Page 27 of The Main Event

“Now you’re just saying it to irritate me,” I complained.

His grin was devilish, and I couldn’t help returning it. “You found me out.” He stared into my eyes for an extended beat, and I swear the air crackled around us. He was the one who reacted first, but only after we’d stared into each other’s eyes for what was an uncomfortable length of time. “What were you saying again?” he asked after clearing his throat.

“This statue is a bone of contention here in Salem,” I replied. I was serious now. “The statue wasn’t installed until 2005, so it’s not even twenty years old yet. TV Land was responsible for it.Bewitchedactually filmed a couple episodes in Salem, and it elevated the town back in the day.”

“So … what’s wrong with that?”

“Some people think the statue trivializes the history of Salem. They think it makes light of the darkness that took over the town.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think the statue is a great example of the dichotomy of Salem. We’re not one thing. We’reallthings. We are light and dark. You can have fun with the theme, or you can be fixated on the history. It doesn’t have to be one thing or the other. If you’re going to be in business in this town, though, you need to embrace all of it.”

“Even a painting that features headless men?”

“Even then.”

“Ugh.” He made a disgusted sound deep in his throat. “Did you drag me down here just to see this statue?”

“I need you to understand what we’re trying to do,” I replied. “Salem has a few rough spots. I would never say otherwise. We still need to embrace the lightandthe dark because we’re going to have to appease both sides of the tourist coin so to speak.”

He pursed his lips. “I guess I kind of get what you’re saying. I still hate that painting.”

“Then don’t look at it. People come to see that painting whether they’re staying at the hotel or not. That doesn’t always translate to money for us, but when they see the painting and then smell the food from the restaurant…” I trailed off.

“Then we make money,” he realized.

“Yes.”

“Huh. You could’ve told me that without making me go on the walk.”

I grinned despite myself. “I thought we could stop in at a friend’s restaurant before heading back.” I gestured toward Cauldron Bubble Bistro, which we just so happened to be in front of. “You need to learn about the food customs here, too.”

“Is this just an elaborate way to get me to buy you a meal?”

“Of course,” I said on a laugh. “I happen to love free stuff.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

“The food here is great. Live a little.”

“Fine. Anything is better than risking running into Tammy again. You know she’s a nut, right?”

“Oh, I’m well aware.”

“Was my grandfather aware?”

“How could he not be?”

“Then why is she still on the payroll?”

“Everybody needs a little bit of nutty on their payroll in Salem.”

“Is that a real thing, or are you just making it up?”

I was feeling mischievous, so I shrugged. “Who’s to say?”

“Ugh. Point me toward the food and the bar. I need a drink if I’m going to deal with this town.”

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