“Jules is going to see about that permit today, but we can start working without her.” Maddie’s gaze drifted to the hole in the porch, and she frowned. “And then there’s this hole in the porch. I hope that won’t hinder this occupancy permit that Jules is supposed to get for the loan.”
Gina felt a bit alarmed. Would it? That could ruin all their plans, but then, did she really care? “Rose mentioned her grandson might do the work.”
“She mentioned him to me too. But I wonder how good he is if he’s available to start right away.”
“There probably isn’t much work in this town, and maybe this is the slow season.”
“If there’s not a lot of work, then why does he stay?” Maddie asked.
“Family, maybe? At least we could try him out. We don’t have a long time to wait on this. And Rose did say he’d defer payment, which we need because we don’t know when the loan will come in.”
Maddie sighed and looked resigned. “I guess you’re right. Let’s talk to Jules when she gets back, and we’ll see if we can get him to come give us an estimate.”
* * *
Jules decidedto stop in at Ocean Brew on the way home from the town hall. Applying for the occupancy permit had gone smoother than she’d thought. The only catch was that Belinda had said they needed to have the motel inspected. That was a little worrisome, considering the condition, but Jules had assumed they would take that into consideration.
Cassie greeted her with a welcoming smile. That was the thing about small towns. Everyone was always so nice. Or at least they seemed that way.
“Jules, right?” Cassie asked as she approached the counter.
“That’s right. Nice to see you again.”
“You too. What can I get you?”
Jules knew her cousins liked lattes, so she ordered three of them. Cassie chatted with her as she got busy making them.
“So, how are things at the motel?”
“Good. I just got an occupancy permit.”
Cassie frowned. “Oh, is it ready for guests? I thought it needed work.”
“It does, but we need the permit to get the loan.”
Cassie’s frown deepened. She looked like she was about to say something, but then her gaze shifted to the customer who had just come in behind Jules. “Speaking of loans…”
Jules turned to see Nick. “Oh, hi. We meet again.” Jules blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
Nick shrugged. “Everyone meets at Ocean Brew sooner or later. Can I buy you a coffee?” He gestured toward the little booth next to the window, as if inviting her to sit.
Jules didn’t really know how to respond. She had to get back to the motel, but it wouldn’t hurt to butter up the guy who was going to give them a loan.
“I was getting lattes for my cousins,” she said.
“I could hold off on those, and you guys can chat. I’ll make them fresh when you’re done.” Cassie shoved Jules’s latte across the counter then looked at Nick. “Black coffee for you, Nick?”
“Yep. I’ll pay for all of these.”
“Okay. Well, thanks.” Jules went to the booth, and Nick joined her a few seconds later.
“I just came from the town hall getting the occupancy permit for the loan,” Jules said.
“Oh.” Nick’s gaze fell to his coffee, and Jules got an uneasy feeling.
Did he know something about the permit or the inspection? News traveled fast in a small town, but if he did, he didn’t mention it.
“That’s great. Things are rolling along at the bank. Sorry to make you wait.”
