Page 26 of The Library of Second Chances
“Very funny. We have a group email thread for the downtown business owners.” The light that had been in her eyes grew dark, all traces of the smile wiped from her face. “I hear you’re still pursuing the cruise ship idea. If you insist on doing a presentation from them, I’d appreciate you letting me know so I can bring in an environmental expert to give the other side of the argument.” She was all business again, her tone clipped.
“Lucy, I know you don’t agree with me on the cruise idea, but I think you might feel differently after you hear from them.”
“I doubt it, but obviously it’s not up to me. I know you already charmed your way into getting Missy on board, but not everyone in this town will fold so easily just because you’re handsome.” As if realizing what she’d just said, her cheeks flushed, and shequickly busied herself straightening a perfectly organized stack of papers on the counter.
Her admission made a warmth spread across his chest, and he couldn’t resist acknowledging the comment.
“You think I’m handsome?”
“Oh, stop it with the fake modesty. You know you’re good-looking, and I’m sure you use it to your advantage everywhere you go.”
He loved the way she pursed her lips and knitted her eyebrows together when she was irritated with him. It made her cupid’s bow more pronounced, and then all he could think about was what it would be like to kiss those lips.
Of course, that would never happen. She saw him as the enemy of everything she cared about, and he certainly wasn’t going to make the same mistake again and start dating someone involved in his project.
He quickly changed gears. He’d had an idea. “Hey, what are you doing when you close up?”
She glanced at the door, as if willing someone to come in and give her an excuse to be rid of him. Looking back, she searched his eyes as if looking for clues.
“Well, I guess now I have to get the word out about these meetings. Figure out who you’ve already talked to so I can do some damage control.” She crossed her arms.
He looked at the door where her hours were hand-painted onto the glass. “You close at six. Meet me at the corner of Main and West Second when you’re done closing up.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Why would I go anywhere with you?” The defensiveness was gone from her voice, replaced by what seemed like genuine curiosity.
“You’ll like it. I promise. And if you don’t, you can leave. But if you stay, we can grab dinner after, and I’ll tell you about some of my ideas that don’t involve cruise ships.”
Her eyes narrowed. She looked as if she was mentally making a list of pros and cons.
“Come on. What do you have to lose?” He looked directly in her eyes, challenging her.
“Fine.” She threw up her hands. “I’ll go. You’re not going to take me out on a boat and make me disappear or something, are you? Get rid of your opposition?”
He shook his head, laughing. “I think you’ve read one too many books. Maybe lay off the thrillers. There’s no boat involved. Scout’s honor.” He held up a hand in the scout pledge.
The corners of her mouth were turning up ever so slightly again. He could make her smile if she’d just stop seeing him as the villain in her story. He had to show her they weren’t that different if he was ever going to get her on board with his plans, and he thought he knew exactly where to start.
Eleven
Lucy
As Lucy flipped the sign on the front door to “Closed”—the same sign Annie had used for decades—she thought about her friend’s other practices she’d simply adopted and never changed. When she’d taken over the store, she hadn’t wanted to change anything because it made her feel as if Annie was still there. She hadn’t wanted to share such personal details with Logan, so she’d let him tease her and her backward ways. Who cared what he thought of her business anyway?
Approaching the corner of West Second and Main after leaving the store, she spotted Logan ahead speaking to Gladys Holcombe, the director of the local foundation charged with preserving the town’s history and administering the preservation program for buildings in the historic district downtown.
“Lucy.” Gladys held out her arms to embrace her. “It’s lovely to see you. When Logan told me you were tagging along for our little walk, I was just tickled pink.”
Lucy smiled as she hugged the petite older lady, who was decked out as if she was going to high tea instead of on a walk.
“A walk, huh?” She narrowed her eyes at Logan. “And what kind of walk are we going on today? I’m a bit out of the loop I’m afraid.” She smiled back at Gladys.
“Why, a historic downtown Heron Isle tour, of course. My favorite.” Her eyes sparkled as if she was seeing the historic buildings for the first time instead of being the island’s foremost expert on their history.
“I thought perhaps a history lesson might do me some good as I help the town plan for its future.” Logan shot Gladys one of his thousand-watt smiles.
Lucy could almost see the older woman swooning. Geez, even Gladys, who had children older than Logan, fell victim to his charm.
“I already know the town’s history. Why invite me?” Lucy said.
