“Fredrick won’t honor the agreement?”
“The Worm only cares about dollar signs and his appearance.”
He couldn’t contain a smile. “The Worm? Is it safe to assume that isn’t a name he uses himself?”
“No, but it fits him well.”
“Can’t your grandfather buy the building anyway?” Unless the owner had already accepted an offer, Matt saw no reason Mr. Middleton couldn’t try to purchase it.
Liv used her fork to push the food around on her plate. “We’re going to try. Dad and Gramps had an appointment at the bank today. But Rick Desmond is interested in the property.”
Much like when she referred to the meteorologist, Liv said the name as if he should know who he is. “I’ve never heard of him.”
“He’s a property developer. His company is known for purchasing properties along the coast, demolishing existing structures, and then constructing luxury hotels and condos. Last fall, it bought all the beach cottages near Sandy Cove and built an upscale boutique hotel.”
Matt hated when things like that happened. If someone tore down the building where the restaurant was located and built a hotel or condo complex, it wouldn’t only force the bookstore and the restaurant to relocate, but it would also change the entire feel of the area.
“Has he already made an offer?”
“I’m not sure. Dad and Gramps met with the Worm yesterday, and he confirmed that he plans to sell and that Rick is interested. If they’ve talked numbers, he didn’t say—not that it matters. Even with all of us as cosigners, we won’t be able to offer the Worm more than Desmond’s company.”
The building’s location was an ideal spot for a hotel or luxury condos, so he understood the property developer’s interest in it. And, unfortunately, since it was on the water, the price tag attached would be significantly higher than if the building were situated elsewhere in town.
“It’s a long shot, but if Desmond does put in an offer, I’m hoping someone will counter with a higher amount and then keep the building as is.”
Based on what she’d told him, it sounded unlikely but not impossible. “You never know. Is the building officially on the market?”
“The listing goes live Wednesday. Everyone in the building received a letter in the mail today letting us know.”
He’d heard her comment about living at home again, but for some reason, it hadn’t registered until now.
“Edith, my neighbor, knocked on my door crying when she opened hers. She’s lived in the building for fifteen years. I didn’t think to stop by yesterday and tell her.” Standing, Liv picked up her dish. “It looks like the rain has let up.”
It had been a while since the last rumble of thunder, and the heavy tapping from the rain pelting the windows had subsided.
“Where is the trash?”
“You can leave it. I’ll take care of it.” Matt gestured toward the table as he stood. “Let me walk you out.”
She didn’t speak again until they reached the front door, but she didn’t have to. While she might be standing there with him, her thoughts were a thousand miles away.
“Thanks for dinner,” she said as she tied her sneakers and then retrieved her purse.
“Isn’t that my line?” He hoped a little teasing would at least temporarily remove the frown on her face.
“Well, thanks for sharing, then.” Although not a full smile, the corners of her lips inched upward. It was better than nothing. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I use the Suburban again tomorrow?”
“It’s all yours.” Matt handed her the keys. “Bring it back whenever you have time.”
After parking in the small lot behind her building, Liv sprinted to the door. Although not as heavy as earlier, the rain continued, and if the forecast was to be trusted, it would persist throughout the evening. As long as she didn’t have to drive in weather similar to earlier, she didn’t care if it rained for the next several days. She couldn’t remember the last time it had rained so hard. On the positive side, though, the thunder and lightning tonight had been spectacular.
At the memory of the storm, an image of Matt popped into her head. He’d always seemed like a nice person, and Owen, his ex-wife aside, had good taste in friends. Still, she’d been blindsided when Matt offered her the use of his Suburban. Sure, they’d technically known each other for years, but they certainly weren’t friends. And if he didn’t stop into the restaurant whenever he came to town, she’d have zero contact with him. Yet, when she’d explained the situation, he offered her the use of his vehicle. She didn’t think many people would do that for someone they barely knew. Then he’d remembered that she had another event tomorrow and unexpectedly extended his offer, solving at least one problem. Too bad someone couldn’t help her solve the rest of them.
Before tonight, she’d discussed the situation with very few people. She hadn’t even talked to her brother about the possibility that the building might be sold and the restaurant’s future was uncertain. She certainly hadn’t intended to tell Matt. To be fair, she hadn’t expected to engage in such a lengthy conversation with him either. She’d picked up the food before coming as a way to say thank you, not to finagle a dinner date with him. And if the weather had been safe to drive in, she would’ve turned down his offer.
Liv tossed her top into the hamper and grabbed the first T-shirt she touched. Only after pulling it on did she realize it was one she’d purchased at the last Eclipse concert she’d attended.
Like I need another reminder of him.
