Page 9 of The Fixer

Joy thanked her. “This place is gorgeous. I love the finishes.”

“Thank you. Just a few years ago, it was falling down, but the area’s best renovator restored it for the owner. There are pictures of the transformation in the hallway that leads to the restrooms, in case you’re interested.”

“Don’t tell me. Past Perfect Restorations?”

Hailey’s smile brightened. “Yes! How did you know?”

“I’m staying at the Grand Majestic and heard about their work there.”

“Are you just passing through, or are you staying in Fall River to see the sights?”

Sights? What sights?“I’m passing through on business for a few days.”

“Oh! There I go assuming.” Hailey laughed, the sound warm and rich. Joy had no idea how she knew, but this woman was genuinely happy, and a pang of envy sunk a claw into her chest. “I thought you were one of our many tourists that visit this time of year.”

Joy took a modicum of satisfaction from knowing that she didn’t look like she belonged in this backwater. She raised her wineglass to the bartender. “No, I’m stuck here for a few days trying to sort out my mother’s estate.”

Hailey’s face fell. “Oh! You must be Helene’s daughter. I am so sorry about your mother.” She leaned across the bar and dropped her voice. “Did you come to Miners to see where it happened?”

The rim of Joy’s wineglass was about to make contact, but she stopped mid-raise. “Where what happened? And how did you guess who I am?”

Now Hailey’s pretty face turned a shade that matched the neon pink in Dixie’s top, and she buffed the counter—which didn’t need it—with renewed vigor. “Um, this is a smaller town than most small towns. I’m an outsider here, still getting used to the way things work, but there’s a reason folks call it Mayberry of the Mountains.” She swallowed. “Your mama passed right out front. Someone got to her right away, but it was too late. It was a shock to the whole town.”

Joy pointed over her shoulder and squawked, “She died in front of your bar? On the sidewalk?” Even above the din, her voice carried, and a few heads turned her way.

Why hadn’t Mary clued her in? Probably because she operated with the same need-to-know state of mind as their mother had, and both women had decided long ago that Joy didn’t need to know anything about what went on in their family.

Hailey’s big blue eyes darted right, then left, as if she was looking for backup. “Y-yes, she did. I am so, so sorry. Were you thinking of a memorial plaque or something?”

Joy gawped. “Like, ‘X marks the spot’?” Hailey gasped. “Sorry. Sometimes I’m blunt, but sugarcoating things wastes time and doesn’t always communicate one’s true sentiments. And no, I’m not considering a plaque or any sort of commemoration.” She finally took a sip of her crisp,refreshing sauvignon blanc, soothing her scratchy throat. “Thank you for your condolences. The Grim Reaper finds us all eventually, doesn’t he?”

“He does, but there always seems to be a new soul ready to step up.” Hailey lifted her chin toward someone or something behind Joy. Joy swiveled and spotted a young couple being seated. The woman was two-thirds the man’s height and had a belly the size of a basketball. He pulled out her chair and helped her into it.

Normally, Joy bristled at men treating women like they were utterly helpless, but this one was so caring she nearly melted into a useless puddle.

Gah! Gushy feels begone!

No, no, she needed scenes like this so she could use them for her books. Lord knew she didn’t have any similar experiences to draw from in her own life.

The poignancy of the scene suddenly struck her. It was a study in contrasts, where they had moved from the death of her mother—a cantankerous old biddy—to the upcoming birth of a child who would be cherished by people who loved it and who were filled with happiness at the prospect. What a lucky kid.

The hunky bartender, whose name tag read “Noah,” tapped Hailey’s shoulder. When she turned toward him, his face lit with a dazzling smile that reminded Joy of someone else who lived in Fall River.

Hailey cast Joy a regretful glance before turning her full attention on Noah. Joy should have told her not to worry, that her comments about Helene’s death hadn’t offended Joy. Before she could even flash the woman a reassuring smile, though, a familiar blond contractor materialized in a doorway that led somewhere in the back—probably the hallway with the pictures.

He jerked his chin at Noah. “Reporting for duty, bro.”

Bro?Was that simply a term of man endearment, or were they actually related? It would explain why their smiles were similar.

A grin spread over Charlie’s face as he leaned in to kiss Hailey on top of her head. “Hey, Hail. Let’s make him jealous.” Hailey swatted his pec, and he laughed. Something about that laugh lifted Joy’s spirits, and she felt another twinge of envy.

A redhead seated beside Joy shrieked out Charlie’s name. She waved frantically and bounced on the barstool as though she rode a bucking bronc.

Charlie’s eyes darted to the woman. The smile slid away, replaced by a frown he quickly hid. “Hey, Germaine. How’s it going?”

“Better now that you’re here.” Her tone was sultry, and she wriggled on the stool.

He didn’t seem to notice because his gaze slid to the side, landing on Joy, and widened. A beat later, he recovered himself, and the grin returned, aimed right at her. He was good at that. “Oh, hey. Looks like you found the best place in town to eat.”

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