Page 62 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"You're right. I am a little worried about you, Lizzie. And I'm not just talking about dating. You look stressed every time I see you. Are there problems at the inn that you're not sharing?"

She debated how to answer that question. Chelsea was one of her investors, and she deserved the truth. "There have been some financial setbacks that I wasn't expecting. It's an old building and everything seems to be breaking at once. Our bookings are up and down. Some months have been better than others. The winter was good, but now we're in between snow and hot days and there aren't as many tourists in town."

"There's a lot this week. Everyone wants to see the eclipse."

"Which is great for me. I have a full house and I'm thrilled. But next week doesn't look so good."

"Can I do anything to help?"

"No. I'm going to figure it out."

Chelsea met her gaze with an encouraging smile. "You always do. I have no doubt that you'll make the inn a success. But if you do need some cash…"

"No. You've given me enough. Plus, you're building your studio and planning your wedding. Don't worry about this."

"I can still help."

"I will let you know if I need you."

Chelsea gave her a doubtful look. "You never like to need anyone. You've always been stubbornly independent."

"I think that runs in our family."

The bell rang, and Chelsea jumped to her feet. Lizzie stood up, following her to the door.

Hannah and Keira came in together, a contrast in color and style. Hannah with her red hair and pale skin wore skinny jeans and a falling-off-the shoulder peasant blouse. Keira was dressed in a red and white sheath dress, her dark hair swept back in a messy but stylish ponytail.

She hugged each of them, but Keira's embrace was a little stiff.

"Are you still pissed at me?" Keira asked, her brown gaze worried.

"Why would she be angry with you?" Chelsea asked before Lizzie could respond.

"Yeah, what did you do?" Hannah put in.

"I'm not angry, and she didn't do anything," she said.

"She must have done something," Hannah said.

Judging by the curiosity on both Hannah and Chelsea's faces, she didn't think either one was going to let her get away with that vague response. "Keira brought an opportunity to me," she said. "To sell the inn."

"What?" Chelsea exclaimed in surprise. "You want to sell?"

"She doesn't," Keira said quickly. "But someone I knew came to me and wanted an introduction and I thought Lizzie might want to hear her out. But I should have given her a heads-up, and I didn't. That's why she's mad at me."

"I'm not angry, but you should have told me, Keira. The reason you didn't find the time was because you knew I'd say no, right?"

"Maybe that was part of it," Keira conceded. "If it helps, I did tell Paula to back off and let you come to her if you were interested. I said you wouldn't respond well to pressure."

"That's fine, but I'm perfectly capable of saying no if she does reach out."

"You can't sell the inn," Hannah said, giving her a confused look. "It's your dream job."

"I don't want to sell it, and hopefully it won't come to that."

"It won't come to that," Chelsea said. "I will help you keep it."

"So will I," Hannah said. "I don't have a lot, but I can invest if that will help."

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