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“It was already struggling as it was.” He snapped his mouth shut, realizing what he’d said.
His mother moved toward him. “What do you mean, it’s struggling?”
“Nothing,” he snapped. His coffee shop was still making money, but it was minimal. Basically, he had enough to pay everyone and every so often he had to take a pay cut. He’d thought the shop would continue to grow but once the newness had worn off, he’d realized he just wasn’t cut out to run it.
“Sweetheart, if you’re struggling—”
Daniel shook his head. “It’s fine, Mom. It’s like you said. I’m overreacting. But I still don’t think you should go to that park event today. You’ll be showing everyone in town that you are supportingher.”
His mother laughed, glancing toward his father. “You make it sound like she’s going to be the one to bring destruction to the town.”
And maybe she will.
This time he was able to keep his mouth shut, the intrusive thoughts locked away. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against the counter in an attempt to appear relaxed though he was anything but. “She’s doing this so she can gain the upper hand. She wants everyone in town to like her.”
Again, it appeared his mother was trying to hold back a laugh. “I believe everyone who lives here is doing everything they can to be liked. It’s part of the reason folks live in a small town.”
She was right and he knew it, but he didn’t have to like it.
“Besides,” she continued, “this is a social event for the whole town. There are several vendors who will be there. There’s going to be free food, music, and just… fun.”
He rolled his eyes. Brooke had called and asked him if he’d like to join in on the fun, but he’d declined. Now he wasn’t so sure he should have. The regret was eating at him more than he’d like to admit.
“Are you going to come?”
He shot a sharp look at his mother. “You seriously think I should come,” he said flatly.
“Of course I do. It will be good for you to get out of the house on a Saturday especially since you’re not working.”
Daniel could hear it in his mother’s voice, he could see it in the faces of his brother and his father. They wereworried. But he couldn’t tell if they were worried about him or his failing business and that felt like needles pricking him all along his back.
His mother drew closer and took his hand in hers, forcing it from his pocket. She covered the top with her other hand and patted it. “You should come. You don’t have to talk to her, just come and spend time with us.”
Maybe he should take a page out of Megan’s playbook. She hadn’t officially opened, and he hadn’t had a chance to see what her business would be. Scoping out the competition was what she’d called it. Perhaps this was exactly what he needed to do to level the playing field.
“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll go.”
“But he’s not going to like it,” Bo laughed.
“Oh hush. He’s doing the right thing and being the bigger man. That’s all that matters.” She gave Daniel a smile that only a mother could get away with. “You go get ready and we’ll all head over there together. Gabby and Megan already left to set up.” She all but shoved him out of the kitchen door and into the hall.
He wasn’t positive, but as he walked toward the stairs, he thought he’d heard his father mention his name. But that didn’t make sense. His dad had a tendency to keep his opinions to himself. It was probably all in Daniel’s imagination.
Today, Daniel would see what kind of coffee and tea Megan would sell. Then he’d create a game plan to offer something better. If he had to run promotions or create a punch card, he’d do it. He just needed her to lose money on that side of her business. He didn’t care if she wanted to stay and sell books. The town could usethat. But the coffee and tea gig would remain his.
* * *
Daniel lunged backwardto avoid colliding with a speeding child who darted around him toward a stand giving away balloon animals. Country music played over a loudspeaker in the gazebo. There were several stands selling food but also giving away free samples. The only thing missing to make this little event as big as the county fair were carnival rides.
The Holt sisters had outdone themselves.
Dang it all. He had let his prejudices keep him from taking part in this event, but how was he supposed to know that it would turn out this big.
Bo nudged him in the side with his elbow. “Bet you wish you would have signed up to do it too, huh?”
He didn’t bother responding to his brother’s dig. Of course he should have done it. Of course that’s what he was thinking. Bo just wanted to rub it in. “I thought you were supposed to be my brother.”
“I am your brother,” he laughed as they both took in the sights. “But I’m also a member of this community and I have no problems with telling you that you made a mistake.”
