Page 107 of Everything Has Changed
“Doing good. How’s business these days?”
“You know, same old same old.” Patty grins. “Can’t complain too much except that the grandkids don’t visit as often.”
I chuckle. “I heard Marshall moved out to California.” Their eyes light up when I mention their grandson and my old hockey teammate.
“Started his own tech company,” Eric leans toward me, lowering his voice. “But don’t ask me what he does. I’ve tried to get him to explain it a dozen times, but I finally just gave up and choose to be blissfully ignorant yet happy for him.”
“Can’t say I blame you on that one, Eric.” I spot a bouquet filled with oranges and red and I know I found the right now. “If I purchase a bundle, could you have them delivered for me during the festival?”
Patty’s mouth part quickly before tipping into a grin. “Logan Spencer, do you have someone you are sweet on?”
“That’s one way to put it.” I point toward the bouquet then fish out my wallet from my pocket.
“Oh, this makes me so happy. Eric, grab him a blank card. You have to leave a note so they know!” Patty wraps up the flower stems in butcher paper, expertly tying them with quick fingers while her husband rings me up.
I fill out the card with a simple note and hand it over to her to tuck into the flowers.
“And who shall I be handing these over to?”
“Gwendolyn Prescott, please.”
Patty places a hand to her heart, her eyes going wide. “She’s a lucky girl.”
“It’s me who is the lucky one.” I wink at Patty as she pretends to swoon. “Let’s keep it between us, though, for now.”
Eric wraps an arm around his wife. “Your business is safe with us. We value the beginnings of a relationship too much to add in any unnecessary drama. Trust us, we can keep a secret around these parts.”
“You’re good people, thank you.”
Turning away from their booth, I start toward the food truck area hoping to grab a snack when I hear my name called.
“What’s up, man?” I ask Matt when he stops in front of me.
“Gwen really knocked this out of the park, didn’t she?” He looks around the square with a low whistle. “Is this the best turnout we’ve had?”
I nod my head, taking in the families walking by laughing together over funnel cake and hot apple ciders. “Opening up to the public more helped a lot. You should have seen Gwen’s planner for this.” I release a low whistle which is almost impossible against the grin on my lips at the thought of her. “She’s been planning this for years.”
“Tell me about it. I remember how often we would all get together afterward and she would go on and on about what she would do if she could head the festival. It means a lot to us that she finally got the chance.” He scratches at the scruff on his chin, looking side to side which makes me weary for what else he’s about to say. “Speaking of planning. When were you planning to tell everyone that the town is about to be bought out by a company?”
A chill runs down my spine as I straighten. This was what I was dreading. The news dropping like a bomb in the middle of town without a chance to smooth out the details and prep for minimal casualties.
“What are you talking about?” I try to buy a little time to think of an answer, but all my response does is make Matt stare at me like I’m an idiot.
“Don’t lie to me, not about this. I just had my business threatened.”
I rear back. Red coloring my sight. “Who threatened you?”
Matt blinks at me. “Fucking hell, Logan. Why aren’t you denying this right now?”
Darting a look around us, I find a secluded table toward the back corner where we can have a conversation in private. I nod my head toward it and begin walking without another word. If he wants to talk, we need to do this in as private of a setting as possible.
He doesn’t say anything until we are both seated at the table. A couple walks by, no doubt sneaking away for a makeout session with the way they are giggling and staring at each other like no one else is around. When they finally pass, Matt levels me with a stare.
“Talk. Now.”
I blow out a breath. “I’ll tell you everything, but first I need to know who talked to you and what they said? Was it my dad?”
He shakes his head, the muscle in his jaw popping. “No. An old college classmate who started a building firm in the city after we graduated is here. Said he was here checking out the land around Willow Grove for development. Something about a resort taking over. Tell me this is just a bullshit rumor, man.”
