“And where’s your Mercedes? I saw you driving a truck this morning.” It appeared she was full of questions for Cliff Griffin today.
“Sold it over on the mainland. A truck makes more sense for now. I’ve been hauling things. Supplies, lumber, roofing material. Can’t do that with a Mercedes, now can I?”
“No, I guess not.” His practical decision surprised her.
Through the window behind him, she could see the blue tarp covering a section of her roof, flapping slightly in the morning breeze. She bit her lip, pride and practicality warring within her.
“How’s your place?” he asked as he turned to follow her gaze. “I noticed the tarp when I drove by.”
“It’s seen better days,” she admitted reluctantly.
He nodded, breaking off a piece of his muffin. “Finding someone to do repairs must be challenging right now.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” She laughed dryly. “I’ve called everyone I know. They’re all booked solid for weeks. I should have called the very first thing after arriving back here on the island. I know better.”
He was quiet for a moment, chewing thoughtfully. “I could take a look if you want. No strings attached,” he added quickly. “Just a neighbor helping a neighbor.”
She studied him, searching for any hidden motives. “Why would you do that?” She’d hardly said a civil word to the man since his return to the island and his ridiculous project at the end of the boardwalk.
He met her gaze directly. “Because Coastal Coffee is important to this town. And because…” He hesitated. “Because I know I’m not exactly your favorite person right now.”
That was an understatement, but she couldn’t deny she needed help.
“I don’t need charity,” she said finally.
“It’s not charity. It’s… making amends, maybe.” He took another sip of his coffee. “Or just being a decent human being during a crisis. Take your pick.”
Despite herself, Beverly felt a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “When did you learn to fix roofs, anyway?”
“I… uh, after I, uh… left… I worked some construction. And I’ve done plenty of hands-on work with my developments over the years. Contrary to what some might think, I don’t just sit in an office pushing paperwork.”
She considered him for a long moment. The pragmatic side of her brain was screaming to accept his help. She truly had no other immediate options. The emotional side was throwing up caution flags.
“No strings attached?” she confirmed.
“None whatsoever,” he promised. “I’ll fix your roof, and then you can go back to being justifiably annoyed with me about my development plans.”
That drew a reluctant laugh from her. “I suppose I can’t argue with that logic.” She gestured to the ceiling, where a water stain was spreading. “When could you look at it? I do have some leftover tiles from the last time I had the roof repaired. Not sure if I have enough for all the damage, though.”
“I can come back this afternoon after I finish at Mrs. Henderson’s place,” he offered. “I’m helping her replace some broken windows.”
She nodded, still not entirely comfortable but too practical to refuse.
“I’ll be here at three,” he said as he finished his coffee.
He stood up, pulling out his wallet, but she waved him off. “It’s on the house. Consider it a down payment on roof repairs.”
His lips curved into a genuine smile that, much to her dismay, reminded her of the boy she’d known years ago. “Deal.” He headed for the door, then turned back. “Beverly?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you. For not throwing me out on sight.” He sent her a lazy grin.
Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving her with a kaleidoscope of splintering emotions. She watched him climb into his truck and drive away, wondering if she’d just made a terrible mistake or a levelheaded decision.
The logical part of her insisted it was just about getting her roof fixed. But something deeper whispered that by letting Cliff help, she was opening a door she’d kept firmly closed for decades.
Chapter 16
