“Hello?”
“Dutton, there is a Mrs. Locke here to see you.”
I freeze.
Mrs. Locke owns the antique store. What would she need with me, and what would she need with the lodge? And now of all times.
“Tell her I’ll be right out.”
I close my computer quickly and make my way to the front of the lodge. I spot Henry walking into the restaurant and bar just before I spot Mrs. Locke.
Ignoring thoughts of what will happen when he finds me, I give the elderly woman all of my attention.
“Mrs. Locke,” I offer her my hand, and she shakes it with a grip harder than I expected.
“Dutton,” she says. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you. And yourself?”
“Well, I’m wondering when I get my apology, and instead of waiting for it, I thought I’d come to you. Mrs. Buckley got one, and I think I should, too.”
I nod.
“That’s all you came here for?”
She nods once, firmly.
“All right then, I’d planned on coming to you eventually."
“Sure. Sure. I’m ready.”
“Shall we sit?” I gesture to a couple of chairs in one of the three seating areas in the lobby.
“Is this worth sitting?”
I shrug. “If I’m going to give you the apology you deserve, yes.”
I barely catch the tug of her lips, but she was about to smile. I know it.
Once we sit, I lean onto my thighs and look her in the eye.
“I’m truly sorry for what I did to your antique shop. There is no excuse for what I did, but I can assure you that I’ve grown, and I understand the value of what you have with that place.”
She huffs with a nod but keeps staring at me.
Maybe that wasn’t enough.
“I’m genuinely sorry, and if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, please let me know.”
“Well,” she perks up, “as a matter of fact, the space I’d wanted to use for a small antique show—a few other local towns are joining in—was closed due to a water leak, and we need a new spot. The lodge would be wonderful.”
I can’t help but smile. Did she just hustle me?
“When is the show?” I ask.
“Next month.”
I stand.
