Page 19 of Slide
“No, dear girl. It’s not something Artie did. It’s something I did.”
Mrs. Cleary looked uncomfortable, nervous even. It was weird seeing her like that. She was formidable on a good day and a damn hurricane on a bad one.
“I don’t understand.”
“Right after Mr. Cleary died all those years ago and I wanted to open up this flower shop, I had a partner. A silent partner. Your mother. She invested the capital for it. I tried to pay her back, but she wouldn’t take it.”
“My mother owned part of your shop? I never knew that.”
“No one did. I don’t know why she wouldn’t let me tell people. She had this idea that no one should know. Your father knew, of course, and several top financial people, but no one else. I was able to make a very good living for myself. She sent customers to me all the time, sometimes very important and powerful people. She was a good woman, your mother.”
Bella smiled. Pride filled her heart. Yes, her mother had been a good woman, as much as her father had been a good man. She missed them more some days than others and right at that moment, talking with Mrs. Cleary, made it one of the hard days. “I’m afraid I still don’t understand though. What does this have to do with me?”
“The initial investment money is still sitting in an account, untouched. It’s under the name of the flower shop at First National down in Knoxville. That money belongs to you, Bella. Half of this flower shop belongs to you,” Mrs. Cleary said, waving her arm to encompass the store.
“What?” Bella’s knees buckled and she grabbed the edge of the counter.
“Your mother was more than a financial investor. I said she was a silent partner, and she was. Under her maiden name, she owned one half of the shop. Those accounts and her half of the business reverted to me when your parents passed away. When you came back home, it didn’t seem right not to offer you her half. Only … Only I needed to make sure you were here to stay, to live, to work. I didn’t want to see any further harm come to the people of this town. You understand, don’t you, dear? I had to make sure Artie couldn’t get his hands on anything more. I had to make sure you were as innocent as I believed you to be.”
“Oh.”
“See, I had already planned to talk to you, which is why I came back today. And after seeing you with Gilbert and what did for him? Well, I’m glad I did come back.”
“I …” Bella was at a loss for words. She did understand. How could she not? And yet, Mrs. Cleary was offering half of her business? She grabbed for the stool at the far end of the counter and dragged it forward. She set her hip on the edge and tried to take in all that Mrs. Cleary had said.
“I had the papers drawn up and all they need is your signature.” Mrs. Cleary patted Bella’s hand, then gripped it tight. “I won’t be around forever, but I would love for my little flower shop to live on after I’m gone.”
“You’ll be around for many more years,” Bella added.
“For at least thirty. Forty if the good Lord will listen to me.”
Bella laughed and placed her other hand on top of Mrs. Cleary’s. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You say yes, of course. The money is yours. It’s not a substantial amount by today’s standards, but it’s enough for you to get out of the ugly house you’re leasing.”
“I actually like that ugly house.”
“Then you can now afford to get it a decent paint job. You could buy it if you wanted. I know what they want for it. Gossip, you know. The price was outrageous to begin with. Add in the extra forty thousand and it’s beyond outrageous. Lakefront or not.”
“I know. They did that for my benefit.”
“Vultures. Well, if you do decide to buy it, you let me know and we’ll get them off their high horses. Thinking they can take advantage of people and no one will call them on it.”
“I … Thank you for trusting me with this.”
“You are a strong woman, Arabella Drake. You get that from your mother. You never deserved anything less than my trust and my support. I am so sorry it took me a little while to come around. Your brother, though? That boy needs a good swift kick for what he’s put you and your family name through. But don’t you worry. We’ll go to Mr. Landers’ office tomorrow morning to sign the papers. He’ll file everything and get all the bank documents together for you as well so you’ll have access to your money.”
“Okay.”
“For now, why don’t you let me get you home? I know your car is in that boy Travis’ garage. You watch out for him. He’s a naughty one.”
Bella bit back a grin. Mrs. Cleary had no idea how naughty Travis was. “It needs a new transmission. And thank you for the offer, but I have a ride home.”
“Well, you should be able to afford the repair bill soon. Travis … He’s a little too smooth with his manners and a whole lot rough around the edges bit. You should steer clear of him.” Mrs. Cleary’s tone was sharp. Bella understood why Mrs. Cleary gave her the warning.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Mrs. Cleary turned her head and gave Bella a pointed look. “Unless you like that sort of man.”
