Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
“What’s his deal, anyway?” I asked. “He mentioned the other day that he’s lived in Beaufort for five years. It’s not a place people usually move to without a reason.”
Kat nodded. “He owns a construction company. Came to town to build the new high school and never left. I think he lived up in Charleston before. He’s divorced. He and his wife lost a child—born with some sort of heart defect and only lived to age four. He played college football at Clemson, and his son was a huge football fan. So now he donates his free time to teaching kids football. Honestly, I’m not sure I could do that—be around a bunch of kids who are probably about the same age his son would be now, playing his son’s favorite sport.”
“Wow. I had no idea. That’s really sad that he lost a child.”
“He’s pretty private. Keeps to himself mostly. But my friend Annemarie was his receptionist for a while, so she gave me the skinny.” Kat opened her purse and dug out a ChapStick. She rubbed it on her lips as she spoke. “So what’s going on with you? Are you seeing anyone?”
I shook my head. “I’m still getting settled in.”
“Well, if you want to go out sometime, I’m game. There’s a new bar a few miles out of town that has a good crowd. Travis stays at his dad’s Thursday through Saturday morning since we share custody, so I’m always up for a Friday night out.”
“That sounds good. I’m sure I’ll be more settled in a few weeks.”
After practice, Kat and I walked down to the field together to help our boys carry their equipment. They might be playing football, but God forbid they carry a duffle, helmet, and pads. Jeremy walked over while Alex was shoving his jersey into his bag.
“Alex is doing great. The rumors about him having a killer arm were all true.”
I smiled. “Thanks. He’s been practicing a lot with his uncle lately.”
Alex finished packing his bag and zipped it shut. When he stood, Jeremy rested his hands on my son’s shoulders. “He told me. How am I supposed to take credit for all of his accomplishments someday when he’s drafted into the NFL if Levi Miller is also helping him train?”
I chuckled. “Ummm, if he stands on the podium and thanks anyone other than his mother, both you and his uncle will be hearing from me.”
“Mom?” Alex interrupted. He pointed to the parking lot. “The ice cream man is here. Can I get something, please?”
“Sure.” I dug into my purse and pulled out a five. Alex snatched it and took off running. “Hey! What about your equipment!” I yelled after him.
“Thanks, Mom!” he yelled without looking back.
I shook my head and bent to lift the duffle. But Jeremy took it out of my hand. “Let me. I’m heading to the parking lot, too.”
“Thanks.”
We started to walk side by side. “So Alex said you guys live over at The Palm Inn?”
“We do. Alex’s grandfather passed away six months ago. He left part of it to Alex as an inheritance. So we’re living there while I work on trying to make a go of it.”
“It’s a beautiful building. I stopped in once when I’d first moved to town and Mr. Miller gave me a tour. I do construction, but I’m a closet wannabe architect.”
“Yeah, it’s a pretty incredible place.”
“It’s got something like ten bedrooms, right?”
“Fourteen. But ugh, don’t remind me. That just means more work. It’s pretty run down. I got an estimate for new air conditioning this morning, and it’s more than I expected to spend on the entire refurbishment.”
“Do you have a GC?”
“A general contractor?” I shook my head. “Well, I guess I do. You’re looking at her. I’m trying to save money by coordinating everything myself.”
“Well, if you need any help or any recommendations for reliable workers, just let me know. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you to get a few estimates for any big jobs. It still surprises me how much one company’s price can vary from another.”
“Thanks. That’s very nice of you to offer.”
“It would be my pleasure. Is the B&B open for business while you’re working on it, or do you have it shut down?”
“It’s closed right now to guests. Well, except Fern. But she’s not really a guest. She’s more like a permanent resident. She was a good friend of Thatcher’s. Levi is also staying there while he’s in town, too. He owns the other half with Alex.”
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you divorced?”
I shook my head. “No, but only because I was never married. Alex’s dad and I were engaged, but we didn’t actually make it down the aisle. He lives in New York. We haven’t been together in a long time.”