Page 25 of Rumors in Bayberry
Why did she think he was someone special?He was no different than the other men who had crossed her life.He wanted something from her.It was something she didn’t have the right to give—nor did her father.The newspaper had been in their family for generations.In fact, her great-great-grandfather started theGazette.
It wasn’t something her or her father should sell.They were just the caretakers.It was intended to be there for future generations.Of course, that would mean her settling down and having a family—something she hadn’t had time for, but it wasn’t too late.It was on her list of things to do in life.
Anger pumped through her veins as she looked at Reed.“Well, the joke is on you.I don’t have any say in the newspaper.It’s my father you’ll have to deal with.”
Not about to let him see how much his deception had hurt her, she leveled her shoulders, turned, and strode away.How had such a beautiful evening ended so horribly?
“Sadie, wait.”When she didn’t stop, he called out, “Sadie, I’m sorry.”
She kept going.She didn’t slow down.She knew if she were to look at him, he would see that she’d let herself fall for him.She was such a fool.
Her pace was brisk as she made her way back to her two-bedroom apartment.It was above the newspaper office.It was where she stayed when she was in town.
As soon as she opened the door, a big black cat ran up to her.Binx was a stray cat.A few months ago, she’d stumbled across him not far from her apartment.Back then, he’d been little and skinny as could be.She couldn’t just leave him there, so she took him home.She got him some kitty kibble and water.
After posting flyers around town about a “Found Cat” and no responses, she took him to the vet.She found out that they couldn’t take him, but thankfully, Binx was quite healthy.So, she took him home with her.Each day, she told herself that the next day she’d take him to the closest animal shelter.The next day always came and went with one excuse or another of why she hadn’t taken him.
It didn’t take long for Binx to grow into a beautiful black cat with a mighty purr.He was loving and gentle.But she wasn’t keeping him.This was all just temporary.Because her life was on the go.There was no room in her life for romance or pets.
But none of that mattered at the moment.In that moment, Binx was her little guy.She could count on him not to hurt her and not to lie by omission.
“Oh, Binx.”She scooped him up in her arms.
As Binx purred, she buried her head in his downy soft fur.And though she didn’t want to cry—though she hated losing control of her emotions—the tears that had been burning the back of her eyes spilled forth.
How could I have been such a fool?She was trained to follow the facts—to check out her sources.Yet, she’d just taken Reed at face value.And she’d fallen for him.
Chapter Nine
Heneededtothinklike a businessman.
It was easier said than done.
The next morning, Reed yawned repeatedly.He hadn’t slept much the night before.He’d tossed and turned.He’d reprimanded himself for letting things get romantic with Sadie.
He told himself it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t know who she was when they’d first met.By the time he realized who she was, he was utterly captivated by her.He wanted just a little more time with her looking at him like he’d hung the moon.Was that so wrong?
Probably.He should have stopped the thing that was growing between them as soon as he found out her last name.As soon as he knew she was related to the owner of theBayberry Gazette.
He’d never had this problem before.He never let himself get distracted when he was on a business trip.And now he had a sinking feeling his upcoming meeting would be a total bust.
Still, he showered and dressed in his usual khakis, blue button-up collared shirt, and blue sports coat.He stuffed his feet into a pair of white sneakers.With his leather bag slung over his shoulder, he headed out the door.
He swung by the Steaming Brew and got a large black coffee to go.He needed all the caffeine he could get to keep from yawning his way through this meeting.And this was one of the reasons he had rules about staying focused on business trips.
Sadie’s friend…What was her name?Oh, yeah.Abby waited on him.She was pleasant and a bit chatty about the festival.She must not have spoken to Sadie yet, or she wouldn’t have served up his coffee with a smile.
Until now, he’d always showed up at meetings well-rested and on top of everything to do with the paper.This morning, he was guzzling coffee, hoping it would wipe out the fuzzy feeling in his mind.
As he walked through town to theBayberry Gazette’soffice, the people who passed him on the street shared friendly greetings.Some of them eyed him up.He wondered if they’d seen him the prior evening with Sadie.
He responded with a smile and a good morning to each of them.He wondered if they would smile and greet him if they knew how his evening had ended.On second thought, he knew they wouldn’t be too fond of him.With the way everyone liked Sadie, they would run him out of town.
Although, they didn’t have to worry.He wouldn’t be in Bayberry much longer.He was certain that as soon as he walked into the newspaper office, their working relationship would be severed.Her father would tell him to leave Bayberry and not look back.And honestly, he would deserve it.
Much too soon he reached the office.He paused outside the door and checked the time.It was five till eight.He liked to have his important meetings first thing in the morning when everyone was fresh and ready to get down to business.
He tried the doorknob.It easily turned.He pushed the door open and stepped inside.He’d been in a lot of newspaper offices since he’d launched theRumor Quill.Each newspaper was unique in their own way.
