Page 101 of The Sugar Maple Inn

Grace froze. What did she say? I’m a waitress felt too small. I serve coffee to people like you felt defensive.

“Grace and I are actually competing for the same property,” Reese said smoothly, saving her from having to answer. “The Maple Inn, on Solace Lake. Beautiful historic building.”

She looked at him, surprised. They hadn’t talked about the inn. Not since that moment in the tower when he’d said she should have it, that it meant more to her. And now he was back to saying they were competing for it?

Howie raised his eyebrows. “Competing? I presume you’re fighting her hard for it, Reese, like you always do? Though I imagine it’s difficult to get approval from small-town people, especially when it’s a rich outsider like you asking.”

Reese shrugged. “Maybe Grace and I will share it. Could be interesting.”

Grace frowned. Okay, so now it was share it? What did that even mean? Two days ago he’d told her she should have it. Now they were sharing it? What had changed?

Before she could process that, someone called Reese’s name from across the room—someone important, judging by the way Reese’s posture shifted slightly.

“Excuse me one second,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

And then he was gone, swallowed up by the crowd, leaving Grace standing alone in a sea of tuxedos and ball gowns. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing server, her second or maybe third, who was counting? She smiled, taking it all in.

“Grace Sullivan. Fancy seeing you here.”

The voice made Grace’s stomach drop.

She turned to find Victoria Warren, or “Wicked Witch of Lakeside Restaurants” as Sophie referred to her, gliding toward her, resplendent in an emerald-green gown. Her dyed red bob was swept up in an elaborate updo, diamonds dripping from her ears and throat. She looked like money and cruelty wrapped in Valentino.

Victoria was the owner of several restaurants in the state, including one overlooking Solace Lake. She was also the member of every important committee and the richest person in town (not counting the recent billionaire invasion).

She was also a complete bitch.

“Victoria,” Grace managed, trying to sound pleased. “Hi. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it. Seattle Children’s Hospital is one of my favorite causes.” Victoria’s smile was all teeth. “Though I have to say, I’m surprised to see you here. With Reese Spencer, no less. Quite the upgrade.”

There it was. The subtle dig wrapped in social niceties.

“Reese and I are…seeing each other,” Grace said.

“I did hear rumors of a tower lock-in. How…lovely.” Victoria sipped her champagne, her eyes calculating. “Though I hope you’re not getting too attached. Men like Reese Spencer don’t exactly settle down with women like you. No offense.”

“Absolutely lots of offense taken,” Grace said, giving Victoria a thin smile.

Victoria laughed. “Oh, you’ve always been a fiery one, Grace. I’m actually saying this in kindness, one Solace Springs resident to another. I mean, look around.” Victoria gestured at the ballroom. “This is his world. Private jets and fundraisers and business deals worth more than our entire town. Can you really see yourself fitting into all this long-term?”

Grace wanted to throw her champagne in Victoria’s face. Wanted to tell her to mind her own damn business. Wanted to defend herself, defend Reese, defend whatever this thing between them was.

Instead, she managed a: “We’re figuring it out.”

“Mm.” Victoria’s smile sharpened. “How’s the competition for the inn going?”

“It’s on hold for now, until Abe can assess the damage from the storm.”

Victoria frowned. “I don’t see the point. It’s going to be knocked down anyway if Reese gets it, so what does it matter?”

Grace’s spine straightened. “What do you mean, knocked down?”

Victoria tilted her head. “Oh. Hasn’t he told you what he actually plans to do with the property?”

Something cold slithered down Grace’s spine. “Yes. A wildlife eco resort.”

“Interesting, because his assistant Erika has been very busy the last few days. Reaching out to town council members, requesting building permits, digging into the inn’s original floorplans from the early eighteen hundreds.”