Page 103 of Fortune's Control
“I’ll call you when it’s over.”
“Why do that when I already know the results?”
“You can’t know that,” she admonished.
A partially completed desk occupied a corner of my woodshop, as I planned to convert a downstairs bedroom into her office. “Then I guess we’ll see who’s right.” She scooted forward, so I tightened my grip on her thigh. “Hey. Before we go inside, I want you to know how proud I am. You won me over, and then you went and did the same to this town. You’ll do it again today. I want you to know how amazed I am by all you’ve done.”
Lilah’s lip quivered. So I kissed her to prevent any potential tears. I’d watched her apply makeup that morning and didn’t want to be responsible for any touch-ups that might be needed. Plus, I always looked for another excuse to kiss her.
*****
Lilah threw me a secret smile before continuing her conversation with Evelyn. They sat across the table, making it a challenge to overhear through all the nearby commotion. There were several of us at a long table, while townsfolk drifted through the Creekside Diner to give Sam, Sophie, and Lilah a final offer of good luck. Willard included a warning to leave their cell phones at home, explaining they were in the area tracking people. No one asked who they were, but Sam showed off his old-fashioned flip phone.
“I was right about her,” Sophie said. She took a bite of her veggie omelet while studying Lilah and her grandmother.
“I was right about her,” I corrected as Sophie gave a skeptical glance and rolled her eyes. “Oh, you mean Evelyn. Yes, you’re the one who led us to her. She’s been over several times fordinner since we met, so you’ll see her around while you’re here.”
“What are your plans today? I expected you to come with and act as our bodyguard?”
“Fishing with Jack.” I couldn’t deny considering whether to tag along.
She pressed her lips together. “I hope you two come home stinking of rancid fish, and she spends the night at Lainey’s.”
“You should tell me what happened between you and Jack so I can fix it. He’ll apologize if I make him.”
“You’ll force an apology from him? Shane, that’s not what women dream of, and you can’t undo the past. Once this presentation is done, and we win the grant money, I’m moving forward with the rest of my life’s plans.”
I twisted my lips. “Those plans should involve Fortune’s Creek. You’ve been gone long enough, and if you want to make the garage apartment yours, we can do that, or build you a bigger home on the property.”
“Move back in with you?” She bobbed her head in an exaggerated, cutesy manner. “Will I get my chaperone and a curfew? I wouldn’t dream of staying out past midnight without your approval first.” She held her hands up like a dog begging for treats.
Frustration threatened. “You can stay out past midnight without my permission. Don’t let that be the excuse not to come home where you belong.”
I wouldn’t force her to create a friendship with Jack; I wasn’t that dumb, but civility was a reasonable goal. This town, and our home, also belonged to her. For all of Sophie’s claims of loving her new life, with its challenges and opportunities, the endless prognostications didn’t ring true. She’s the one who discovered the state’s grant opportunity and put the entire effort in motion. Sam worked in public relations,and Lilah provided all the finances, but it was Sophie’s vision. Her efforts did not match her claimed indifference.
“Do you hear yourself?” Sophie’s lips puckered with annoyance. “You left me behind when we were kids, and now you’ll let me come home.”
I tried again. “You’re misinterpreting me. I’m saying that I miss you, Sophie.”
“I miss you, too. Sometimes.” She glanced towards Lilah, her features softening. “You can’t help it, so it isn’t fair to hold it against you. When I come back to Fortune’s Creek, it’ll be on my timetable, Shane, not yours. I have plans.”
“You said when.”
“I’m also silently calling you a jerk, so let’s not press it.”
Lilah overheard us and shook her head, admonishing me, so I lightened my tone. “Make it soon.”
“Not horrible for a first effort,” Sophie said, and gave me a thumbs-up.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked as Lilah’s phone rang, cutting off our conversation. She glanced at the screen and then at me with growing horror. “Who is it?”
Her voice trembled. “My mom.”
Evelyn’s features tightened with concern. “You don’t have to answer.”
“Yes, I do.” She pressed the screen. “Hi, Mom.” Lilah pressed a hand to her chest as her mouth dropped open. “Where am I? In Fortune’s Creek. You know that.” Lilah’s chair scraped on the tile floor as she pushed it back and stood. Her neck twisted as her mother spoke. “You’re where?” She pointed towards herself, the outside, and back towards herself. “I’m having breakfast at the Creekside Diner with…everyone.”
“Oh, shit.” I stood and caught Evelyn’s expression. She’d reached the same conclusion.
