don’t want to hear anything about your work there, okay?”
Grant chuckled. “That suits me just fine.”
Molly smiled. “Cameron and Mary Ellen are also my friends.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Why does that sound like a warning?”
She laughed. “It isn’t a warning. It was just my way of letting you know that Chelsea’s not the only one who’s hoping you’ll stick around for more than a couple of months.”
Grant’s heart raced in his chest. “She said that?”
Molly laughed. “Not in so many words, no, but Cameron did.”
Grant narrowed his eyes. It didn’t sit right with him that she was telling him this. If she were such good friends with Chelsea and Cameron, why would she be telling him what they thought?
She laughed, understanding his caution. “Don’t worry. I’m not spilling secrets I shouldn’t. I’m sure Cameron has made it clear that he’d like you to stick around and help out. As for Chelsea, she hasn’t admitted it even to herself yet, but I know she’d like it if you stuck around, too.”
“You really think so?” He couldn’t help it. He wanted to know.
Molly laughed. “Yes, I do, and now from your reaction, I know you’re as interested as she is.”
