Ethan hovers nearby, his eyebrows rising at the severity of her tone. “I think I’m in love.”
A snort of laughter leaps out of me. Don’t get me wrong, I get it. Camille is gorgeous. She also just turned forty, got divorced, and wouldn’t give his little twenty-year-old self a second look. She flashes me a grin as I pick up the bank bag and head out.
By the time I return with my painting supplies, our late delivery truck has shown up, and a maintenance guy has been called to fix the grill. Diana is happy to pick up an extra shift tonight when I ask her. Which means I’m free to focus on the new addition. I’ll get everything taped off and the drop cloths down.
The bell above the door tinkles and the voice that calls my name has me rolling my eyes before I turn around.
“There you are! Austin’s been trying to call you.” Grady Matheson, the judge executive of our county, announces.
“I know. I watched it ring.” A stifled laugh comes from another customer and Grady’s eyes narrow.
“He’s willing to go higher. The least you can do is speak to him.” He hefts himself onto one of the chairs. His considerable gut won’t allow a booth seat.
The offense in his tone is satisfying. If there’s one thing a Matheson hates, it’s being told no. Considering the judge executive, town mayor, and chief of police all share that surname, they tend to get what they want. The family owns agood chunk of the town but it’s never enough. Grady’s son, Austin, tried to get Mom to sell the diner to him before, and she refused. Ever since she died, they’ve been after me to sell. It’s not happening.
“I’ve made it clear that Lucky’s is not for sale. There’s no reason for any further discussion.” I can feel all the eyes on me as my customers watch the exchange end when I walk away. Most of these people wouldn’t dare speak to any Matheson in such a dismissive manner and you can’t blame them. Even if you ignore the fact they can pretty much lock up whoever they want, they also have control over a lot of the jobs in town.
Call me stubborn, but I’m not kissing anybody’s ass. Least of all some ignorant assholes drunk on the power of running a town of twenty-thousand people. I have work to do.
“Wow, this place looks great!” Calli calls, stepping through the door to admire the new coffee shop. “You’ve been busy.”
Busy is an understatement, but it’s worth it. The whole place is painted, and most of the equipment has been installed. “Thanks. I’m trying to get it open before the Harvest Fest since it’s being held right on our street this year. What are you up to?”
“Just waiting for my pick-up order. Arlow ordered lunch for everyone. I have too much to do to prepare for tonight to worry about cooking.”
Arlow’s birthday party is tonight, and his family isvisiting them for a while. “How’s it going so far?” I ask, and she joins me at the counter, leaning her elbows on it.
“It’s chaos. Arlow’s parents are staying in our guest room while his sister and her kids stay in our cabin. Arlow childproofed it but they’re already putting that to the test.”
“How old are they again?”
“Two year old twins. They’re adorable, but oh my god, I don’t know how Alicia does it. They’re little tyrannical tornadoes.”
“You didn’t know what you were getting into, did you?” Calli is the one who told Arlow they should invite them to come for a long visit when she found out his sister’s husband would be out of the country for a work opportunity.
I pull a couple of stools out for us, and she sits beside me. “No, but I’m glad they came. Arlow hardly sees them, and they need to make up for lost time. I want to get to know them all better too.”
“They’re staying for what, two months?”
“That’s the plan. Until right after Christmas.”
We’re interrupted when my phone beeps with a text.
Lee
Hey beautiful, do you want a ride tonight?
“It’s Lee.” I’m not aware of the smile that’s grown on my lips until Calli raises an eyebrow at me. “He’s asking if I want a ride.” I can’t resist messing with him.
Me
What a nice offer. Maybe. Do you need to be ridden?
His response is instant.
Lee
Keep teasing me and I’m going to remind you how fast you come when I stop being nice.
