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“Oh, right,” Lyra mused. “I remember hearing about that.”
“And it’s a terrible idea.” Bennett’s arms were stretched wide, his palms flat on the bar as if he was staking his territory. “What do you think will happen to your vacation rentals when a resort opens?”
Markham’s research showed that vacation home rentals would only be mildly affected, if that. A beach house and a resort room offered vastly different experiences and thus would attract different clientele. However, all tourists could take advantage of the amenities the resort offered, such as the spa and casino, making the Carolina Banks a more attractive vacation destination overall. Still, I held my breath. Lyra was deeply embedded in the tourist industry and wasn’t pigheaded. Her opinion would give me an indication of what other locals might think.
“We’re at capacity during the season,” Lyra said, “so that likely won’t be affected. The demand is higher than the supply.”
I smiled sweetly at Bennett. “The resort’s target market is couples and small families, the groups that are too small to rent an entire beach house. There aren’t many single-family options left around here.”
Bennett scowled, and I was tempted to do a quick booty shake.Claire one, Bennett zero.He couldn’t deny that in the past decade, the number of original beach houses had dwindled. They’d been bulldozed to make room for massive houses that slept twenty. Even the one Stephanie and I were in slept ten—overkill for just the two of us, but Markham was footing the bill.
Lyra nodded, a wistful expression on her face. “I miss the old surf shacks. They had character.”
“That’s exactly my point,” Bennett said. “The Carolina Banks has lost enough over the years. We don’t need to succumb to a cookie-cutter resort that’ll make us just like every other coastal tourist town. The next thing you know, the shore will be lined with high-rise condos rented out as Airbnbs.”
“Simmer down, Mr. Doom and Gloom,” Lyra said. “Change is inevitable.”
“Exactly,” I said, glad Lyra had beaten me to the punch. “And Markham wants to work with community leaders to make sure our visions align. We want to enhance CBX, not ruin its appeal. Trust me, that’s in no one’s best interests.” Again, I was hit with a sudden pang that he thought I was out to harm his hometown. I tried to tell myself it was business, and besides that, nine long years had passed since we’d been friends, but it still stung.
A little girl appeared beside Lyra. “Mommy, can we go?”
“Sorry, baby. Bennett, is our order ready?” Lyra smiled apologetically at me. “I have to cut our reunion short. It’s been one of those days, so I’m only here to pick up dinner.”
“It should be,” Bennett said. “Let me get it.”
I smiled at Lyra’s daughter. “I’m Claire. What’s your name?”
As a child, I’d hated it when adults talked down to me, so I tried not to do the same. I didn’t have a whole lot of experience with children, though. My friends in the city were like me—focused on their careers. In the months since I left the city, I’d lost touch with all of them. But that didn’t bother me as much as this discord with Bennett did. My relationship with those women didn’t go beyond the surface.
Grinning, the girl twisted her hips and tugged on her ponytail. “Sophia.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Sophia.” I held out my right hand, and she shook it with her left. It was adorably awkward. “I was friends with your mom a long time ago, before you were born.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you know my dad?”
I glanced at Lyra for a split second before answering. “I’m not sure, but I don’t think so.”
“Sorry,” Lyra mouthed over Sophia’s head. I waved off her apology. I suspected there was a story there, but it was none of my business.
Bennett returned, carrying a large brown bag. He placed it on the bar, then walked around to greet his niece. He kneeled down and whispered in her ear. The whole time, she looked up at her mom and giggled.
I forced myself to visualize Bennett sneering at me so my ovaries would calm the fuck down.Gah!Good thing I wasn’t in the market for a man or a family. I was a career woman.
Lyra picked up the bag. “It’s rude to tell secrets like that, Uncle Bennett.”
He straightened and held his fist out. Sophia bumped it with hers. “Uncle-niece privilege allows it. It’s in the rule book.”
My ovaries were officially sweating. If I hadn’t hated Bennett before, I hated him now for making my body betray me.
Lyra zipped up Sophia’s coat. “One of these days, you’re going to have to let me read this so-called rule book.”
“Can’t,” Bennett said easily. “It’s against the rules.”
I laughed then hated myself for showing that weakness. Thank God he couldn’t see my ovaries.Now, there’s a thought I never thought I’d have.
Lyra made a face at her brother before turning to me. “Call me, and we can catch up for real. You can get my number from Bennett or find me at Croft Vacation Rentals.”
“Will do,” I said, my smile genuine. This was the reception I’d hoped to get in the Carolina Banks. There were good people here who would benefit from development, no matter what Bennett thought.
