Page 64 of The Fix-Up

“He’s harmless,” I whispered back. “An idiot, but harmless.”

“Hmm.” I wanted so badly to turn around and see if he was giving Peter the full Principal Gil treatment.

“Who’s this?” Peter asked, all wide-eyed and innocent. He held his hand out. “Don’t know if we’ve met.”

“Gilbert Dalton.” Gil did not hold his hand out.

I stifled a giggle at Peter’s hand dangling over the counter. “Peter Stone, former mayor of Two Harts.”

As one of the oldest families in Two Harts, the Stones had a very high opinion of themselves. Especially Peter. He’d been mayor here like his father had been before him and his grandfather before him. And they never let anyone forget it.

Dropping his hand, Peter smiled in a used-car salesman sort of way. “Nice to meet you. I hear you’re Ollie’s long-lost grandson.”

“I wasn’t lost.”

“No, no, of course not.” Chuckling, Peter rocked back on his heels. “I’ve actually wanted to talk with you for a while now.” He pulled out his wallet and removed a business card. “If you have some time, give me a call and we can meet.”

Gil took the card and read it. “Real estate developer.”

“Yep. Ellie knows how much I’d love to make an offer on Ollie’s property.” He leaned in. “A very nice offer.”

“The house?”

“Sure, and the café, but especially the land the house is on.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. “I have some business partners who are interested in developing an outlet mall. Could bring a lot of business to town.”

“I’ve already told you, Peter,” I said, cutting a look to Gil that dared him to argue. “We aren’t selling.”

“You have mentioned that. But there are two owners, and you aren’t the only one who can say yes.” Peter nodded at Gil. “Give me a call. We’ll talk.”

As he strolled out of the café, Gil watched him, a thoughtful expression on his face I didn’t like at all.

TWENTY-SIX

Love is disgusting.

—PEYTON W., AGE 14

MOM: Hi, honey. How are you? How is my grandson? I just love that photo you sent. He’s so handsome.

ME: Doing great!

ME: How are you and Dad?

MOM: We’re missing you and I had a thought.

ME: Can’t wait to hear it!!

MOM: I was thinking we could come down for Easter weekend. It’s the last Sunday in April this year.

ME: What a great idea!!!

MOM: And all your sisters can come too. The high school has a four-day weekend so Millie has it off. Betsy might have to leave a day early for a teacher workday. Aggie said it was the perfect time to take a couple of days off from work.

ME: Oh, awesome! I can’t wait to see you all!

MOM: We can have a big Easter lunch together. Won’t that be fun?

ME: The funnest!!!!

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