Page 45 of A Little Twist

Beside it is a stack of pictures of the small wooden signs that appear sporadically around town with little sayings or affirmations painted on them.

“Still no idea who’s doing these?” I hold one up.

“No clue.” Doug’s voice is thoughtful.

The sign readsOpen your heart, and I quip, “Maybe it’s Madonna.”

Doug’s silent laugh shakes his whole body. “Wouldn’t that be something? Or her number one fan.”

It was a pretty lame joke, and I’ve got what I need. “Any messages for Aiden?”

He polishes off the donut, licking his thumb and index finger. “Just keep enjoying married life. It’s going to be fun having them two working here together. Like one of those old TV shows,Moonlightingor something.”

“Tell him we want more babies!” Holly yells from her desk.

I’ll leave that message for her to deliver. Waving, I head out the door. I’ve already been here too long, and I’m supposed to be meeting with that prick Drake Redford in fifteen minutes.

I can’t imagine what’s on his mind, but if he plans to suggest we work together in some way, he’s got another thing coming. Cass has told me enough to want to call off this morning’s meeting, but it would be unprofessional at this late hour. I’ll deal with him in other ways.

I leave Britt’s laptop on the porch swing and text my brother. I don’t have time to chat. By the time I’m at the distillery, Drake is already there, sitting in his Range Rover and looking at his phone.

Quickly parking in my reserved space, I hit the lock button and step out. “Sorry I’m late. Had to run an errand for my brother.”

“No worries, man.” He steps out of the vehicle and reaches for my hand.

Hesitating, I study his palm before giving him a brief shake. “We should have the place to ourselves. Did you want a tour? A peek at the honey barrel?”

“I’ll save that for next time. Walk with me.” He smiles that obnoxious grin. “It’s better if I show you what’s on my mind. Help you catch the vision.”

As if I’m interested in his vision. Still, I follow him as he walks across the parking lot, out to the pea-gravel drive, and towards the road. He’s wearing a brown suit and leather loafers, so I’m guessing we’re not going far.

At the beginning of the road, he stops. “Take a look around. What do you see?”

My brow quirks, and I’m not sure what he’s getting at. “I see my family’s land.”

“And I see opportunity!” He spreads his arm across the quiet green fields like he’s in the opening number of a Broadway musical. “Picture it. A resort hotel with a golf course, a splash pad for the kids, and all the customers you could want right here in your own backyard.”

It actuallyismy own backyard, and I can’t think of anything worse than plugging up the beautiful scenery with high rises and traffic and noise and litter.

Exhaling a brief laugh, I shake my head. “We’re not interested in selling.”

“Are you kidding me?” His brows rise, and he pauses for a moment. “You haven’t heard my offer yet.”

“We don’t need the money.” I’m returning to the distillery, and he’s right behind me. “Let the golfers go to Kiawah, and the beachcombers can go to Hilton Head.”

“What about the foodies? The bourbon enthusiasts?”

“I don’t need a bunch of taters ruining the scenery.”

“Now you’re just being a snob.” He laughs. “I think Eureka is ripe for development. It’s my job to spot these things. I’m offering to let you in on the ground floor of something big.”

“I’ve already got my big thing.” I stop when we reach the cars. “I appreciate you stopping by. If that’s all you wanted to say, I’ve got work to do.”

“And I thought you were a visionary. Guess I was wrong.”

His words don’t bother me if that’s his goal. “Eureka’s not interested in being developed. We like things the way they are.”

“Sounds like that’s your opinion, man. I’d like to take it to the people, see what they have to say. Maybe this won’t be the spot, but you’ll regret missing the opportunity.”

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