“What you don't know is that someone else was interested in the cottage you leased. When Penny offered them the fourth cottage, they turned it down and moved their business to Polson.”
Shona frowned. “So, I should be grateful you didn’t tell me the whole story?”
He kept his mouth closed in case he said something he shouldn't.
“Why did you want to loan me the money?”
“Because my mom treasured the quilts my grandmother made. She would’ve enjoyed seeing your store grow into a successful community-based enterprise.” He thought that might have made her less angry with him, but it hadn’t. She still looked as though she was ready to walk out the door at any minute.
“Have you given money to any other groups in Sapphire Bay?”
He hesitated before answering. If she knew how much money he'd donated to the church for The Christmas Wish Program and other fundraisers, she’d think he was addicted to giving away money. And maybe he was.
“I’ve helped with a few of the church’s programs.”
“How many?”
His eyes narrowed. “Enough that it’s made a difference in a lot of people’s lives. And don’t ask me how much money I’ve donated because I won’t tell you.”
“Why?”
“Because the amount of money I have is the only reason I was married to my ex-wife for five years. If she thought I had nothing, she wouldn’t have spoken to me when we met.”
“So, if you pretend you’re poor, nice people will like you and the gold-diggers will leave you alone?”
When she said it like that, it sounded crazy. “Something like that. People treat me differently when they know how much money I have.”
Shona looked at his bare feet, well-worn jeans, and baggy T-shirt, and frowned. “You don’t look rich to me.”
He wasn’t sure what to say to that without getting into more hot water, so he didn't say anything.
Shona rubbed her hand across her forehead. “I can understand why you didn't tell me about the trust when you first loaned me the money. But we’re more than friends now. When people are in a relationship, they share parts of their lives they wouldn't share with anyone else.”
“I didn’t tell you about the trust or how much money I have because I want you to like me for myself, not for what I own.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You think I'm that shallow?”
“No, I don't think you're shallow. I think you’re strong, and brave, and courageous. I want Adele and I to be part of your life.”
“You can't have a life with someone when you don't trust them.” Shona’s voice trembled. “The reason you didn't tell me any of this is because you don't trust me. You think I’ll be exactly like your ex-wife and take advantage of you. But I'm not like that. If you haven't figured that out already, you never will.”
Shona turned to leave.
If he didn’t tell her how he felt about her, he might never get the chance again. “I love you. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. I'll show you whatever you want and answer all your questions.”
She took a deep breath. “You’re the first man I've ever considered having a relationship with since Chris died. I trusted you to tell me the truth, to let me into your life without looking for reasons why I shouldn’t spend time with you.”
“I’m sorry. I should have told you about the trust, about my life in Los Angeles before I came here.”
“It’s too late, Joseph. I'm forty-two years old. I want to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't have a secret life he’s hiding from me.”
The kitchen door opened and Adele stood uncertainly in front of them. “I’ve finished my…my picture, Shona. Do you want to”—she took a deep breath—“see it?”
Joseph’s heart pounded as he looked into Adele’s terrified eyes. She hadn’t stuttered in more than eighteen months. “It’s okay, pumpkin. We’ll practice the exercises your speech therapist gave you.” He kneeled in front of her and gave her a hug. “It will be all right.”
“No, no it won’t. Shona,” she took another deep breath. “Shona is l…leaving. And it’s all your f…fault.” With tears in her eyes, she ran out of the kitchen.
Shona picked up the piece of paper that had fallen to the floor. Her hand trembled as she looked at the drawing. “I’m really sorry Adele’s upset. Could you tell her that if she still wants to learn how to quilt, I’m happy to show her. Goodbye, Joseph.”
