Page 9 of The Deal Maker

I’ve always been curious about her, maybe because she didn’t grow up and stick around in Willow Cove like most made her seem like some magical being.

Did I mean to run into her after stopping by the bakery? No.

I shouldn’t have said the bit about the nuts to Georgie either. Now Maggie probably thinks I’m teasing her. Which I am, but in a fun way. I just haven’t figured out how to get her to smile or laugh and for real. Yet.

After a quick night of sleep, I’m back at the shop, a little jittery from the anticipation of what’s to come. Corporate is supposed to send someone to check in on how things are going. I haven’t met the goal I’d set for the store once I heard it. Numbers are always important to these higher up guys.

I worked in sales during college, as it helped me pay tuition and support myself, but I’ve never been a manager. Now it’s hard to remember all the things I’d filed away in my head while working under someone before. Things like not micromanaging and supporting my sales people instead of leaving them out to dry just to make a sale.

I pass The Candy Jar and smile as I see Maggie in there getting things ready for the day. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as dedicated as she is to her work. Obviously I wouldn’t make any list that included that, after having changed careers several times in my adult life.

When I get to my door, I see a small bag hanging from the door handle.

The note attached says, “The ice cube worked. Thanks.”

It’s so short and I don’t know why I’m surprised. Maybe because the woman came up with an entire theory surrounding ice cream that this seems lacking. And why didn’t she just wait and come bring it to me when I got here?

She really is trying to hide from me.

I hesitate for a few seconds, wondering what to do. Do I go about my business and get things ready to open? Or do I walk over and talk to Maggie?

Talking to her wins out. I knock on the glass door and see her head turn toward me. I can’t read her expression clearly from here, but I’m guessing she’s not excited.

She unlocks the door and opens it all of an inch and a half. “What’s up?”

“Good morning,” I say, smiling at her.

She lets her gaze flick to other parts of the shopping center before she looks up at me. “Hi. I’ve got a ton to do before we open. Looks like you got the handkerchief.”

I nod, holding it out to her. “Yeah, you did a good job with this.”

“Thanks,” she says, slowly. “Is there something else you need help with?”

“Not really. I just wanted to say good morning.”

She nods. “Okay, well, good morning. I’ve got to get back to this.”

“Don’t mind her,” a voice says to my left. I turn to see Hope. “She gets very antsy right before we open.”

“Not that much,” Maggie says, frowning.

“How are you, Duke?” Hope says. “It’s been a while.”

“That’s what happens when you move out of your parents’ house. We can’t have our late night chats anymore.”

Hope laughs. “More like prank sessions. I had to move so I didn’t have to listen to you snore in the guest house anymore.”

I glance over at Maggie, wondering what she thinks of this. “That’s why I’ve got to save up money, so I can get surgery for the deviated septum.”

“Really?” Maggie asks, looking sympathetic.

I chuckle and shake my head. “No. A guy needs to work so he can travel.”

“Or buy a house not on his parents’ property,” Hope says with a laugh.

I give her a mock frown and say, “True. But then again, someone has to be the neighborhood watchdog. Everyone else keeps moving or getting engaged. Soon enough there might actually be a crime in this town and we need someone who can warn everyone. Or just Betty Freebush. Word travels like fire when she’s been informed.”

“We need to get going, but I hope things go well with your job.” Hope gives me a small smile and starts to walk inside, but I stop her.

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