Page 93 of That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

And that’s my biggest fear—giving myself to someone only to end up heartbroken. It’s why I’ve avoided being crushed by real love my entire life. So yes, I’m sad that my sister’s hurting, but I’m almost grateful for the timing.

Now I can save myself from the roulette wheel of romance.

Unless my heart wants to gamble with Hudson too much.

Chapter Thirty-Six

A GROUP CHAT WITH THE JOHNSONS

GERALD

We’ll be back from Vermont in the morning, but we just couldn’t wait to tell you, we love all the ideas for renaming the pub. You did great, kids.

ROBIN

I think my personal favorite option was Pat Murphy’s suggestion: Cove and Cork.

HUDSON

That was one of my top choices too, Mrs. J.

ROBIN

I like how the name references the wine corks and the fact that The Beachfront is on a cove of the lake.

GERALD

Yes, dear. That’s probably why Hudson and Olivia kept that on the list.

ROBIN

And your sarcasm is NOT appreciated.

GERALD

What makes you think I was being sarcastic?

ROBIN

Only a lifetime of being blissfully married to you.

GERALD

Well I happen to be partial to Ford Lansing’s suggestion to call the place The Local. Something about that just feels right.

ROBIN

My explanation was more specific, for the record.

GERALD

True enough. How about this, then: The Local sounds like a spot the people in town would want to come to, and where guests would automatically feel at home.

OLIVIA

I think The Local has potential, and not just because it was my cousin’s idea. Either way, the new official name will stand out more than just referring to the pub as a general part of the inn, which is what we used to do.

GERALD

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