“We can use the markers we use for our school projects.”
“This is going to be so much fun,” Levi exclaimed.“Do you want to make the poster now?”
Laney sighed.“Let’s do it in the morning.I’m tired.”
Levi yawned.“Me too.”
12
After lunch Cavin nearly wandered back to the Beaufort Candy Company, but wanting to avoid appearing desperate, he instead visited additional businesses and introduced himself to more townspeople.He met an attractive woman in a clothing boutique and another at a jewelry store; however, he never felt the desire to request a tour of the Beaufort nightlife from either of them.
Around five o’clock Cavin nearly caved.He even walked into Cru and stood in line to buy Noel the coffee she liked.He thought she might appreciate a little boost at the end of what must have been a long and tiring day.The notebook he pulled from his pocket reminded him of her preference, and he would get something for Mrs.Madelyn and the kids, too.However, he ducked out at the last minute, deciding that mixing business with pleasure on this occasion might not be the best idea.
Cavin really wanted to acquire Noel’s property, and he wasn’t sure whether getting to know her personally would help or hurt his chances.He needed more time to think that through, so he opened the email from his dad’s assistant and clicked on the link with the rental house address she booked.The route led him further down Front Street where the shops, restaurants, and businesses gave way to gorgeous southern homes featuring tall columns and widow’s walks overlooking Taylor Creek on the opposite side of the road.
On the creek side, a sidewalk extending all the way from the business district paralleled the street, and boat docks stretched into the water like wooden fingers.Most of the houses stood two or three stories, many of them white with wraparound porches on each level.When Cavin turned into the driveway, the elegant plantation style home in front of him with a perfectly manicured lawn reminded him of a conversation he once had with his dad as a child.
“Why do you stay in such big houses when you go on a business trip by yourself?”Cavin inquired as his father showed pictures highlighting another of his successful ventures.
“Son, when we promote our wealth, we attract wealthy people, and that’s good for business,” he informed his future successor.“We show our wealth through homes, vehicles, clothing, accessories, and all the material items we possess.On business trips this is of utmost importance.”
Sitting in the oversized SUV that fit in nicely in the driveway, Cavin glanced at the key code in the email.Upon making it to the enormous front door with his laptop strapped over his shoulder, the numbers worked like a charm.As he unloaded the vehicle, he noticed that some nearby homeowners already put up decorations.Having a Christmas tree on the porch seemed to be popular, and he decided he liked the look.
After a few trips it felt nice to kick off his shoes and collapse on the couch.A quick tap on the watch wrapped around his wrist told him he walked 20,000 steps today.No wonder he felt a bit spent.He knew he couldn’t keep his head on the fluffy pillows long, however, or he would fall asleep and miss opportunities to network this evening.
Rather than eating dinner out, Cavin ordered delivery and spent the next few hours going over his notes from today and researching the properties further online.He found out that Noel’s family had owned the candy shop building for ages.He figured it was most likely paid off, which probably didn’t bode well for his case.It wasn’t like she was near retirement age, and he could dangle the idea of a nest egg in front of her.Other than being stressed about the cinnamon rolls, the woman seemed to have her ducks in a row.However, with all the hustle and bustle at the candy store this morning, he hadn’t been able to gather any information on what their sales situation looked like or if she enjoyed the environment.
With darkness fully settled in and the moon casting an illustrious glow on the creek visible through the long row of extravagant windows, Cavin ran a quick search on his phone for a list of local weekend hot spots.He soon discovered that one of the waterfront restaurants offered live music.From there he contemplated whether to drive or walk, and ultimately slipped into comfortable shoes, a pair of khakis, and a nice sweater.
As soon as he stepped outside, the wind slapped his face like an angry girlfriend, and he instantly second-guessed the decision to travel on foot.At least this way, he could enjoy a few drinks and not have to worry about whether he had too much to operate a motor vehicle.
“Getting into any type of trouble with the police will instantly ruin your reputation in a small town where you are trying to make friends and win influence,” his dad hammered into his head before nearly every trip.
Thankfully Cavin steered clear of run-ins with the law thus far, and with that thought in mind, he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked briskly down the sidewalk noticing details he missed on the drive to the house.He spotted a kayak launch, a little free library box, gazebos, and other neat things along the waterfront.On the opposite side of the road, he appreciated the fancy houses and their Christmas decorations, especially the traditional green garland draped along the balcony railings and white picket fences.
The trek took longer than expected, probably because Cavin’s bones shivered from the inside out, but as he closed in on the glow of lights, he began to hear music drifting in his direction.When he reached the source, surprisingly he found a slew of people on the outdoor patio at Dock House Restaurant where a band played beach music in the corner.He assumed the music would be indoors considering the weather, but there appeared to be portable heaters set up all around the outdoor tables at the white planked two-story establishment.Most people appeared to be dressed warmly with drinks in their hands and smiles on their faces.
Cavin weaved his way through the crowd to the bar where every seat was taken.It didn’t take long to recognize a place designated for walk-up orders, and he patiently waited his turn while he people-watched and chit-chatted with the others in line and in the vicinity.He learned that was the best way to make friends when alone in a bar.Talking to everyone made an individual look less awkward and more approachable.Having short conversations about the weather, the song playing at the moment, or the best drinks came easily.
“What can I get for you?”a tall middle-aged fellow with a thick beard asked when Cavin stepped up to bat.
Cavin ordered a drink recommended by a guy sitting on the closest stool.They chatted about the game on the television while he waited for it to be mixed, and Cavin wondered if he would run into anyone he met today.So far he saw no familiar faces, but he enjoyed meeting new people.A wide array of ages and social statuses made up the crowd who seemed to love singing Jimmy Buffett lyrics off-key.
Cavin found the best way to meet a woman was to make friends with the guys in the place who would eventually introduce him to other people they knew.However, the first woman he met startled him in a very unexpected way.When he turned with his drink in hand, she ran smack dab into his chest and not only caused his beverage to spill, but the impact loosened his grip, and the glass shattered on the concrete floor.
Although the music continued to play, the conversation halted as if a casket was being rolled down the aisle at a funeral.All eyes were suddenly on Cavin and the woman who immediately began to pat him compulsively with a cocktail napkin as if the drink soiled his clothes, but it hadn’t.Maybe a few drops landed on his sweater, and a splash probably reached his shoes and pants legs, but thankfully, the all-too-familiar bar scene that could ruin a fun night way too early had been avoided.Who carried a pair of dry clothes in the car for situations like that, Cavin considered, although he chose not to have a vehicle here anyway.
“I am so sorry,” the lady, who appeared a little older than he, offered apologetically staring into his eyes as if trying to determine if he was mad.“I was trying to get away from that guy, and all of a sudden, there you were.”
Cavin glanced around for the person she mentioned but didn’t see anyone who fit the bill.The bartender motioned to Cavin letting him know the glass would be taken care of and then made eye contact with a server who seemed to be on the case.It didn’t take long for the roar of conversations to fill the air again once the other patrons understood the commotion.
Cavin smiled at the woman.“It’s not my glass,” he laughed.
“Oh, was it your girlfriend’s?”she replied with a raised eyebrow.
Cavin chuckled.“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he shared.“But what I meant is that the glass belonged to the restaurant.”
She shrugged her narrow shoulders, covered by a burgundy dress and a black jacket.“That’s funny,” she replied.“You’re funny.”
