Page 9 of Small Town Schemes & Summer Kisses
“Do you always come in this hot?”
“Only when the future of my town is at stake.” After pausing for a breath, she snapped the planner shut. “I’m on a deadline.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I retired for a reason.”
“You’re not eighty. You’re barefoot.”
“These are two excellent life choices.”
“And yet,” she said, sliding something across the porch railing, “you’re still curious enough to hear me out.”
He looked down.
A flyer. Or rather, a rough draft of one. At the top, the bold font read:Bluebell Bay: Where Summer Comes to Stay.He winced at the bright clip art and Comic Sans font.
A dolphin wearing sunglasses? Seriously?
“Wow. This is … impressively tragic.”
He could already see the changes he’d make, how he’d tie it to a social media campaign, geo-targeted ads, coastal influencer outreach…
Beck scowled. “You tricked me into brainstorming.”
“I absolutely did.”
“You’re dangerous.”
“I’m persistent.”
He took a step closer, arms crossed. “You will not let this go, will you?”
“Not even a little.”
Beck sighed, looked at the flyer again, then at the woman who’d stormed his porch without warning, and turned his quiet morning into a strategic planning session.
“Do you have coffee in your bag?”
She reached in, pulled out a travel mug, and handed it over.
“Hazelnut creamer and two sugars.”
He stared at her. “You asked Gigi, didn’t you?”
“Gigi has a very detailed bingo card, Mr. Beckett. Don’t flatter yourself.”
He chuckled despite himself. Took a sip. She wasn’t wrong. It was exactly how he liked it.
“Okay,” he said finally. “One meeting. Just one.”
“One’s all I need. Be at my office at 1 o’clock sharp. Wear shoes.” She turned and headed back towardThe Hollis Express, hips swaying with victorious satisfaction.
“Nice binder, by the way,” he called after her.
“Don’t mock the binder,” she tossed over her shoulder. “It’s saved more lives than sunscreen.”
He watched her drive away, her wild curls whipping like a victory flag, determination written in every inch of her posture.
Beck took another sip of coffee.
