Page 11 of A Family Affair: The Plan
Nick returned a few minutes later, pointed to her wine glass. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s very good. I’m…”
The lip twitch pulled into a full-on smile. “Let me guess. You’re surprised? Shocked? Baffled?”
No sense pretending. “All of the above?”
The laugh made his eyes sparkle and she could picture him attracting attention—with or without the Borado name. He seemed approachable, kind, and friendly. Maybe now was the time to ask if she could interview him and Delilah regarding their decision to move to Magdalena. “Nick, I’m spending a month here getting to know the town, and the people. I work for a major hotel chain and we usually build or renovate hotels in major cities and suburbs, but we’re interested in getting into the bed-and-breakfast arena in small communities. My job is to figure out what brings people here, what makes them come back, even what makes them stay.”
The smile faded, the dark gaze turned darker. “I see.”
“I don’t work for a tabloid and I’m not here to get a story about you or your wife.” The look he gave her said “not buying it”. “I can show you my credentials if you like.”
“Credentials can be manufactured and people can say anything to make it sound like the truth.” He crossed his arms over his chest, the left side of his jaw twitching. “Why are youreallyhere?”
Talk about suspicious. “I’m here to learn about the Heart Sent and find out why someone like you would move here. I also understand others have done it, and that makes me very curious. What’s the missing piece here?” Sure, the town appeared quaint, at least what she’d seen so far. And she guessed once this place accepted a person, they’d do anything for them. But to move here? Why?
The dark look said “not happy”. “Mimi knows we like our privacy. I can’t imagine she’d send you here.”
Hope wasn’t used to having her integrity questioned, and she didn’t like it. “Maybe she trusts me to respect your privacy.”
The jaw twitching started up again and then “You don’t mind if I check with Mimi, do you? Just so we’re on the same page. I’ve lived a lot of years avoiding people who aren’t who they say they are.”
Wow, talk about protective. “Of course, please call Mimi.” Hopewastelling the truth, and once Mimi vouched for her, maybe he’d open up and introduce his wife. He gave her one last cold stare before he turned and headed toward the kitchen. Hope sipped her wine, waited for him to return. She hadn’t taken three sips of wine before the kitchen door opened and a dark-haired woman appeared, followed by Nick Borado carrying a tray of food. The woman was beautiful, stunning—Hope’s gaze slid to her belly—pregnant.
When the woman reached Hope, she smiled, extended a hand. “I’m Delilah Borado. I understand you’d like to chat with us.”
Her husband appeared behind her, his features more relaxed than they’d been a short time ago. He set the tray on the table, removed the plate of wings and hummus. “Here you go. There’s extra hot sauce on the side.” His voice turned apologetic. “Sorry for the confusion earlier. Mimi vouched for you, so if she says you’re good, that’s all I need. The late afternoon rush won’t start for another hour, so if you want to chat now, that would work.” He placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Plus, it will give Delilah a chance to get off her feet.”
The woman’s eyeroll said her husband was much too protective, but the smile said she appreciated it. “Yes, sir. We’ll sit down and chat and you can keep an eye on the kitchen.”
“Can I get you something to drink?” Nick Borado’s voice dipped. “Fix you a chicken slider?”
Laughter spilled from her full lips as she shook her head. “I had lunch and I’ve already snacked, so no thank you. I would like a glass of water if you don’t mind.” Delilah slid into the boothacross from Hope, gestured to the food. “Please, eat. Nick’s waiting to see if you can stand the heat. My guess is you’ll do just fine.” She placed her hands on the table, leaned forward, and lowered her voice. “He’s become super protective since we’ve found out about the baby.Superprotective.”
Who would have thought Nicholas Borado would find a wife, work in a bar, and look so darn happy about all of it—including the baby?
6
Mimi Pendergrass, owner of the Heart Sent bed-and-breakfast, town mayor, head of a group called the Bleeding Hearts Society that helps the community and provides resources for those in need and for the betterment of the town.
Angelo “Pop” Benito formerly known as the Godfather of Magdalena. Earned title as the town’s advisor. Carries a lot of weight in Magdalena even though he has apparently handed over this title to Harry Blacksworth, a former Chicago businessman. Mr. Benito favors anise pizzelles, and anything Italian.
Harry Blacksworth, part owner of an investment company in Chicago. Owns a restaurant in Magdalena called Harry’s Folly. New Godfather of Magdalena. Married, three children.
Nate Desantro, owner of ND Manufacturing and woodworking company. Married to Christine, two children. Longtime resident of Magdalena, appears to have influence.
Christine Desantro, niece to Harry Blacksworth, married to Nate Desantro. Moved from Chicago. Investment advisor.
Daniel “Cash” Casherdon, former Philly policeman, works with Nate Desantro. Appear to be friends. Married to Tess, three children.
Nick Borado. Heir to the Borado fine clothing empire. Started his own casual clothing line which features the male residents in the catalog. Runs O’Reilly’s Bar and Grille with wife, Delilah O’Reilly Borado, former television personality who had her own talk show. Moved back to Magdalena after on-air scandal.
Sam perused the file, wondered where she’d gotten her intel and who determined its significance. Hope Newland had the basics, but if she were looking for details on the influencers? She was going to come up empty because unless she added more specifics like the fact that Harry Blacksworth was a dog lover and Cash Casherdon was Nate Desantro’sbestfriend? And Pop Benitoneverwent by “mister” and was a lot more than the former Godfather of Magdalena. And saying Nate Desantro “appeared” to have influence was like saying Pop “appeared” to like pizzelles.
Sam might have been gone from the town for years, but his mother had filled him in on what happened, who was behind it, who helped the people out of their messes. If this woman believed people would start spitting out information like a slot machine, she could think again.
Sam flipped the page and began to read the businesses she’d listed as places of interest. Lina’s Café, Harry’s Folly, Sal’s Market...
