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I love the way all three Kinnard sisters have that soft southern drawl hanging in their voices. They moved here about six years ago from South Carolina, I think, and listening to them talk is always so soothing.
“I’m the date.”
“I’ll show you the way.”
I take a deep breath and then follow Darla through the dimly lit, busy restaurant to a table in the back where Eric’s waiting for me.
I met him at The Grind a few days ago, and he struck up a conversation with me while we waited for our coffee. The conversation was easy and fun, so when he asked me out, I accepted without really giving it much thought.
I’m glad I did. He’s tall, with dark blond hair, green eyes, and broad shoulders. His smile might betooperfect.
Honestly, now that I think about it, he looks like a Ken doll with scruff.
“Wow.” Eric stands and leans in to kiss my cheek. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” This might be the most compliments on my looks that I’ve ever received in my life. Do I really look that bad on a daily basis? Because it’s getting almost insulting.
“What can I get you to drink, June?” Darla asks as I sit.
“Just water for me tonight, thanks.”
“Sure thing.” She fills my glass from a pitcher and then leaves me alone with Eric to peruse the menu. I haven’t been this nervous in alongtime. “Have you been here before?”
“No, but I like the atmosphere. How about you?”
“Yeah.” I nod slowly and glance over the familiar menu before I set it aside, knowing what I’ll order. “I know you’re new to town, but you didn’t mention where you moved from. How long have you been here?”
“New York City, actually, but I’m not quite here full time yet.” The way he says that makes it seem like I should be impressed.
I’m not.
“This is very different from New York. What brought you here?”
“Work. I’ll admit that I’m not a small-town guy. I already miss the city.”
“I find it hard to believe that there are more job opportunities in Huckleberry Bay than in New York City.”
He smiles as if I just said the most adorable thing ever. I don’t like it. I can already see that thiswon’tturn into a second date.
“Of course not, but I’ve decided to open a boutique hotel here in town, and I’ve been scouting different locations to build.”
I nod slowly, taking that in. “I’ve heard some rumblings about that. Have you decided on a piece of property?”
“I think so. There’s a lot off Main Street that would be big enough for my needs.”
Alarm bells go off in my head as I realize that he might be talking about the lot next to my chapel. That’s the only empty lot in town, and I donotwant a big hotel next to my house.
“Is there a church nearby?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.” He smiles, trying so hard to be charming. “I’ll buy the church, as well, and knock that down. The whole area is an eyesore. The hotel will be a big improvement for the town.”
“You think so?” I tilt my head, trying not to show my annoyance. I’ve never had a great poker face, but I don’t want him to see just how irritated I am. Not yet. “We already have a new inn up at the lighthouse, you know.”
“I know. I’ll have them out of business within a year.” Okay, I really don’t like Eric at all. “Besides, a successful hotel like mine will be a magnet for all kinds of businesses.”
“We have all kinds of businesses already.”
“I’m talking about making Huckleberry Bay a functioning town.”
