“She’s a smart woman, that mother of yours. People just don’t read her right, is my opinion, if you’re asking.”
She hadn’t been, but listened anyway.
“She’s just not into the small talk and pleasantries that most in this town are. When she actually spends time talking one-on-one, she’s got some good stuff to say.”
“Ah, sure.”
Well now, this was just plain weird. Her mother was probably the least loved member of Lake Howling, and here was Mac championing her. Very odd, to her mind.
“Any chance you’re using that thing around your neck for the greater good?” He pointed to her camera.
“Pardon?” Hope was suddenly wary.
“I need some updated photos for the store website. I’m getting into online sales. I’ll pay you.”
“Not sure how long I’ll be here, Mac.”
“Need work, don’t you?”
Hope nodded. She did actually, because her mother didn’t have money to throw around and her being here had put pressure on the household budget.
“Then you can take the photos, and I’ll pay you. A win for both of us.”
“Sure sounds like it to me,” Declan said, until then standing quietly and listening.
“Okay then,” Hope said, because she always found it hard to say no to people who had known her since she was in diapers.Respect is a bitch,she thought. Being raised here and by a mother who was a stickler for manners, they were ingrained in her.
He smiled. Hope collected a basket, and walked down an aisle before someone else came in and asked her to take photos of their pet or baby. She looked at the notice pinned to the beam before her.
“The boats have to be made from natural materials, and the one that makes it around the course Henrietta sets out, wins. Supposedly, it’s drawn a bit of interest from out-of-towners.” Declan appeared at her side.
“Sounds like fun.”
“Will be if I can beat Jake.”
“What’s your boat made of?” Hope asked.
He tapped his nose. “I can’t give away my secrets, in case you enter, Hope.”
“That’s not likely,” she said, dropping some handmade soap into her basket, beside the honey that she knew was the best there was.
“Never say never, girl,” he said, trying to take her basket. She held on.
“I got it, thanks.”
“You don’t like people helping you, do you, Hope?”
“What? Sure, I just don’t need help with my basket.” She could hear the defensive tone in her voice.
“The thing is, in this town, help comes your way whether you want it or not. So my advice to you is don’t resist, it’s easier all round.”
“I was raised here, I know that.” She hadn’t meant to snap, but it had come out that way.
“Must have been a nice place to grow up in.”
It had been for the most part.
“Sure.”
