Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“So was my grandpappy, until he tumbled backward off one. Broke his neck right in front of me.”
“That’s a fantastic story to share at this exact moment.” I shoot her a mock-severe look. “One more piece should do it.”
She tears off another strip of tape and hands it to me. “So? Big plans for this weekend?”
“Sending out bridal shower invitations. My brother’s getting married in May, so my mother is hosting a shower for our side of the family in Boston.” The invitations are via email and a formality more than anything. Kitty called every aunt, cousin, and family friend to save the date, given the tight timing.
“Weddings in the family are always nice.”
“There are exceptions.”
Harper frowns. “What’s wrong? Rotten brother?”
“No, amazing brother. Rotten best man. He’s my ex.” I stretch on one foot to slap the last piece of tape on. “And the maid of honor is the woman he cheated on me with.”
Harper’s frown deepens. “If that isn’t a raw deal, I don’t know what is.”
“Tell me about it. But I survived the engagement party, and she’s not coming to this shower.” When my mom gave me the date, she confirmed that Isabelle very conveniently has a work function she can’t get out of. “And I will be otherwise engaged and unable to attend Sara’s family’s shower. So that just leaves the bachelorette party and the wedding.” And Christmases, for the rest of my life.
Nancy marches through the door then, hugging the wire bingo ball basket against a St. Patrick’s-themed monstrosity—a green sweater smattered with clovers and leprechauns and rainbows. “She really did make one for every occasion.”
“She knits them all herself.”
As if sensing my attention, Nancy’s gaze veers to me and narrows, except it looks more comical than threatening, the thick lenses in her glasses magnifying her eyeballs. She mutters something under her breath that can’t be flattering.
The most baffling piece about her hatred for me is that I’ve never been outwardly mean. I’ve never done anything wrong.
“Back to your ex, for what it’s worth, he’s a damn fool for letting go of someone like you.”
“See? I knew there was a reason why I liked you, Harper. You’re so smart.”
She winks.
“And kind, and beautiful, and—”
“I’m not giving you Nancy’s bingo duty.”
“But it would make me feel so much better about my breakup.”
She chuckles, shaking her head.
“Fine. What about a resident vote? I think that’d be …” My words fade as Garrett strolls into the games room of Bonny Acres. “What is he doing here?” Flutters stir in my insides despite my confusion.
“Who?” Harper follows my gaze.
“Garrett,” I hiss, as if afraid to say his name out loud. He’s got a giant white cardboard cake box in his hands.
“Oh, him. Yeah, he called earlier to see if he could visit tonight to speak to some of the residents.”
“And you said yes?”
“I did.” Indignation raises Harper’s voice. She doesn’t like being questioned. “People around here like to know their opinions matter.”
“Not when that opinion is about the lackluster meal plan,” Shirley chirps from a nearby table, eavesdropping. “Hurry up, Justine. We’re running out of time to play.”
Residents came down for some Friday night excitement, and they just might get it. What is Shirley going to do when she realizes who just walked in here? She’s shrewd. What if she figures out I’ve crossed enemy lines? She’ll turn on me like she turned on Colin. This is not good. Polson Falls and New York could collide.
I drop my voice. “He’s the enemy. Pure evil.”
Harper gives him a head-to-toe once-over, admiration flickering across her expression. In his plain dark-wash jeans and crewneck sweater, he could pass for any loving son or grandson coming to visit their loved one. “Don’t look too evil to me.”
“That’s all part of the act. He loves to play the good guy, swooping in to help people. Like some sort of fairy-tale prince, saving the damsel in distress who’s hiding in a library. Only the next thing that damsel knows, she’s on her knees, bobbing for his apple. And what did Snow White learn about apples?”
Harper’s eyebrows crawl halfway up her forehead.
I’m flustered. “Okay, I may have butchered that analogy. But I’m telling you, he’s up to no good. He’s here to try to buy them off, like he’s been doing all around town.” There’s no reason for him to be here otherwise.
Garrett strolls toward us with a broad smile, earning many curious glances. Though, that may be more to do with the circumspect box in his hands. “Hi, I’m Garrett Harrington. Are you Harper?”
“That’s me. It’s good to meet you.” She gestures toward me, still perched on the second rung of the ladder. “Sounds like you and Justine are acquaintances?”
“You could call us that.” He turns to me, a wide smile taking over his face. “I had no idea you would be here tonight.”