Page 33 of Claimed By my Frenemy

I sigh, knowing I can’t hide my feelings as well as I’d like. I do have to be careful with what I say, though, because anything I say could be used against me. I have to assume Stella will tell Mia anything. “Mia’s pretty set on keeping her bed and breakfast. I’ve tried to convince her to sell, but she won’t budge.”

Stella nods thoughtfully. “Mia’s stubborn, that’s for sure. But there’s more to her than just being stubborn. She cares a lot about that place. It’s not just a business to her, you know. It would be like if someone insisted on buying your home, wherever you live. Sometimes, it’s just not worth it because it’s sentimental.”

I think about my home. I’m spending most of my time at this resort now. It makes it easier to get up and continue working on it. Steve is more hands-off, but he also has properties in other states. For me, I’ve thrown my all into this project. If someone came along and offered to buy my house, not only for a fair price but above market value, I would sell for sure. Why not?

But I don’t think Stella will understand, so I just nod. “I know it means a lot to her. I figured that out after she said no multiple times. I just… I really thought the resort could be something great.”

“It could be, but maybe you need to think about why it’s so important to you. Is it just about the money, or is there something else? Actually, when I found out what you were doing, I was really excited. It would be cool to have a casino, even if it’s small, right here in Oak Island, but…my friend matters more to me than a casino. I guess that’s what I’m saying. Do you actually care about Mia? I don’t mean romantically, but just even as a friend?”

I nod. Of course I do.

“Then, let it go. Invest somewhere else. You know, Theo, Mia’s been through a lot. She’s had to fight for what she has. This house gave her an out from a situation she wasn’t happy in. It’s not my place to tell you the details, but this is her chance to do something on her own. Respect that.”

“I do respect her. I just want to find a way for both of us to get what we want. I don’t think trying to find a compromise is a bad thing.”

Stella smiles softly. “Well, I’m just warning you. You need to be careful. Mia’s got friends who will have her back, no matter what. If you hurt her, you’ll have to deal with all of us. And let me tell you, the Spinsters’ Society is a crazy group.”

“The what-what?” I ask, whipping my head toward her.

Stella bursts out laughing. “I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. Forget you heard anything.”

I wrinkle my nose at her, but Stella continues to feign innocence. Finally, I shrug. “I wouldn’t hurt Mia.” But then, I realize that I might. I might already be doing it. Not intentionally of course, but I might be hurting her by the way I am persistently bothering her with this resort idea.

Am I ready to give up the idea of the bigger resort completely?

Stella pats my arm reassuringly. “Just be honest with her. And with yourself. If you really like her, let her know. But don’t push too hard. She needs to know she can trust you.”

I nod again, feeling a little more grounded. “Thanks, Stella. I appreciate it.” And I do. She’s given me some good insight into Mia and what Mia needs.

She smiles and waves then turns and begins sloshing through the water in the opposite direction of my resort. I watch her go, thinking about what she said. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I need to take a step back and think about what’s really important.

As I walk back toward the house in my soaked jeans, I feel a little more at ease. The resort is still on my mind, but now, I’m also thinking about Mia, about what she wants, about how we can find a way to make things work. Maybe it’s not just about the resort.

Maybe it’s about Mia and me. I don’t want to do anything that would mean I lose her.

17

MIA

I needto get some serious revamping done if I’m going to hope to open in August. I’ve stripped the inside of some of its older details like the wallpaper in the dining room. That had to go. It looked like something out of a horror movie.

The sound of hammers and saws drift through the open windows of my grandmother’s house as I move from room to room, examining my progress.

I take my phone out and add “dining room paint” to my list. The problem is I still haven’t decided what color I want to use. Everything in me wants to go for a dark blue, but I know that dark paint will make the room feel smaller. And my grandmother’s house has never been big to begin with.

I’ve sanded the floors in the living room and plan to refinish them by the end of the week. The entire house is slowly transforming from an outdated relic to a charming, modern bed and breakfast, just like I’ve always dreamed.

But there’s still a lot of work today. I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension that’s built up from hours of painting and sanding. It’s time to take a break from the inside and tackle the jungle that used to be my grandmother’s garden.

I’m tired of being stuck inside day after day. Even though the changes I’m making are important and necessary to bring the house to life, I need to get outside for a few hours.

I grab my gardening gloves and head out back. The mid-morning sun is gentle. It hasn’t yet reached that time of year when stepping outside is like stepping into a warm bath because it’s so humid.

The garden is a wild mess of overgrown weeds, tangled vines, and a few stubborn bushes that seem to be clinging to life despite the neglect. I pull on my gloves and get to work, ripping out the weeds first. I just need to get rid of everything. The bushes are ugly, if I’m being honest, and even though they might manage to make a good base for the garden, I just want everything gone so I can put in a few natural touches of beauty and leave it like that.

As I work, I notice movement near the property line. Theo’s contractors are unloading some materials dangerously close to my side of the property. My jaw tightens. It’s not the first time they’ve encroached on my space, and it’s starting to feel deliberate.

I continue with my work for a few minutes, yanking and pulling. My back and upper arms are starting to hurt, so I lean back and massage them gently. As I do, I glance over to see the unloading progress.

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