Page 11 of Baby For The Billionaire Silver Fox

I felt a slap on my back and turned my head to see Matt, followed by Lexi, Nicole, and Nana Mae.

“Good job on the location, man,” Matt said. “Nana will love being near the heater.” He put a folded lawn chair near the warmth for Nana, and she gave me a big hug before sitting down.

“It’s nice to get out of the house. But if this music blows out my eardrums, I’m going right back home,” Nana declared.

“Should I have brought you some noise-canceling headphones, like you see the babies wearing at sporting events?” I asked sweetly. “With little smiley faces on them?”

Nana pretend-frowned and swatted me.

Nicole handed out cans of beer in Koozies to everyone and opted for sparkling water for herself. Lexi looked at her questioningly.

“What? I told you I’ve sworn off alcohol. It’s going to be my thing while I’m here, so I don’t make any more questionable decisions. Don’t worry, I’m still fun,” Nicole said with a wink.

I wondered what that was all about but kept my mouth shut. Nicole sat down next to me and bumped my arm. “There’s an assortment of things to eat in the bag. Help yourself.”

“Thanks, I will,” I answered. “Can I hand you something?”

She shook her head. “No, wait, yes. Beef jerky and cheese chunks, please.”

Matt sat on the other side of me with Lexi near him. Matt had been a friend since I’d moved here, and it was nice to see how much he’d changed since Lexi came into his life.

“So Matt, how is your Santana’s Deli chain managing without you working 16-hour days now? Is it surviving since you got a life?” I asked.

Matt just laughed and shook his head. He looked at Lexi with hearts in his eyes and took her hand in his. “Are you kidding? This girl is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I get the most amazing cookies whenever I want.”

Lexi, who had been talking with Nicole, turned her head to him and raised her eyebrows. “So my mad baking skills are keeping you around?”

She leaned in and kissed him, and I felt a pang in my gut. See? This is how love was supposed to be. Matt had cut back on his hours to spend time with Lexi. He was considerate and thoughtful. I didn’t figure that stuff out until it was too late. It had been a heart-wrenching lesson to learn.

“And to answer you, business is good with the delis. Anytime you want to manage one of them, just say the word.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m just not into working that hard anymore,” I said, leaning back on my hands. And that was the truth.

I could see out of the corner of my eye that Nicole was looking at me quizzically, like she was trying to figure me out.

The first band onstage started a tune, and I relaxed with the music. Looking around, it seemed like the whole town had turned out. They appeared to be enjoying themselves, so that was good. Some were milling around, talking to others. We were in a prime spot for that.

“So many peeps are stopping by. You’re pretty popular,” Nicole observed.

“I think we’re situated along the route to the porta-potties,” I answered. But I did know many people in this town, and I enjoyed talking with them.

Until I saw John Harris in his tweed jacket heading straight for me. I let out a prolonged sigh.

“Dan, excellent job on making this music festival come together in such a short time. I know there are a couple more nights to go, but I can already see this is a success. Your organizational skills are to be commended.”

“Nah, like I told you before, I just delegate. Other people do the real work.”

John leaned in closer to my friends and said, “Don’t you think Dan would make a good mayor of Cooperstown? I’m trying to convince him, and maybe you can help me.”

No one spoke as they looked at me for clues on how they should respond.

“John, I’ll run for mayor when you contribute $5000 of your own money to my campaign.”

John shot back up. “You’re always such a joker,” he said with an uncertain chuckle. He pretend-punched me in the arm and sidled over to talk to the couple on the next blanket.

“Hey, Frasier, Mindy, it’s good to see you out and about. How’s Ryan doing in college? Is he ever coming home?”

Matt snickered and gave me a look.

---