Page 50 of Last Call

Fallon looked at Carol.

“I don’t. Evan is happy spending time with Pete and Beth. They meet Marge and Dale here at least once a week for dinner. And Pete brings Evan in every Thursday afternoon.”

Fallon’s brows lifted. “EveryThursday?”

“After they finish working,” Carol explained. “They’re rebuilding a Mustang.”

Fallon blinked. “Wait—seriously?”

Carol chuckled. “Seriously.”

“I know Pete’s been teaching Evan about cars. No one said anything about rebuilding a Mustang.”

“It’s a surprise for Beth. I only know because I overheard Evan whispering to Pete. They came clean on their master plan. Evan’s been worried about his mom. I guess Beth mentioned to Pete that she had a Mustang when she first met Dean. Said she’d buy one tomorrow if she didn’t need a ‘mom’ car.”

“I remember that car.” Fallon’s voice softened. “Beth always said driving it made her feel free.”

Carol nodded. “I heard.”

“She told Pete that?”

“I don’t think there’s much Beth doesn’t tell Pete. He bought the car at auction a little over a month ago. He and Evanwere hoping to have it ready by Beth’s birthday. I think Evan’s worried about Marge, about the baby, but also about whether they’ll finish the car in time.”

“Thanks for telling me,” Fallon said, studying the unfamiliar weight in Carol’s eyes. “There’s something else bothering you.”

Carol hesitated. “No.”

“Come on.”

“Fallon.”

“If you tell me, I’ll go sit with Evan.”

Carol sighed. She knew Fallon wouldn’t let it go. And deep down, she didn’t really want her to.

“Charlie might need to close the shop,” Carol said finally.

“What? Why?”

“We’re underwater. People don’t come into Whiskey Springs to shop anymore, and they don’t use butchers. Even his regulars are fading. He’s been thinking about going back into the restaurant business. He helped his dad with banquets for years.”

“Carol, if Charlie needs an investor, all he needs to do is ask.”

“No.” Carol cut her off. “No, Fallon. He would never accept that kind of help. And it wouldn’t fix the problem anyway. If money could save it, he’d take out a loan.”

Fallon frowned. “Then how can I help?”

Carol smiled. “Saying it out loud helps. That’s enough.”

“What about moving the store?”

Carol exhaled deeply. Growing up, she realized that Whiskey Springs wasn’t the best place for well-kept secrets. People tended to choose what they saw and what they ignored, a common trait magnified in a small town. Most people preferred to overlook the negative happenings around them. Acknowledging that something was wrong meant taking action, and few were eager to get involved in others’ issues. Fallon was different. She would go out of her way for those she cared about, something Carol had witnessed time and again. Occasionally,Fallon forgot that sometimes people just needed someone to listen, not to fix their problems. Fallon's eagerness to help was one of her most endearing traits, though it could also lead to frustration.

“It’s a problem for another day,” Carol said. “It’s just money. Marge and Dale are what matters.”

Fallon nodded but didn’t move.

“I’m serious,” Carol added. “Go sit with Evan. I’ll have Don make a plate of nachos.”

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