Page 17 of Love In Harbor Falls

“I’m so happy to be spending time with you again.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

“What did you want to tell me about the museum?” I asked as I licked my mint chocolate chip ice cream cone.

“I quit.”

“What?” My eyes widened. “Why?”

“After you left, Charles hired this ungodly woman. She was nasty, Addy, and I could tell she didn’t like gay people.”

“Did you say something to Charles?”

“I did. I told him I quit, and I walked out. Things just weren’t the same there without you.”

“Aw, Luis.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “What did Alfred say?”

“Not much, really. He just said I needed to do what makes me happy and supports my decision.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Take some time off for a while, and then I’ll look for another job. I will tell you that Queen B is happy I’m home all day.” He smirked.

“I bet she is.”

After finishing our ice cream, we returned to the house to discuss what further things needed to be done for the gallery. We were sitting at the table in the kitchen when a voice came through the sliding door screen.

“Hello, hello.”

Luis placed his hand over his heart, for Annie startled him.

“Annie, come on in.”

“I hope you don’t mind. I made homemade banana bread this morning and thought I’d bring you a loaf. I was going to drop it off earlier, but then I saw this handsome man pull up, and the two of you left.”

I knew the banana bread was an excuse so she could find out who Luis was and why he was here.

“Banana bread is my favorite. Hello, darling.” Luis smiled as he extended his hand. I’m Luis, Adalyn’s bestie from New York.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Luis. I’m Annie Fricks, Adalyn’s next-door neighbor.”

“Annie’s been ensuring I’m well-fed since moving in.” I smiled.

“Thank you for taking such good care of her,” Luis spoke.

“Luis and I worked together at the museum. He came here to help me get the gallery together.”

Suddenly, Annie’s demeanor changed, and the color drained from her face.

“It was nice meeting you, but I must get back home. I’ll talk to you later, Adalyn.”

She walked out the door and raced home.

“What was that all about?” Luis asked.

“I have no idea.”

CHAPTER11

Colin

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