Page 16 of The Undercover Billionaire's Baby

I was barely listening, doing the math in my head. Two thousand for the carpenter, a few hundred for the plumber. That was most of Brad’s first-and-last gone at a blow. Then we’d be shut down at least a few days, time for the plumbing, then the repairs. We’d lose out on most of the first wave of tourists. On most of our late-spring run on beach reads.

“It’ll be okay,” said Alice, picking up on my worry. “We’ll do a grand reopening when the wall’s all patched up.”

I almost laughed at that, but stopped myself with a cough. Alice was being supportive. I didn’t need to be rude. Still, didn’t a grand reopening imply some fanfare? Some kind of party, some big celebration? We’d just be reopening with our wall back in place, our shelves nailed back up where they’d come crashing down. The best I could afford in terms of grandness would be, I don’t know. A tray of free cookies.

“We could do a half-off sale. Clear out some old stock. Oh, and maybe start a book club, so they have to keep coming?”

What Alice didn’t know was, we’d had a book club. Mom had started it back in the nineties, and it had flourished until she got sick. After she passed, I’d tried to keep it going, but it had felt too sad, all her old friends. All the same faces, but her chair stood empty.

“Let’s do inventory,” I said, pulling out of my spiral. “And you’re right. There’s some old stuff we need to move out. Anything no one’s buying, let’s set that aside. Maybe we’ll have a sale, or we’ll donate it.”

We worked through the morning, sorting our stock. It was mindless work and I found myself drifting. My thoughts wandered, aimless, through scenes from my past — me in the reading nook, Mom at the counter. Wiener’s first break-in, when he was a pup. Every so often, other thoughts would creep in, strange thoughts of Brad that made my cheeks burn. I kept picturing the two of us on my old couch, sharing a blanket. Watching TV. Maybe I’d shiver and he’d pull me close. Put his arm around me and let our heads lean together.

I banished the thoughts at first, but they kept stealing back. After a while, I gave up and let them. What was the harm in a few little daydreams? Not even naughty ones, just sweet and cozy? As long as I knew they were only that. Dreams.

The door chime went off just before noon, and I sat up quickly.

“Oh, sorry! We’re— Brad?”

Brad was leaning in the doorway, half-in, half-out. I felt my ears go pink, and shook my head to clear it.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt whatever you’re doing. I was just wondering, where’s good for lunch?”

I stood up, brushing dust off the legs of my jeans. “Soup and a Bread Bowl’s good,” I said. “But it gets crowded at lunchtime. We usually go down and eat at Baguettes. It’s just past the florist’s, by the park. You can’t miss it.”

“I was actually thinking?—”

“Hey, Brad! Over here!”

He broke off and turned to see who was shouting. I smiled, recognizing Chester’s loud old-man bellow. He and Rex ambled up swinging their coolers.

“So, you’re staying a while.” Rex clapped Brad’s shoulder. “You should stop by Mack’s once you get your license.”

“Mack’s Bait and Tackle,” Chester supplied. “You’ll need your own gear, if you’re going to be staying.”

“Hi, guys,” I said, coming up to join them. “You headed out fishing, or you just coming back?”

“Coming back,” said Rex. “We went early today so we’d be fresh for tonight. Speaking of which—” He glanced at Chester.

“We’re going to the park tonight to see the Blue Sapphires. They’re a fifties tribute band, play all kinds of classics — the Ink Spots, the Platters, the Teenagers, you know. Well, maybe you don’t know, young as you are. But we thought we’d invite you, you and Brad both. It’s a good place to meet people, get out of the house.” He shot me a pointed look at get out of the house. I looked away.

“I’m in,” said Brad. “I love some good doo-wop.”

Rex peered at me. “Lana?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think?—”

“She’d love to.” Alice had snuck up on us, and now she pushed me forward. “She was just saying, weren’t you, she’s been working too hard.”

“All work and no play.” Chester pulled a sour face.

“He’s right,” said Brad. “Not to gang up on you, but you need a balance.”

I arched a brow. “Between work and… doo-wop?”

“She’s going,” said Alice. “If I have to drag her myself.”

I could’ve fought harder, put my foot down, but Brad was smiling. Alice was, too. And a night at the park sounded like fun — hot dogs, live music, good company. When had I last been out, besides to go shopping? I couldn’t remember, and that wasn’t good.

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