Page 66 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

“You’ll be at the Fur Gala, right? I’d love to see everyone.”

“Definitely.” Her hazel eyes sparkled with mischief. “I heard about Mac’s cousin. He’s causing quite a ruckus at Vintage.”

Surprise cut through her. “How do you know?”

Avery laughed. “Are you kidding? You’ve lived here for years—you should know gossip runs rampant! I heard he’s changing everything over there: uniforms, menu, even décor. I heard the chef’s going to quit. Plus, Judith said if it weren’t for you, the charity event would’ve been moved to the fire hall. No one seems to like him. Thank God I don’t have any weddings scheduled there.”

Devon shifted in her seat. “Well, it does take some time for him to warm up.” The words tangled on her tongue as she stumbled to explain. “He comes from this fancy place in Manhattan and thinks he can help Mac make it better. I’m sure his intentions are good.”

Avery snorted. “He stripped down all the holiday stuff. Can you believe it? I heard from Layla that all the fun Christmas décor was replaced with fancy table linens, and glass bowls with rocks. No white lights. No poinsettias or mistletoe. He even cancelled Santa Claus.”

Devon blinked. “Carl didn’t come in for the kids on the weekend?”

Avery shook her head. “Nope. Gabe and Zoe went to breakfast yesterday morning. She was devastated over the pancakes, and then found out there’s no more Santa. Poor Zoe was upset and offered to break open her piggybank and buy gifts for the kids herself. Do you believe it?”

Zoe was Bella’s seven-year-old daughter. Ever since Bella married Gabe, Zoe had flourished and Devon loved seeing them become a close-knit family. Which was weird, because she’d dated Gabe seriously for a while, and had even tried to get back with him after their break-up. But she was quick to realize his heart had already been taken by Bella so Devon had helped get them together. She did enjoy a good love story, even if it wasn’t hers. Everyone deserved to be happy, and Gabe was special. AndZoe was one of the best humans Devon ever met. “Actually, I do. What did Jameson say to that?”

Avery gave a humph. “Said he’d take care of it, but was probably just lying to save face in front of Gabe. Carl said he almost didn’t reimburse him for the Santa suit.”

“Carl owns that suit, and it’s pretty old,” Devon reminded.

But Avery was on a tear and kept going on. “Per the grapevine, it was too expensive to give out gifts kids may not even use. In two weeks, he’s turned Vintage into some French boring bistro. And you know I love a good bistro, but this seems like he’s forcing a new identity on a restaurant that just isn’t supposed to be highbrow. If he wants to run a fancy eating place, he should create his own. The old Merion Inn is up for sale. Or that new vacant shop next to the arcade would make a great restaurant.”

“I wonder how he got all new stuff to renovate at this time of year,” she murmured. It took eons for suppliers to ship out supplies.

“I’m sure he has a bunch of connections. Too bad he’s ruining a good thing. After the Fur Gala I bet people will stop going to Vintage. Poor Mac.”

“Maybe he thinks he’s doing all this to help Mac and it’s backfiring?” she offered weakly.

Avery gave a snort. “He’s doing it for himself and he’s the grinch of Cape May.”

Devon tried not to groan. Seemed like Jameson was going through an identity crisis, and refused to listen to the town. The idea that Avery had taken a strong dislike to him made her tummy clench. Frustration flickered. She’d hoped he’d taken the poll to heart and stopped this silly makeover, but it seemed to only propel his determination.

Why was he being so stubborn?

Avery stood up. “I better go. See you on Saturday and—” she broke off as the door opened with a clatter, and turned to see who it was.

Devon stared in shock as the topic of their conversation suddenly appeared with Bear by his side. His usual impeccable appearance was a bit marred. That slicked back hair was mussed and disheveled. His jaw held a bit of stubble. His perfectly pressed suit showed a few creases.

But it was his face that made her jaw drop. This was no longer the cool, reserved man who traded barbs like professional swordplay. No, this man’s nostrils flared and his eyes smoked with frustration and testosterone temper. His fists clenched and unclenched around the leash, where Bear panted, drooling on the floor, looking at them with unrivaled joy to see new people.

“This dog is a menace and I’m giving him back,” Jameson snarled.

Avery made a noise deep in her throat and stared in shock.

Devon sighed. “You lost the bet. You can’t give him back until we find a home. Hi, Bear. Is he being grumpy to you?” She closed the distance between them and scratched behind Bear’s ears. The canine responded by promptly falling onto his back and kicking his giant leg in ecstasy.

“That’s the biggest dog I’ve ever seen,” Avery whispered.

“Yes, we’re desperate to find him a permanent home. Jameson is being kind enough to foster him until then.” Devon addressed Jameson. “This is Avery Sunshine. She runs Sunshine Bridal.”

He inclined his head. “A pleasure to meet you. I think I met your family member at Vintage. He was with Zoe?”

“That’s my brother-in-law.” Avery tilted her head and studied him with a frankly assessing gaze. “You’ve been making a lot of changes at Vintage.”

Devon waited for his answer, patiently petting Bear.

“Yes, I am.”

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