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“Rude? I would never—”
“You told Brantleigh they were uncivilized social climbers.” Just saying the words made my anger from last night surge again. “For someone who claims there’s no rivalry with the Honeycutts because they’re not worthy of being our rivals, you spend an inordinate amount of time scheming to undermine them, and it needs to stop.”
“Scheming?” Mother clasped a hand to her chest. “Jonathan Turner Wellbridge, you take that back. I would never!”
“And yet you did. Not only with Box Day but by spreading false rumors about the Honeycutts to Brantleigh. One would think you’d see how poorly it reflects on the Wellbridge name when your guests are rude to half the residents of Honeybridge onyoursay-so.” I raised an eyebrow.
Her mouth opened, then shut again, like she’d honestly never thought of this. She put her nose in the air. “I don’t know what else could possess you to say such a thing. I assume it’s all thatjogging. Perhaps if you try some yogaerobics instead.”
I didn’t reply, but I felt the corners of my mouth lift in a smile without conscious thought.Possessedwas a good word for the way I felt. Something about Flynn Honeycutt had sunk claws deep inside me, making me feel more grounded and confident than I had since… well, since I’d gotten back to Honeybridge.
“However, because I do care about the Wellbridge reputation, I’ll have a word with Brantleigh,” Mother allowed.
“Good. I’d hate for this to be a subject that’s discussed at next week’s softball game.” I raised an eyebrow threateningly.
“Wait.” Her eyes widened. “Willyoube at next week’s game?”
“I… I might. It’s looking that way.” After a brief hesitation, I admitted, “My work for Fortress has hit a snag, and I need to figure out my next steps. It might take some time. And I’m going to stay here while I do.” Because I wanted as much time with Flynn as possible.
“Oh, Jonathan. That’s… that’swonderful.” She bit her lip, and it was my turn to stare at her in bewilderment.
“Okay. Uh… if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have coffee with Hayden Lewis.”
“The Realtor?” Mother gasped. “You’re looking at Honeybridge real estate?”
Shit.
“No. We’re just having coffee,” I lied. “Don’t get excited. I already have a home, and it’s in New York.”
“Of course!” she agreed. “Of course you do!” But I could tell by her satisfied smile as she assured me she understood that she didnotunderstand and did notwishto understand either.
As I went upstairs to take a shower, I rolled my eyes. Some people just got an idea in their head and ran with it without consulting any of the other parties involved.
She was headed straight for disappointment.
* * *
I met Hayden outside Sweet Buns a little while later with a coffee for each of us and one of Nat’s cookies for little Marie.
Other than a giant keyring dangling from his wrist, a substantial-looking toddler strapped to his chest, and a pronounced receding hairline, Hayden looked the same as he had back in high school.
The first space he showed me, the former candy factory, was a strong contender. The short term of the lease would allow for some flexibility down the road, but the space would require a ton of renovation that made it a not-so-great investment.
The Hornrath Chair Company, though, was perfect. More perfect than perfect. It was located kitty-corner behind the Tavern, literally a stone’s throw from Flynn’s place, and it had plenty of room for whatever equipment Flynn might need plus storage, plus office space. More than that, there was something about the exposed wood in the building—rough-hewn timber that had stood there for a hundred years—that spoke of history and permanence. I knew without knowing how I knew that Flynn would love it, and the fact that it was a purchase—a commitment—felt like a good thing, even though I was fairly certain Conrad Shaeffer would take some convincing.
“You ready to make a deal?” Hayden wiggled his sandy eyebrows as we stood in the center of the dusty first floor. The air smelled like woodchips and memories.
I shook my head sadly. “Not today, unfortunately. I need to put together a bunch of numbers and get buy-in from a couple people at Fortress first. Any other potential buyers lined up?”
“Not sure. I’ll check with the other guys at the office and let you know.”
“Please,” I agreed. “It’s really important.” This plan would only work if the location was right.
Hayden pursed his lips. “You gonna tell me what this is for?”
I hesitated. “I don’t suppose there’s such a thing as real estate agent/client confidentiality?”
“Not officially. But there’s such a thing as ‘the guy who drove you home after you shot too much Jägermeister junior year and never told a soul’ confidentiality, and I owe you that much.” He elbowed me lightly. “What gives?”
