Page 78 of Fortune's Control
“The coach retires at the end of the year.” Sam picked up his hat, trying and failing to wipe some of the dust away. “Your father would be proud of you, Shane. Real proud. We miss him, but we’re damned lucky he left you here.”
My discomfort at his praise grew. My cheeks burned. “Can I offer a better suggestion?” It was the perfect solution. “If you want a Wilcott to help, go ask my wife. If this project of yours happens like you say it will, hire her to manage the ugly parts, and keep what you enjoy.”
“Like a town manager?”
I didn’t think Lilah would care what title he used. “Bring up tax forms and tax tables. She’ll agree.”
It would further tie Lilah to Fortune’s Creek and prove my decision to put off her job search was the correct one.
*****
“Aiden’s job is wrapping up soon.” I shoved the last bench off the truck bed, towards Jack’s waiting arms. “Do you have anything new lined up?”
“Your question makes me suspicious,” Jack said.
I sat on the open gate to help myself down. “It was an honest question. I have work for you.”
His wary eyes narrowed. “Is it permanent?”
It would be, but we weren’t there yet. “I’m taking over my rental properties and want some remodeling done.”
“Let’s talk later. I’ll finish putting these away while you collect your money.”
I grabbed my latest item from the rear seat floor and went in search of Pete.
A tourist couple browsed through a bin of art prints, but the gallery was otherwise empty. I knocked on the countertop and waited.
Diane emerged from the back office. “Shane Wilcott. Will you be leading us at the baseball game this weekend?”
“This weekend, and every one after. I trust you’ll be there to cheer us on?”
“You know everyone in Fortune’s Creek will be there.” Diane leaned across the countertop and lowered her voice after glancing at the tourist couple. “How’s your wife?”
We were married, with an annulment no longer available. I had taken some steps and planned more, but it wasn’t complete. We weren’t there…yet.
“She’s doing well. The mayor is at our house to talk up their grant proposal.”
“Oh, I hope that comes through. We could update our downtown and grow the public dock. We’re lucky you found her, Shane.”
“Yes, ma’am, I am lucky.”
“Have you figured out who was looking for her the other day?” She shook her head and tsked. “Pete said he was a jealous ex-boyfriend. Such high drama for our little town.”
The tale we floated through town. “Tell me if you or Pete see him again.”
“Why would I do that?” Diane pulled a cast-iron frying pan from under the countertop. “I’ll be sure and take him out first.”
“I already feel sorry for the guy. Say, is Pete here?”
“Right behind you.” The door opened as Pete announced himself. “Welcome to Fortune’s Creek’s baseball hero and future mayor.”
The tourist couple checked me out, and I cringed. “I’ll take credit for the first one, but Sam is already our beloved mayor.”
Pete pulled his glasses down to peer up at me. “He’s getting up there in years.”
Did anyone else in town plan a surprise attack? “Sam has more energy than almost anyone I know. What would we do without Sam at our summer movie nights?” I kept going before Pete could respond. “This is Lilah’s idea.” I set the latest cat bed on the countertop. “It’s a cat bed shaped like a rowboat.”
“Because cats don’t like water,” Diane said. She stroked the wood, picking up a few decorative elements. “Just like your father, Shane. It’s stunning.”
