Page 30 of If You Like It, I Love It

“Just want to check on the status of a permit.”

“The one for Joni’s place?”

“I didn’t realize you knew her.”

Maybe this means her permit will get some sort of friends-and-family treatment. Hope spikes.

“It’s Grinberry Falls, and she’s a fiery redhead who owns an alpaca that she sets loose on the town at least once a week. How could I not know her?”

“Fair point.” Hope plummets.

“Plus, we grew up together, so yes, I know her. And the architect just happens to be reviewing your new plans right now, Romeo.”

“It’s Enzo, but I appreciate the update.”

She stares at me like she’s not sure if I’m an idiot or a smartass. “I know your name. But again, this is Grinberry Falls, so I know lots of things.”

It would take a power stronger than Santa Claus to get some privacy in this town. I don’t want to anger Carlene, so I pretend I’m not bothered by her nosiness. “Alright. Well, thanks again, Carlene. I look forward to hearing the next update.”

“Have a seat.”

“What?”

“It’s a minor change. It shouldn’t take long to review it. Unless you have somewhere more important to be.”

“Not at all. I’ll just be right over there.” I jerk my chin toward the row of hard plastic chairs lined up under the windows. It’s the entirety of the waiting area, so there is literally nowhere else I could possibly be.

“Thanks for the intel. I was afraid I might have to sneak a tracking device into your pocket.”

“Right.” I nod, holding back the snarky response on the tip of my tongue. I get the feeling her sense of humor is a one-way street.

A man wearing a black polo shirt and wire-framed glasses emerges from a back office to talk to Carlene in her little glass fortress. He’s got architect written all over him.

She slides open a drawer and pulls out a stamp and an ink pad. After she pounds the stamp on the plans that he’s handed her, she rolls her chair aside so he can initial it.

I draw a deep breath and fill my lungs with renewed hope.

“Romeo!” She calls out like a nurse summoning the next patient from a crowded clinic waiting room. I’m the only one waiting here.

When I approach the window, Carlene gives me an honest to goodness smile. Who knew she was capable? “It must be your lucky day,” she says.

“Maybe it’s the shirt.” I tug on the shoulders in what I hope looks like a friendly action.

Her smile disappears. “That’s a funeral shirt. What’s lucky about it?”

I didn’t know there were design guidelines for a lucky shirt. What does she expect? A Hawaiian print? Flames?

“Well, I guess it could still be lucky at a funeral if it was being worn by anyone other than the guy in the casket.” I laugh. She doesn’t. “Thanks, Carlene. I owe you a donut.”

“Make it a slice of peach pie from Trudy’s.”

“It would be my pleasure.” I actually mean it. Hell, I just might bring her a whole pie.

Maybe I shouldn’t show up at the vet clinic to surprise Joni—not everyone likes surprise visits at work—but I can’t wait to give her the good news. I could text, but then I wouldn’t get to see her reaction.

She looks up from the pet food shelves she’s restocking, and her face radiates shock as I walk through the door.

“Sorry to barge in on you at work, but I wanted to tell you in person that your permit is officially approved.”