Page 92 of Resting Beach Face
But looking at the gorgeous remodel under way, I couldn’t regret my choice. Aunt Millie had a beautiful vision, and thanks to Cash’s optimism—and Gray’s know-how—I would get to bring it to life for someone who could fully appreciate it.
Thankfully, Gray wasn’t put off by my interruption. “Go ahead. I’ve got plenty to do until my afternoon boat tour.”
I hurried down the hill, eyeing the edging as I did. I might be stressed, but no weeds were getting in on my watch.
While I crossed the garden, I pulled up Nathan’s contact.
He answered on the first ring, which wasn’t surprising. The man lived with a Bluetooth headset on.
“Declan, about time you got back to me.”
I winced. I’d dodged a couple of calls, but I was done stalling.
“Hey, Nate, sorry,” I puffed out between heavy breaths. I guess I’d walked a little too quickly across the stretch of land separating The Roost and the B&B.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Just walking while I talk.” I pulled open the back door and stepped into my kitchen. “I’ve been really busy with some renovations at the B&B.”
“Renovations? But why would— Oh, no.” Nathan was a quick guy. He put it together instantly. “No, man. Tell me you’re not backing out of this deal!”
“I’m sorry,” I repeated.
“Declan! I went out on a limb for you with this. These guys are pros, and they don’t dick around. They’re going to be fucking pissed.”
“I didn’t ask you to do that,” I said tightly. “It was your idea in the first place.”
“Which you agreed to,” Nathan said, voice gaining an edge. “You said yes.”
“But I didn’t sign anything?—”
“Goddamn it, Declan. I’m trying to be a good friend here, but you’re making it really hard. I thought you wanted to leave that B&B crap behind and come work for me.”
“Just a minute.” I filled a glass with water and took a long gulp. It cooled me down a little and calmed my nerves. “I do still want to work for you. That hasn’t changed.”
He exhaled. “Okay, then, what’s the hangup? Is it the terms of the deal? We can negotiate.”
“No, I, uh…I’m going to sell to someone who will run the B&B. I want to keep my Aunt Millie’s memory alive.”
The view from the window over the sink was stunning. Lush green grass, crimson rambler roses, purple petunias, and cheery little hibiscus blossoms dotted the gardens, leading into the strawberry patch, the herb and vegetable garden, and the wild blackberries that had cropped up.
It was all too easy to picture the greenhouse Aunt Millie had wanted on the grounds between the main house and The Roost, with the waters of the lake sparkling under a bright sun just beyond.
A sense of peace descended. Keeping this place alive—realizing its full potential—was the right choice.
“I can’t believe you,” Nathan said, voice dripping with disgust. “This is primo lakefront property. How do you know anyone you sell to won’t do the same as these guys? At least they’re being upfront with you.”
That was a good question. One I’d have to sort out.
“I’ll find the right buyer. It’ll have to be someone I know and trust. Someone with real ties to Swallow Cove.”
“Right,” he said testily. “And you’re going to manage that from Chicago?”
“Actually, I was hoping to work remotely from Swallow Cove.”
“Jesus fucking Christ.”
“In our industry, there’s no reason?—”
