Page 70 of Dealing with Kate

“I’m here to apologize. I talked to Burt, and he told me everything. I’ve explained it all to the newspaper.”

“How’d you find out? And is Burt okay with people knowing?”

“The Three Stoo—the guys at The Drip pointed me in the right direction, and Burt came clean pretty easily. He was about to tell the newspaper himself, but let me handle it. He’s also fessing up to his wife. I think he was glad for the push to finally get it out in the open.”

“Hm. Well, I’m glad he’s telling her. The guilt was eating him up. Maybe even affecting his health.”

“You’re a pretty good friend to take all that heat without saying anything.”

Edward shrugged. “I figured the truth would come out eventually. If the people of New Bern can’t handle a little mix-up like this, then they aren’t who I thought they were.”

“I want you to know that I didn’t hire Kate just to spy on you. I met Chuck after I hired her. It was pure coincidence that she’s your daughter, and he’s running for mayor. I’m sorry for eavesdropping, and I’m sorry I told him what I overheard. I didn’t know either one of you, and Chuck had warned me you were a ‘shady character.’ I’ve since figured out he’s the shady one.”

“Chuck’s always had a chip on his shoulder when it came to me. Not entirely sure why, but not much I can do about it either. You met him through your mom?”

“Yes. He’s her latest mistake, although I’m not sure she sees that yet.” He sighed and shook his head. “I should have told you all sooner about my relationship with Chuck, but to be honest, we don’t have a relationship, per se. He’s engaged to my mom, but I’ve really only spent a few hours with him.”

“You’re worried about your mother?”

“Very. My gut tells me she’s just a prop for his political image, and once the election is over, their engagement will be too. For now, I’m stuck trying to keep her happy and set all this right. Hopefully, you won’t judge her too harshly. She thinks she’s a burden on me and is convinced Chuck will take care of her.”

“Hm.”

“Anyway, I never imagined he’d make accusations without proof, but I underestimated his stupidity. I’m sorry he’s dragging your good name through the mud, and wanted to let you know I’d been to the newspaper to clarify. The online version should vindicate you by this evening and the print version tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about me, son. Sounds like there’s someone else you should be having this conversation with.”

Adam wiped his hands on his pants. “Yeah, she’s not taking my calls, and when I stopped by her office just now, she apparently absconded out the back to avoid me. Is she really pissed?” Edward raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll keep trying.”

“Do you love her?” Edward asked.

The question caught Adam off guard, and he sat silent for a long time. Did he? “I’m not sure I know what love looks like, sir. Maybe? I mean, I guess I’m as close as I’ve ever been. I love being around her and have an urge to protect her and make her happy. I’m jealous at the thought of her dating anyone else. And it’s killing me that I hurt her.”

Edward chuckled. “Sounds like love to me. Some things are worth the struggle. I may be a little biased, but Katie is one of them. Give her a day to cool off, and then see what you can do. The Parker women sometimes take a minute to simmer down, if you know what I mean.” He winked.

Adam huffed out a laugh. “Thanks for the advice. We’re good, then?”

Edward nodded. “Good luck.”

Adam had one more stop in his quest to make things right. Doug had messed with the wrong real estate agent.

He knew where Doug’s office was because he’d been there a month earlier to interview him. Adam parked, entered, and, without talking to anyone, barged into Doug’s office. He was talking with an older couple and stood abruptly, flustered at the interruption.

“Sorry to interrupt folks,” Adam said. “Doug, could I get a moment of your time?”

“Mr. King. It’s nice to see you, but I’m with clients right now. Can we make an appointment to talk soon?”

Adam stood with his arms crossed and a scowl that said right now was good for him.

“Um, Mr. and Mrs. McCabe, can you excuse us for just a minute? If you ask the assistant out front, she’ll show you where the coffee machine is, and you’re welcome to make yourself a cup.”

The McCabes stood and, with matching indignant looks, left the office.

“Things not working out with Parker Realty?” Doug asked with a smug expression. “I knew you’d be back. Have a seat, and we can talk about how to pick up the pieces.”

Adam stared him down, incredulous that he could be so bad at reading a situation. If he wasn’t so pissed, he might have laughed at the fact that Doug thought he was there to hire him.Read the room, dude.

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