Page 16 of Harmony Island Gazette
I gave her a quick smile before heading over to my desk. I grabbed my purse, my voice recorder, a notebook, and pens. After sliding the items into my bag, I fished out my keys, grabbed my half empty coffee cup, and pushed in my chair.
I was filling my cup with coffee when Elizabeth walked up to me. She had on a cute brimmed hat and was pulling her purse strap up onto her shoulder.
“Ready?” I asked as she pulled out a pair of sunglasses from her purse and swapped her glasses for them.
“Yep,” she said as she settled the sunglasses onto her nose.
“Great.” I replaced the coffee pot and screwed on the lid to my cup. My keys jangled in my hand as I grabbed the now full coffee cup while using my other hand to find my sunglasses that I was sure were buried in the bottom of my purse.
The sun was bright when I pushed the front door open. I slipped my glasses on as I held the door for Elizabeth, and we headed toward my car.
I gave Elizabeth a sheepish smile as I hurried to clear the takeout boxes scattered in my front seat. I never really drove anyone else. If Asher and I hung out, we normally just drove separately. Besides a few acquaintances here on the island, I didn’t have any bosom buddies. I was hoping ladies like Abigail and Shelby were going to fix that.
Once we were settled, I stuck the key into the ignition, and my car roared to life. It was only a fifteen-minute drive to Harmony Cove. Jack Johnson played on my radio as I turned into the community.
The sign that greeted us was weatherworn but beautiful. The wood sign was intricately carved with images of flowers and the sun. The letters ofHarmony Covecurved and swirled. Its white paint was in need of a refresh, but even in its aged state, it was a work of art.
“What’s happening in Harmony Cove?” Elizabeth asked as she shifted her gaze from outside the window to me.
“Proctors wanted us here to cover some offer they are making to Barbara McDonnell,” I said as I fished around my cupholder for my phone. Once in hand, I held it out in front of me while I shifted my gaze from my phone to the road. Thankfully, it only took me a moment to find Gloria’s text, and I read the address out loud to Elizabeth.
After two right turns, we pulled up behind a row of black SUVs. My tiny Toyota Corolla looked minuscule next to them. I looked over at Elizabeth, who looked just as confused as I was. Why were there so many vehicles here if they were just making an offer on Ms. McDonnell’s house?
We both unbuckled at the same time. I grabbed my purse and hiked it up onto my shoulder as I pushed open the driver’s door and climbed out. Elizabeth waited for me as I rounded the hood. We walked side by side down the sidewalk and up Ms. McDonnell’s driveway.
A man in a dark suit and sunglasses stood next to the front door. This seemed a little excessive for what we’d been asked to come down here and cover. I shot Elizabeth a look and she responded by raising her eyebrows.
“Excuse me,” the bouncer-looking man said as he stepped forward and held up his hand. “What can I help you with?”
“I’m Ella Calipso.” I shoved my hand into my purse. Gloria had given me a press badge when I started, but this was such a small town I’d never had to take it out. People just knew who I was, and if they didn’t, they certainly knew Gloria. “With Harmony Gazette,” I added when no recognition passed over the man’s face.
He narrowed his eyes before he stepped back and lifted his wrist to his mouth and muttered something. Whomever he’d talked to must have given Elizabeth and me the green light because he suddenly walked over to the door and pulled it open. With a flick of his hand, he motioned for us to enter.
“Thanks,” I said as I led Elizabeth up the porch steps and through the front door. The entire exchange was so weird. Why were they acting like the president was here? I wanted to turn and ask Elizabeth what she thought, but I also wanted to appear professional, and two whispering, gossiping girls walking into a meeting didn’t seem to be the way to portray that.
I could hear voices coming from the back of the house, so I headed down the hallway with Elizabeth right behind me. Everyone was in the kitchen. Marcus Proctor was sitting at the head of the table with Ms. McDonnell next to him. There was a group of men in suits standing behind Marcus, and standing to the left was…
I frowned. Asher?
His gaze caught mine, and he looked as confused as I did as he stared at me. I could see the question forming in his mind, and it matched my own,what are you doing here?
“Ah, you must be who Gloria sent,” Mr. Proctor said as he waved me over.
Not sure what to do, I obeyed and walked closer to him. “Ella,” I said when I got close enough to extend my hand. “Ella Calipso.”
Mr. Proctor glanced down at my hand, and for a moment, I worried that I’d overstepped. Thankfully, he took my hand and shook it before nodding toward the empty seat at the other end of the table.
Not wanting to draw even more attention to myself, I hurried to the spot and took a seat. Elizabeth sat to my left. I pulled out my notebook, pen, and recorder and set them on the table. It seemed as if everyone was waiting for me to finish before they started talking. I pressed record and then uncapped my pen and held the tip over my notebook.
“As I was saying,” Mr. Proctor said, “we think that an offer of $1.3 million is very generous.” His gaze focused on Ms. McDonnell, who was studying the tabletop in front of her.
I almost choked when I heard that amount leave his lips. My gaze instantly snapped over to Asher, who glanced at me. I raised my eyebrows, but he just kept his expression stoic as he slightly shook his head and focused back on Ms. McDonnell.
“It’s life changing money,” Mr. Proctor continued.
Ms. McDonnell nodded. “I know,” she whispered. “I guess I just never thought about selling. This is where I’ve lived my whole life. Teddy and I brought our babies home here.” Ms. McDonnell reached her wrinkled hand out and rested it on the table. My heart ached for her. She reminded me of my grandmother.
Mr. Proctor glanced around the room as if he were looking for someone to back him up. His gaze settled on Asher. My friend paused but then nodded as if he understood exactly what Mr. Proctor wanted from him.
