Page 47 of Fake It Till We Fall
“That’s a pretty long list.”
“I’ve got all the time in the world,” I told her. “I want to hear about it all.” I spun her around, so she was facing me and I could hold her in my arms.
“You really want to know?”
I nodded. “All of it.”
Her lips curved, but there was something in her eyes…hesitation, maybe. “It wasn’t all glamorous,” she started. “Long hours. Demanding guests. Half the time when I’m on charter, I hardly even know what port we’re in, or what country. I’m always belowdecks in the galley. But the food…the creating…it’s amazing, constantly striving to be better.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me? You always were chasing more.”
She shrugged, but didn’t deny it.
“What about boyfriends?” I hadn’t meant to ask. I didn’t want to know. Not really. “Did you leave anyone special in any of those ports?”
Her smile dimmed. She shook her head.
“No one?” I pushed, aware that I was only going to be torturing myself if she told me what I didn’t want to hear.
“No,” she said softly. “Nothing serious. It’s not really the kind of life that’s conducive to a relationship.”
Her admission probably shouldn’t have made me so happy, but I couldn’t help it.
“And you?” Harper turned the question around on me. “You stayed here. I’m surprised you’re not married yet.”
“Are you?”
Before she could answer, I spun her away again and once more started gliding easily on the ice. After half a lap, she finally spoke. “Grayson, I?—”
“Hey!”
We were jostled by two other skaters.
“Sorry, I didn’t see…oh, Grayson.” Mike Dobson, a local contractor, and his wife bumped into us. “How are you?” He stopped, clearly expecting a conversation.
“Good. I was just?—”
“Heard that Ollie is selling the shop,” he said. “That true?”
“Word certainly travels fast,” I said carefully.
“To be honest, I’m surprised it took him so long,” Mike continued. “I’ve heard he’s had offers already.”
That was news to me. TheoptionsOllie had mentioned.
Damnit.I still hadn’t been able to find the chance to discuss my thoughts about buying the store from him. Had I missed my chance?
I worked to keep my face neutral, not wanting my reaction to show on my face.
“I hope it stays local,” Mike said before I could respond. “You’ve done great things with that place. It would be a shame to see a big corporation buy it up.”
“I can’t disagree with that.” I nodded. “Have fun tonight.”
Mike and his wife skated off.
Beside me, Harper glanced up. “Ollie’s selling? Really?”
“He is.” I shrugged. “I’ve barely had a chance to discuss it with him myself, but of course, everyone already knows about it. Small town and all.” I shook my head. “I didn’t know about the offers already, though,” I muttered, jaw tight. “Not that I should be surprised.”
