Page 116 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

I’m glad Harrison is home alone. I trust him to be the most objective in discussing a business venture.

“What is Morty’s Meathouse?”

“A gross restaurant with health violations that some claim was a front for drug deals.”

That sounds about right based on that name.

“That’s prime real estate! Why has no one bought it?” I demand, dropping into the chair next to him.

“Locals think it’s cursed because nothing that goes in there ever lasts. And the owners won’t sell to anyone who isn’t local.”

That’s deflating. Not the curse part. I don’t believe in curses. But the second part is annoying.

“Would they sell it to me?” I ask. “Because of you and Ford? If I ask nicely?”

I give him a smile, putting my hands under my chin and fluttering my eyelashes.

“I’ll sell you anything you want if you do that naked.”

I laugh. “I’m serious, Harrison.”

He studies me for a second, head cocked. “Well, I’m very convincing. I’m related to half the town and my family owns most of its commercial property. So yes, I think it could be arranged. We would need to make sure it’s structurally sound. What do you want to do with it?”

“It would make an incredible wedding venue.”

“We getting married?” Harrison has shifted his knee over and it’s brushing mine. “Oh, you mean to rent out? Sorry, I had visions of stripping you out of a wedding gown. What happened to that dress? Can we do that?”

“My sister is selling it online for me. You can rip these pants off of me if you want, but only after you focus on my incredible idea. That view is fantastic, Harrison. It’s a great opportunity.”

Harrison sits up straighter. “You’re actually serious?”

I nod.

“So…you would stay here full time?”

I nod again.

“Thenfuckyeah.” He lifts my hand up and kisses my knuckles. “Let me make some phone calls.”

“Thank you.” I smile at him and lift his coffee mug and take a sip. “Who is the owner, by the way?”

Harrison gives me a grin. “Oh, it’s me. I bought it out of foreclosure six months ago.”

My jaw drops. Then I laugh. “So you’ll give me a good deal?”

He tugs me onto his lap. “I think we can arrange something.”

CHAPTER 31

Liam

I’mon my way down to the boardwalk when my phone rings. I’m still not really a boardwalk guy but I’ve been playing chess there for the past three mornings and I find myself walking in that direction on purpose now.

The old men who gather there are hilarious and I haven’t had a good game of chess in forever. Despite the gossiping and insults and jokes they toss back and forth as they play, they take their chess seriously. Sam’s my favorite. He’s the one who invited me that first morning, and he’s the sneaky one. He seems laid back and friendly, as if he’s just there for a good time and doesn’t care about the outcome at all. But he’ll kick your ass with a grin on his face. And then buy you popcorn while he tells you what’s wrong with your game.

I like him.

I haven’t asked, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam was a fisherman back in his working days. It was something blue collar. All of these guys were, I’m sure. They’re so down to earth. They’ve also clearly known each other for years and years. Their friendship reminds me of Ford and Harrison’s. Easy and loving, with lots of inside jokes and a clear level of comfort that comesfrom knowing someone really well and knowing they have your back.

---