We looked like we were playing some kind of tug-of-war, Trey trying to get the shirt in the bag and me trying to save it.
Frank’s voice calling, “What in the world is going on here?” broke us out of our feud. We both dropped the shirt like it was on fire and said, “Nothing!” right at the same time.
Frank walked over and picked up the shirt. “Man, I haven’t seen this in forever.”
Trey ran his hand through his hair. “Fine. That one you can keep.”
I smiled victoriously.
“Trey is helping me pack,” I said.
“Is he?” Frank asked.
I glared at Trey, and he glared right back at me. Frank picked up a box and turned around, and Trey whispered, “You’ll thank me one day, crazy lady.”
Trey picked up another box as Gray finally made her appearance at the top of the stairs; he scooted by her, saying, “She’s all yours. I’m exhausted.”
Gray laughed and sat down beside me. “So, it’s really happening, huh?”
I nodded. “Gray, I can’t tell you what these last few months—”
She put her hand up. “It’s too much for me today, Di. I can’t handle it.”
“In that case, can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Well, Kevin is almost finished with the construction on the Barnacle.” That was what we had decided to name my new restaurant, because it sort of looked like it was growing on the dock.
“Di! Why didn’t you tell me? That’s amazing.” She looked genuinely thrilled.
“I’m good on everything up until now, but I need just a few thousand dollars to finish with the kitchen outfit and permitting and all that.”
“Anything you need, Di.”
It had taken a lot for me to ask her, but I just knew that Gray would support me. “Well, five thousand would really put me where I need to be.”
“I’ll write you a check right now.”
“No!” I interjected before she could move. “You don’t understand. I’m asking you for a loan. I want to write it up with a schedule for interest and payments and all of that.”
She shook her head. “Absolutely not. I owe you so much, D. I wouldn’t be here without you. Let this be my wedding gift to you.”
She tried to stand up, and I put my hand on her arm to stopher. I looked her in the eye and said, “Please, Gray. I need one thing in the world that is all my own, that no one can ever take away from me. I wouldn’t let Frank give me the money, and I won’t let you do it either. If you won’t do this my way, then I’ll have to figure something else out.”
She smiled. I knew she would understand. “I can’t think of anything better, Diana. I am seriously so proud of you, and I will be your first customer on opening day.” She paused, and I knew there was more that she wanted to say. “What will I do without you?”
“Geez, I don’t know.” I’d been training my replacement, and she was not up to my standards, to say the least. “Harriet can’t clean a glass shower door to save her life. I keep showing her over and over. Bar Keepers Friend, sponge, rinse, glass spray, wipe dry, but her shower doors just don’t look like mine.”
“No one will ever replace you, Diana. Ever.”
I knew she didn’t want to talk about it, so I didn’t say it. But no one could ever replace Gray either.
CHAPTER 20
gray: that bullet
I’d followed the Mast Farm Inn on Twitter for years, so I knew already that it was the perfect place for an impromptu getaway. I’d pictured Price and me holding hands driving through the mountains, taking a leisurely road trip. When we parked at the airport, needless to say, I realized that picture wasn’t going to develop.
