Page 17 of Sweet Summertide

“Save it. I know what you did,” Theodor said, interrupting. “You have a lot of nerve showing up here today.”

“Despite what you might think, I can’t actually control her, you know. Plus, it was only chalk,” Millie said, “I didn’t come here to fight. I actually came for him.”

“You can let Holly know that her plan backfired,” Theodor said and crossed his arms for effect. “I’ve had more interest today than ever.”

“I guess, you’re welcome,” Millie said with a cock of her head.

Theodor stayed quiet, not wanting her to know how Holly had burrowed under his skin. He would deal with Holly when the time was right. Alfonso could deal with Millie, though by the looks of his friend’s goo-goo eyes, Alfonso was a lost cause.

Alfonso put his hands out like he was asking permission to take Millie out. “Time to go.”

Irritation tensed in Theodor’s neck. “Millie, before you go, can you tell me why she’s fighting dirty to get the grant money?”

Millie shrugged. “Holly’s a winner. If she sets her mind to something, she’ll stop at nothing to get it.” She stepped just outside the front door and paused to add, “If you can’t beat her, join her. Although my advice is to stay out of her way.”

“Do me a favor, Millie. Tell your accomplice that I need to speak with her.”

“We’re getting drinks later. I’ll tell her.”

Alfonso shrugged on his way out.

“Traitor,” Theodor shouted only half kidding.

Across the street, he saw a striking blonde skip into the creamery as though she had not a care in the world. Theodor had never known a person without any cares. In his experience, the people with the most to lose often pretended to care the least.Sure, he could go to war against her and retaliate tenfold, but his gut told him that there was more to her story to learn.

CHAPTER 9

The last thingHolly wanted to do was run into Teddy after being caught gold-handed outside his storefront. There was no way he wasn’t mad at her for the chalk stunt, and she did not enjoy feeling guilty that she had had some fun at his expense—even though they were embroiled in a competition. Holly spent the day justifying her actions in her mind and staying away from Main Street until she had to go in. At some point, she needed to work on her wall mural before getting drinks with Millie and some of her friends.

She had wrongly assumed her visit would go unnoticed, but Teddy had been standing in his doorway when she skipped down the sidewalk. Upon seeing her, he dumped a bucket of dirty water down the street drain and retreated inside his shop. Thank goodness their interaction had been nearly non-existent. She could get her painting done and get to a much more enjoyable event. Girls’ night was just the thing to get her mind off Teddy Black.

Holly huggeda chilled wine bottle and threaded the stems of three more empty glasses between her fingers. She had been inthe middle of telling her story to the other women when the rosé had run out. Holly had offered to get more supplies from the kitchen while their hostess, America, greeted a few late arrivals to the party.

“Holly,” America said and waved her over. “I want you to meet some of my friends from the Cove. This is Jenny, Thandie, and this is my beautiful mother, Vivian.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Holly took America’s mom’s hands. “You own the boutique on Main, right?”

“That’s right. Call me Vi, please.”

“I love your store. It’s become one of my favorite places to shop for goodies and girly dresses.” Holly’s excitement was evident in her wide smile and rapid speech. She felt a bit like a fangirl and twirled around, showing off her newest purchase: a pretty green frock with delicate chiffon ruffles that cascaded from the hips to her calf.

“It suits you perfectly,” Vi said.

“Thanks. I can’t wait for my business to open in a couple weeks.” Patience wasn’t ever her strong suit, but what’s to be expected from a girl who was given everything her heart desired as a child. Patience and planning were personal skills she needed to improve on if she were going to succeed as a business owner, and shooting to win the grant money was providing the focus she desperately needed and motivate her through the home-stretch.

“Alfonso tells me that your creamery is coming along well,” a tall woman with dark hair said. “I’m Thandie. I work with Alfonso. That guy can’t keep anything to himself.” She sniggered and motioned to take the glasses from Holly’s hands. “Let me help you.”

“I know what you mean. But I don’t know who’s worse, Alfonso, or Millie,” Holly said and handed over the stemware.

As they moved away from the front door, Jenny, America’s other friend who had come in with the others, took Holly by thearm as though they were old friends. “I must prepare you …” she paused her low tone. A hundred things ran through Holly’s mind at what could be so dangerous as to necessitate a warning from a stranger. Jenny snatched the bottle from the crook of Holly’s elbow. “I hope we have more where this came from.” Jenny laughed and walked ahead of a stunned and amused Holly into the parlor.

“I’ll get another,” America said, having overheard Jenny’s remark. She patted Holly on the shoulder as she passed by and made her way to the kitchen at the back of the house. “Jenny talks a big game, but one glass will do her in.”

In the parlor, Millie popped up from her spot on the caramel-colored chesterfield sofa and stood beside Holly. “Ignore Jenny, she has a one-year-old at home and doesn’t get out much. She likes to let loose when she gets a chance,” Millie explained, and Holly nodded. “And you met Vi. She’s fantastic. Vi’s actually the person who hired me to finish the reno on this house.”

“You’ve done all this?” Holly knew Millie was an interior designer, but she hadn’t had a chance to see any of her work in person until now. Standing in a magnificent parlor that featured intricate woodwork and painted mouldings, a modern brass and crystal chandelier hanging from a plaster medallion on the ceiling, and a large stone fireplace, Holly felt like she had been transported to an easier time. A time when wearing frilly dresses and bows in her hair was the norm, and evening drinks with the ladies wasn’t a special occasion. “I love it.”

Millie giggled. “There are two rooms in this house that I didn’t have anything to do with. This is one of them.” She bumped Holly who wanted to remove the foot from her mouth. “I’m only teasing you. America and her husband Leo had a great start to the renovation but needed some extra help to get things wrapped up. They are so busy. America is a writer, and they own the Foundry.”

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