Page 67 of Last Call

“I’m not sure what I think,” Riley said.

“It isn’t. I thought about this a few years back. Maybe I should have done something sooner.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Iwant to show Dave the property in Jeffersonville,” Fallon admitted. “I don’t want to oversee changes at Murphy’s Law. I also don’t want to sell the pub.”

“Go on.”

“If Dave is on board with my idea to start a tour and instruction company, I’ll move forward.”

Riley smiled. “But?”

“Nope. There is no but in the equation. I wonder if Charlie would consider investing in an expansion at Murphy’s. As a partner.”

“How would you feel about that? Murphy’s Law is your baby.”

“I guess it is. I think I’ve resisted changing things because itismy baby. It’s also a business,” Fallon said. “And if I want to see it thrive, I need to make some changes.”

“You know Carol will think this is because of what she told you.”

“She will at first. It isn’t. Look, I admit. I want to help. The truth is, Riley, I need her help—and Charlie’s, particularly if I’m going to start something new. I know what some of our friends think.”

“What might that be?”

“That I don’t worry about money,” Fallon said. “They think because I have some money, I don’t care about the financial success of the business. I do.”

“I know you do.”

“Pete said some things tonight that got me thinking.”

“Oh?”

“He hired a mechanic to help in the shop.”

“Really?”

“I know. It surprised me, too. He said he doesn’t want to miss Evan’s games.” Fallon smiled. “Dave said something about Jake missing his games when we drove back to Vermont. I get it. It’s one of the biggest reasons I like the idea of opening a tour company. Most of my time will be needed during the winter months. I realize it might impinge on our holidays—just a bit. But I’d be home more during the summer when the kids are out of school. I’d have more time for their activities. You know? The same is true for Dave. I know that’s important to him, too. And Carol? Riley, even when Carol and Charlie start their family, she’ll want to keep working. I know her. And I don’t want anyone else to run Murphy’s. With Charlie there, she can step back. It’s what we all need. And it’s what Murphy’s needs.”

Riley leaned in and kissed Fallon, pulling her closer when Fallon tried to pull away.

“Riley?”

“I love you.”

“I love you,” Fallon said. “So, you don’t think my ideas are crazy?”

“Not at all.”

“And you’re not going to tell me why I should stop and think about it more?”

“Nope.”

“Really?”

“You’ve thought it through. All your reasons make sense to me.”

“I just hope they make sense to everyone else,” Fallon said.

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