Page 45 of Summer Ever After
“Thanks.” His eyes lit up when he saw me. “Mr. Starling. I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
My dad tilted his head. “Why wouldn’t I be here today?”
It was Hank’s turn to look confused, but I saw what was happening. “Dad. This is Hank, he owns the flower shop in town. Hank. This is my father, Laird Starling.”
Hank pulled the worn baseball hat from his head and extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Starling.”
My dad shook his hand. “I’m still getting used to having another Mister Starling in the room. You’ll have to excuse my confusion.”
“Your son is quite the guy.” Hank spread his arms, gesturing to the room. “Look at what he put together.”
The venue did look spectacular. It was way more lavish than I’d originally planned, but with the caliber of guests, we needed it to look like an ice queen had plunked her ballroom in the center of the lake and vomited sparkle all over it. “It sure is something.” My father squeezed my shoulder. “He finally took a break from his toys to do something productive.”
That’s the way it went with my father. A compliment followed by a critique. He didn’t hide the fact that I had disappointed him over the years. When I told him I wanted to drive race cars instead of report to the shareholders, he’d laughed and told me that was the best joke he’d ever heard.
“My daughter is going to love this.” Hank’s eyes shimmered. “Thank you again for the tickets.”
I stiffened. The fact that I’d given away a bunch of tickets for free was one that I’d kept to myself. “You’re welcome. I’m so happy that you’re going to be able to see your work in the evening.”
Hank took the rose from my hand. “Are you enjoying your daisies?”
The arrangement had sat on my bedside table, and as much as I hated to admit it – brought a smile to my face every time I woke up. “I sure am. Although my cat likes them too.” A few of the petals had some very cat-like teeth marks on them.
Hank chuckled. “Next time I’ll give you one with catnip just for the little fella. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have about three thousand stems waiting to prick me.”
The florist clambered back up the ladder and my father and I walked over one of the bridges to the shore of Starling Island. “What was that all about?”
“What?” I rubbed the back of my neck.
My father crossed his arms. “You’re buying yourself flowers?” The skin beside his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Your mother would like that.”
“I was just supporting one of the local businesses. He’s been working hard on everything here. He also just lost his wife, I thought that it was a kind thing to do.”
Dad squeezed my shoulder. “You’re more of a businessman than I thought. Good for you. There’s nothing wrong with fostering relationships with people in town here. God knows our name could use some good publicity. This event has been criticized…
“I know, Dad. It’s opulent. It’s ridiculous, but it’s all for a good cause.”
“Good.” This time it was a clap on the back. “As long as we turn a profit for the charity, I’ll consider this a success.”
Dad left to get changed out of his golf clothes, leaving me to stare at the monstrosity that I’d created. The masquerade ball had to be a success, the reputation of my family’s company depended on it.
TWELVE
DAISY
The bunk roomof the cottage keeper’s cabin was at the back of the building. I followed Mrs. Graham into the large room and she shut the door behind us. A small lamp was lit in the corner and it felt like we were having a clandestine rendezvous – a couple of spies dressed up as housekeepers.
“How does everything look? Are the caterers making a terrible mess out there?” My boss looked nervous, wringing her hands in front of her. I took them in mine and squeezed her palms, soft from years of scrubbing with chemicals.
“Mrs. G. Everything looks perfect. Why do you worry so much?”
Her eyes twinkled and she pulled her hands from mine, searching the compartments of her million-pocket fisherman’s vest. “I worry about the boy. He’s in over his head. I’m doing everything I can to help him out. He’s a good kid.”
“The boy? Are you referring to Jessica’s brother?”
Mrs. Graham nodded. “Yes, he’s the one in charge of this fundraiser.”
“But I thought he was older than Jessica.” She was talking about Jessica’s brother like his voice hadn’t changed yet.
