Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 116455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
“Oh, Jonathan. That’s… that’s wonderful.” She bit her lip, and it was my turn to stare at her in bewilderment.
“Okay. Uh… if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have coffee with Hayden Lewis.”
“The Realtor?” Mother gasped. “You’re looking at Honeybridge real estate?”
Shit.
“No. We’re just having coffee,” I lied. “Don’t get excited. I already have a home, and it’s in New York.”
“Of course!” she agreed. “Of course you do!” But I could tell by her satisfied smile as she assured me she understood that she did not understand and did not wish to understand either.
As I went upstairs to take a shower, I rolled my eyes. Some people just got an idea in their head and ran with it without consulting any of the other parties involved.
She was headed straight for disappointment.
I met Hayden outside Sweet Buns a little while later with a coffee for each of us and one of Nat’s cookies for little Marie.
Other than a giant keyring dangling from his wrist, a substantial-looking toddler strapped to his chest, and a pronounced receding hairline, Hayden looked the same as he had back in high school.
The first space he showed me, the former candy factory, was a strong contender. The short term of the lease would allow for some flexibility down the road, but the space would require a ton of renovation that made it a not-so-great investment.
The Hornrath Chair Company, though, was perfect. More perfect than perfect. It was located kitty-corner behind the Tavern, literally a stone’s throw from Flynn’s place, and it had plenty of room for whatever equipment Flynn might need plus storage, plus office space. More than that, there was something about the exposed wood in the building—rough-hewn timber that had stood there for a hundred years—that spoke of history and permanence. I knew without knowing how I knew that Flynn would love it, and the fact that it was a purchase—a commitment—felt like a good thing, even though I was fairly certain Conrad Shaeffer would take some convincing.
“You ready to make a deal?” Hayden wiggled his sandy eyebrows as we stood in the center of the dusty first floor. The air smelled like woodchips and memories.
I shook my head sadly. “Not today, unfortunately. I need to put together a bunch of numbers and get buy-in from a couple people at Fortress first. Any other potential buyers lined up?”
“Not sure. I’ll check with the other guys at the office and let you know.”
“Please,” I agreed. “It’s really important.” This plan would only work if the location was right.
Hayden pursed his lips. “You gonna tell me what this is for?”
I hesitated. “I don’t suppose there’s such a thing as real estate agent/client confidentiality?”
“Not officially. But there’s such a thing as ‘the guy who drove you home after you shot too much Jägermeister junior year and never told a soul’ confidentiality, and I owe you that much.” He elbowed me lightly. “What gives?”
I told him about Fortress and Honeybridge Mead, the offer Flynn had rejected, and my plan to keep the manufacturing in Honeybridge.
“Whoa.” Hayden grinned. “That would be phenomenal for Flynn. What did he say when you told him?”
“I haven’t talked to him about it yet. That’s where the confidentiality comes in. See, Flynn and I have… history.”
Hayden snorted. “That’s putting it mildly.” When I shot him a look, he spread his hands. “Dude, you once bought out every pack of Cocoa-Caramel Bits at Pop’s store just so Flynn couldn’t have any. When they hung your team shirt on the wall after Honeybridge High won the championship sophomore year, he crossed out the W in your name and changed it to Smellbridge.”
I snorted fondly. “I fucking knew that was him. But okay, so you agree that he’s automatically going to reject anything I suggest without considering it, right? That’s why I don’t want to even bring the contract up again until my bosses approve it and I can make him an offer he can’t refuse.” I grinned. “This deal is going to be life-changing for him.”
Hayden’s brow puckered. “But… what if he likes his life the way it is?”
“Being run off his feet every night at the Tavern, while also running the Meadery on the side, plus having to help his family at the Retreat, and take care of his grandfather, too?” I shook my head. “The man is exhausted. He needs this, even if he doesn’t know it.”
“Right.” Hayden smiled gently. “Well, I hope it all works out. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here. And I’m gonna tell Jonas to ask you about coming to jam with our band some night, too.”
I nodded. But after Hayden locked up and walked off, I felt… restless. After talking to Hayden about Flynn, I wanted nothing more than to find the man, wrap my arms around him, and reassure myself that we were on the same page now. Finally. Unfortunately, it was nearly noon, which meant the Tavern would be open and packed with regatta visitors again. Flynn would be way too busy to sneak away even for a moment.