Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Dad, that’s all fine and dandy, but if everyone found out it was me, feelings would be hurt, and I could lose people from my life. I was willing to take the risk before. Now I’m not. I don’t know, maybe I grew up more, or maybe I’m ready to stop lying to those closest to me. I want to focus on my future. And I really want to learn more about Braxton’s business and help him with it.”
He steepled his index fingers and nodded. “You always did enjoy fishing. I remember taking you when you were little, and you wanted to stay for hours out on the water. You were the only little girl who never complained about putting the worm on the hook.”
Smiling, I looked down at my hands and forced myself to place my palms flat on my thighs. When I looked up, I knew he saw it in my eyes.
“I’m done, Dad.”
With my declaration, he gave one nod and replied, “I’ll let you handle it the way you want.”
“I don’t think stopping altogether would be wise for the revenue. I’m hoping it won’t impact the paper too much.”
He smiled. “It will some, but we’ll handle it when we cross that bridge.”
I nodded. “I think what I’ll do is talk more about local events and such, and less gossip. When I finally write the last column, I’ll let everyone know that Ms. Seaside is putting her pen and paper away for good.”
“If that’ll make you happy, then you have my full support. Although, your mother will be disappointed. She lives for Thursday mornings.”
I laughed. “I still can’t believe she hasn’t figured it out. Speaking of Mom, I’m meeting her for lunch. I’m going to tell her about the wedding. The more I thought about it, the more I realized it wasn’t fair of me to keep it from her. I know she only wants to be a part of it. She can be so…in my face about stuff.”
“I’ve tried to ask her not to be overbearing with it all, Harlee. But you’re her only daughter, and she wants what’s best for you. I’m sorry I let it slip about the wedding.”
“It’s okay, Dad. It was rather selfish of me to keep it from her simply for my own sanity. Now that Palmer has told Barbara, the two moms can get together and plan things if they want. With limitations.”
He chuckled.
“Let’s be honest—Mom also likes to know everything first before anyone else,” I said. “You know it burns her up that Ms. Seaside knows more than she does.”
My father tilted his head and regarded me for a moment. “I’ve never asked—because honestly, I’ve never wanted to know—but how does Ms. Seaside get all of her information?”
With a smile that I knew was a bit on the evil said, I answered, “Rule number one in journalism, never reveal your sources. You ought to know that better than anyone.”
He tossed his head back with a bark of laughter. “You’ve got me on that one!”
The bell above the door to Coastal Chic rang, causing me to glance up from where I was folding shirts at the counter.
“Hey, Palmer,” I said as she dashed into the store.
“Did you see it yet?”
“Did I see what?”
With a frustrated sigh, she said, “The column. Ms. S. She didn’t utter a single word about you, me, or couplegate. As a matter of fact, she didn’t have any gossip at all!”
“What was it about?”
“Some board meeting for the city council to talk about adding more stores and restaurants to the pier. It was rather boring. Actually, the last few have been kind of dull, if I’m being honest.”
I nodded and went back to folding. “That makes sense. It’s going to be a pretty big meeting, since they’re deciding if they’re going to allow the expansion. I do think it would be fun to have like a mini-carnival type area by the pier.”
“Well, Ms. S would disagree with you. She made it perfectly clear she doesn’t like change. So, there’s another clue for you and Brax.”
Laughing, I said, “Brax and I have both agreed to give up our search for Ms. Seaside.”
“Really?” Palmer asked as she leaned against the counter. “What brought that on?”
“For Brax, I think it’s because fishing season is getting ready to start in a few weeks, and for me, I honestly don’t care who she is. Maybe if we stop snooping around, she’ll leave us be.”
Palmer laughed. “I still think the woman has it out for our family.” She held up her hand. “I know, I know, she talks about plenty of other people, but she sure does like the Bradley family.”
“That’s true. She even wrote about your folks and how sad she was that they sold the Grill. How are they doing, anyway?”
“I’ve never seen them so relaxed. Of course, Mom’s thrilled about your wedding, and I think tickled that she knows something Ms. S doesn’t. Your mom called her earlier and they’re planning to go look at dresses. I’m so over the moon my dad is finally relaxing and enjoying life. I know they’re both excited about the babies and the wedding.”