‘Yes, we’re all set, and no, there’s nothing left for you to do other than show up.’
She sighed. ‘Do you really need me? I’ll just be in the way.’
‘You don’t have to be behind the stall. I’ve managed to make the rosters work so that both the stall and this place are covered for the whole three days. As long as no one calls in sick we should be OK. But you should be at the festival, even if it’s just to meet and greet people out the front. It’ll give you a chance to get to know people around here and I think that’s important, if you plan on sticking around.’
I was watching her, which meant I saw the face she pulled before she corrected it.
‘What was that face for?’
‘What face?’
‘Hannah.’
‘If I tell you, you have to promise not to get mad.’
‘Why would I get mad?’
‘I’m not telling you unless you promise.’
‘Just tell me.’
She took a deep breath and then the words came out in a rush. ‘I’ve decided to sell this place.’
I processed them, staring her. ‘Why?’
She threw up her hands, exasperated. ‘It’s just not me, Jack. We both know that. I’ve been kidding myself to think I could run this place. Or even live in this town.’
‘This isn’t because of what happened the other night, is it?’
‘No. Not everything revolves around you, believe it or not.’
‘Then why?’
She shrugged. ‘I’ve been thinking about it for a little while and now I’ve made my mind up. This place was Alex’s dream, not mine. I’m completely out of my depth.’ She pulled another face. ‘And, if I’m being completely honest, I’m going out of my mind in this godforsaken town. Seriously. There’s nothing todohere. I miss the city. I miss my family, my friends. So, I was thinking.’ She took another deep breath. ‘That if I sold this place, I could reinvest the money into a business back in the city that’s more me.’
‘Like what?’
‘A clothing boutique. Though not just clothing, also shoes, and accessories. The kind of things I like to wear.’
‘Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought.’
‘I have. And I really think this is the best option. For me and for you. Face it, you don’t belong here either. You’re only here because you’re ridiculously loyal, which is your best and worst personality trait.’
‘I’m not sure if that was a compliment or an insult.’
‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to you and I always will be. You taking over the running of this place gave me the time I needed to get my head straight. Figure out what I want.’
‘Well I’m glad one of us knows.’
‘You can get your job back on the force,’ she suggested. ‘They didn’t want you to leave.’
I shook my head. ‘No. That part of my life is over.’
‘Are you sure? I know how much you loved it.’
‘It’s one of the few things I am sure about.’
‘Fair enough. I’m not going to push you. I’m relieved, actually. After what happened with Alex, I’d only worry about you.’
