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Nope. Not happening anytime soon.
*
Vivian was stillthinking about the space she’d just seen with the realtor when she arrived back home. All three of them had inherited a large sum of money after their parents had passed away. Annie had bought her house with the rest of her money, but Vivian’s and Mitch’s were still earning interest in the bank.
Annie was in the kitchen, cooking up a storm, if the heavenly aroma was any indication.
She looked up as Vivian walked in and smiled. “Have you found a place for your office?”
Vivian laughed. “How on earth do you know I was looking?”
“Well, let me see. Carol Bingley saw you with the realtor; she phoned…”
“I get it.” Vivian sighed. “Small towns, seriously. Doesn’t Carol have anything better to do? At times like this, moving to Portland has more appeal by the minute.”
Annie gave her a quick hug. “But then you won’t be near us. But, come on, tell me, have you seen anything you like?”
“There is an open space next to the bridal shop. It’s not far from the hospital, but I’m not sure. It’s not quite what I had in mind. I also want to look at houses, I think. Maybe I could convert one side of a house into space for my practice and live in the rest.”
“What about the building behind this house? I’ve mentioned it before?”
“Thanks, but no. You may need to convert the building into more rooms for your B and B at some point…”
Annie sighed. “Not at the rate things are going at the moment.”
“What do you mean? Don’t you have bookings for the weekend?”
“One of the families canceled. Apparently, there was a cancelation at Bramble House—they’ve been there before and would rather go back to a place they know, etcetera.”
“These things happen—don’t lose hope. What about advertising on social media?”
Annie groaned. “I was really hoping it wouldn’t be necessary. I have a website; why isn’t that enough?”
The bell at the front door rang. Vivian’s head whipped around, and her heart skipped a beat. Before she could move, though, she heard Mitch opening the door.
Minutes later, he walked into the kitchen with a huge bunch of roses in his one hand. “This,” he said, reading a small envelope tucked away in the roses, “is for you, Viv.”
Annie laughed. “Wow, how beautiful. So, who’s sending you red roses?”
With a hand not quite steady, Vivian took the roses from Mitch. Overly aware of Annie and Mitch’s interest, she opened the envelope and took out the small card. On the outside was a picture of a dog facing away from her with the wordsI know I’m in the dog box. Please forgive me? May I pick you up at 7 tonight for dinner?written underneath.
She tried her best to hold onto her anger and indignation, but the thaw around her heart was melting at an alarming rate.
“So, who’s it from?” Mitch wanted to know.
Vivian showed them the card.
Annie burst out laughing when she saw the card. “I like the Irishman; he’s got spunk. Say yes!”
Before she could answer, her phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number.
Now you have my number. Aiden.
“Is that from him?” Annie wanted to know.
Vivian buried her face in the roses. Surrounded by the heavenly, sweet smell, it was difficult to hold onto her grudge. “Yes, it’s from him. And yes, I’ll go to dinner with him.” If she was honest, it was what she wanted to do. The Irishman had somehow gotten under her skin and maybe it was time to find out if the attraction she was feeling was real or imagined. He’d be leaving soon, one dinner couldn’t hurt. “He can ask his questions, I don’t have to answer if I don’t want to.”
Mitch swore softly. “I don’t like it.”
