“Plus, can you imagine parents wanting to send their kids to a camp with the stench of meat in the air?” Nash said.
“This could create access problems for us, too,” Gunner added. “The other entrance we were thinking about will be right next to the factory entrance. And there’s bound to be safety issues with having kids so close to it.”
My stomach bottomed out at the idea Nash and Gunner might be reconsidering the plans. “Do you think it might mean we can’t go ahead?”
“Like fuck,” Gunner growled. “The kids need it. We just might have to get it up and running quicker than we’d hoped. Get it established before that monstrosity comes along.”
“The wedding venue might be a no go, though,” Nash replied, his tone flat. “Unless we move it to the other side of the property. No bride is going to want a meat packing plant as the backdropto her wedding pictures. And that is going to cost us a whole load of cash.” He fished his phone from his pocket. “I’m going to call Dougie and see whether he knows a good corporate attorney who might be able to help us.”
“Dougie?” I asked as Nash stepped away.
“Family attorney. He’s taken care of us since Mom died.”
The lost look in Gunner’s eyes didn’t escape me at the mention of his mom. I reached out a hand, determined to comfort him, but he cleared his throat and pushed out of his seat before I had a chance.
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
The bottom dropped out of my stomach at the rejection, even though there really was no rejection. We didn’t like each other so why would he even want my comfort?
“I walked,” I said curtly.
“Then I’ll drive you.”
“No thanks. I’ve seen you drive. Walking will be much safer.” It was also much easier being salty with him.
“You’re not walking alone. I’ll walk you and come back for Nash.” He clearly wasn’t taking no for an answer because he waved out a hand. “After you.”
“It’s a couple of blocks, Gunner. Nothing is likely to happen to me.” I rolled my eyes. “It’s Silver Peaks.”
“It is indeed.” He studied me carefully. “Sleepy little Silver Peaks where nothing happens, and we don’t know how to teach our kids.” He looked to the stage. “But I guess with all this it’s just like the big city now with all that pollution and overcrowding. You must feel right at home.”
“God damn it, Gunner, this is getting boring. How many times do we have to have this conversation?”
He held his hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay, I get it. No more talk about big city life.”
“And for your information I was brought up on a farm in Trimble.” When his mouth dropped open in surprise the feeling of victory it gave me was incredible. “Yes exactly, so quit with the shit about me being a city girl and I can walk home alone.”
I picked up my purse and stalked out of there, wondering how one man could be so damn annoying and yet smell so delicious all at the same time.
Chapter 16
Stay - Rihanna
Cassidy
The rich aroma of coffee floated around my small apartment, invading every space and helping to wake me. It was much needed because I’d barely slept. Everything that had happened at the meeting was rumbling around in my head. From the issues the development was going to cause the camp, to the shock on Gunner’s face when I told him I’d been brought up on a farm.
I was conflicted about that. At first his stunned face felt like a victory, but that now felt hollow. Why had I felt the need to explain myself to him? Why should I care that he had the wrong opinion of me?
Pulling my feet under me, I stared out of the window that looked onto the street. It was busy for seven-thirty on a Saturday morning. The bakery was already open with people going in and coming out with bags of bread and pastries. Next door, at the fresh fruit and vegetable store, Mrs. Sullivan was putting everything out on display while her son, Zachary, was insidelaying out the ice for the fresh fish they sold. I knew that Latymer, the town’s main street, would be just as industrious, especially Missy May’s diner with folks going in for one of her famous breakfast sandwiches.
I sighed contentedly, glad of my life in Silver Peaks. The farmhouse I was brought up in was big, but cozy. Lots of small rooms that Mom always talked about knocking into bigger ones, to make a more open planned living space. She never got around to it, mainly because we never had the money, but also because she never had the time to while fostering kids. I loved that house, but I was just as happy here in my little apartment with its overstuffed furniture and masses of books, cushions and throws. Obviously I missed my mom, like crazy, but I knew she’d be proud of me, becoming a teacher and that made me happy and content with my home and my life.
There were nights when I felt lonely, but I could stand that. It didn’t mean I didn’t want to meet someone and have a great romance one day. Of course, I did. I wanted a family of my own and a nice house. I saw what Lily and Nash had and I envied them, their happiness, their deep, heart clenching love. Maybe one day I’d get myself my own Nash Miller, but for now I was content. A hook up would be appreciated now and again, but Silver Peaks was a small town, and I didn’t want the parents of the kids I taught knowing all my business. Perhaps it was time to call my old college friend, Angela, and arrange a weekend visit with her in Portland.
Taking another sip of my coffee, a message on my phone startled me. It was still early for most people, except if they worked on a ranch and were up and out by five. It had to be Lily. When I picked it up and saw who it was from I almost dropped my mug. When I read it I almost spat my coffee out.
Gunner
