Page 30 of Well Played

“Is that Gramps singing?” I asked.

Fern smiled wide as she banged on the pot. “Sure is.”

My grandfather used to play the banjo out front and sing along to old country songs. The neighbors would sit on the lawn and listen with their beers in hand. Those were some of the best memories. I never realized we had any of his performances recorded. I closed my eyes and took a few moments to transport myself back to that time.

“He kept a stash of himself singing on tape. Loved to listen to himself, that man,” Fern said.

“Just another wonderful memory here at The Palm Inn.” Presley smiled at me exaggeratedly.

“I know what you’re doing.” I groaned. “Don’t think I’m stupid.”

“Oh, I’m not even trying to pretend. My intentions are no secret, Miller.”

She winked at me, and I got the strangest urge to bend her over the counter and slap her beautiful ass. I definitely would be keeping that to myself.

Harry and I left the kitchen, and the music faded as we made our way around the house. I noticed Fern had left bras hanging to dry in several of the rooms. More than usual.

Harry cleared his throat. “I’m sensing a common theme here.”

“Not sure why she needs to do that. We have a damn clothesline out back.”

Actually, I knew why she’d spread them all around today. She was trying to mess with me.

“Well, hopefully once we start showing the place, you can clear them out,” he said.

I eagerly changed the subject. “So, what do you think in terms of a listing price?”

“I think we can go even higher than previously estimated, actually. Not to mention, now is a really good time to sell, given the market. I would highly suggest getting the ball rolling.”

That was excellent news, but somehow I felt a pang of guilt. Those twohadgotten to me.

After we finished the tour, I walked Harry to the door. We stepped out front together.

I shook his hand. “I appreciate you coming out.”

“I’m just a phone call away whenever you’re ready to pull the trigger.”

Back inside, I found Presley and Fern in the kitchen.

“So did we scare him away?” Fern laughed.

“Hardly. He thinks we can get even more for The Palm Inn than Franklin wanted to pay. We really need to have another serious discussion, Presley.”

“Yeah, well, that won’t be happening tonight,” she said. “I have to get ready to go.”

After Presley exited the room, I looked over at Fern, who smirked at me.

“Already planning how I’m gonna spend that 10K.”

Determined not to dignify her comment with a response, I simply rolled my eyes before going in search of Alex.

I found him in his room. “Do you know what you want to do tonight?” I asked. “I get you all to myself.”

“I know. Mom’s going out. I love it when she goes out because I get to have takeout.”

“What’s wrong with your mom’s cooking? I like that better than takeout.”

“You’ll eat anything, Uncle Levi.”

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