“Yes,” I say swiftly.
“If we play it right, this can be a win-win.”
“Claire, I expect full custody of Belle.”
She takes another sip of water. She sets it down delicately, tilts her head, and smiles.
“How much is it worth to you?”
CHAPTER32
4 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS
Poppy
“It’s yours,”Conner holds out a set of keys.
“What?”
“The building.”
“What do you mean, it’s mine? I didn’t put in an offer.” I look around the former hardware store, at the large windows and the white walls.
“You didn’t. But someone else did.”
“Who?”
“Ronan Masters. He paid cash, over asking. His only stipulation was to make it happen before Christmas and to give you the keys.”
“But why?”
Conner shrugs. “I just figured, with the photos and all, you two had a thing.”
“No!” I cry. “I mean, I liked him. Like him. As a person. And, uh, a man. But you’re telling me he bought me a building, Conner.A building.”
“I’m well aware,” Conner says. “And I can’t even be irritated with the guy because I got a great commission.”
“Why would you be irritated with him?”
“Come on. The guy hated me. He knew I liked you, and that I hoped maybe you and I would be an item. He was jealous.”
“I can’t accept this gift.”
“You should. Maybe this is his way of making it up to you.”
“Making what up to me?” Make up for breaking my heart?
“The tabloids and the gossip. All those internet articles trashing you, to start.”
“Oh, those,” I say. “Thanks for reminding me. Yeah, those suck.”
“Everyone’s talking about it. Though most of the town is on your side.”
“Hmm, great.” I’ve been trying to listen to Ronan’s parting words and not care so much what other people think. Just focus on what I want. It’s good timing, really, this lesson, considering I’m now known as Slutty Nanny #2.
Tiffany is Slutty Nanny #1, and she’s working that position for all she’s worth, riding her fifteen minutes of fame. Maybe the situation works if you want a life in LA and are trying to get famous. But being in Snowflake Harbor and possibly opening an art studio that relies on giving lessons to children is another situation entirely. Being known as the nanny who hooked up with her famous boss is not an asset.
But on the upside, if I want to have my studio, now I have a building.
