some of the guys tip me fifty cents. There was no way I could have saved for Lillie’s college. My mom does well as a software programmer, but her medical insurance is hugely expensive. Some of her medications aren’t covered. She helps, but she has to take care of herself. This money means security for us. I never thought I’d have that.”
Patience released him and spun in a circle. “But you know the best part?”
He shook his head, grateful he didn’t have to speak. Because with her dancing around him, he found his brain wasn’t actually in working order. And other parts of him were starting to take over. Need began to pulse in rhythm with his heart, and had they been anywhere but on a public corner in the middle of Fool’s Gold, he would have pulled her close and kissed her. Then he would have done a whole lot more.
“There’s going to be money left over.”
It took him a second to catch up. “From the inheritance?”
She nodded vigorously. “Look.”
She pointed across the street to a vacant storefront. “Isn’t it perfect?”
The building wasn’t all that remarkable. A door, windows and space inside. But he knew that wasn’t the point. To Patience, this was her dream.
Justice was also going to open a business. It seemed the next logical step. He was sure it would be successful and that he would enjoy the work, but it wasn’t a dream. He didn’t allow that much wanting in his life.
“It’s perfect,” he told her, enjoying the way she gazed at the building—as if it were magical.
“I know exactly how it’s going to look,” she told him. “I already have my business plan. I worked so hard to get my plans together and to save, but honestly I never thought I had a chance.”
He reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m really happy for you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She laced her fingers with his. “Come with me. I’m meeting Eddie right now. She’s going to let me in so I can check out the space.”
Her sparkling brown eyes compelled him to agree. “Sure.”
She drew in a breath and leaned into him. “I’ll try not to make high-pitched girlie sounds. I live with a ten-year-old and know how shrill they can be.”
“You can squeal all you want. This is exciting.”
“I know.”
She hung on to his hand with both of hers. He would guess that if he pointed out what she was doing, she would pull back and be embarrassed, which he didn’t want. Her enthusiasm reminded him there was plenty of joy left in the world, and that was a lesson he needed.
She tugged him along as she crossed the street. “Obviously the location is fabulous,” she said, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “Look. We’re right across from the park and on the parade route. That means we’re easy access for tourists and locals. I’d love to be closer to Morgan’s Books, but he’s just around the corner from you-know-where.”
Justice stepped up on the sidewalk. He was familiar with “you-know-who” from the times he’d been guarding families with Harry Potter–reading kids, but this was a new one.
“You-know-where?”
Patience glanced around, as if making sure no one was nearby and listening. “The other coffee place,” she said in a whisper. “I love them and I sort of feel guilty about what I’m doing.”
“The other coffee... You mean Starbucks?”
“Shhh.” She waved her free hand at him. “Don’t say it.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to hurt their feelings.”
“You think the store is sad about this?” He gentled his tone. “You know they’re a multibillion-dollar corporation. They’ll be fine.”
She paused for a second, then nodded. “Good point. I’ll let my guilt go.” She touched one of the bare windows. “What do you think?”
“It’s very nice.”
She laughed. “I know. It’s an empty store, right? But there’s so much more here. Once Eddie lets me in, I’ll show you.”
“Eddie?”
Before Patience could fill in the details, an older woman rounded the corner. She had to be in her seventies, with white, short, curly hair. She wore a brightly colored velour tracksuit and athletic shoes.
“I’m glad you didn’t keep me waiting,” she said as she pulled keys out of her large handbag and started fitting them into the lock. “I have to help Josh with interviews. That man can’t keep staff. He’s forever talking about dreams and doing what matters. Then the staff gets bugs up their butts about joining the peace corps or working for a nonprofit. Sure, they’re saving the world, but I have to train the new people.”
She paused and eyed him. “We haven’t met.”
“Justice Garrett,” he said, stepping away from Patience and holding out his hand.
She fluttered her lashes at him. “Eddie Carberry. You’re very handsome.”
“Thank you.”
“Single?”
Before he could process the question—the woman couldn’t mean what he thought she meant—Patience stepped between them.
“Sorry, Eddie, he’s with me.”
Eddie sighed. “The good ones are all taken.” She turned the lock and opened the door to the business.
“Take your time looking around. I’m going back to the office. Just give me a call when you’re finished. I’ll come back over and lock up.” She glanced back at him. “If you change your mind...”
He cleared his throat. “It was nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She lightly touched his arm. “Call me Eddie.” She turned back to Patience. “Josh wants you to have the place. He’ll give you a good deal on the lease. You know how he supports new businesses in town. He’s such a softie, it’s something of a miracle he got as rich as he did.” She leaned into Patience. “Did you check out his—”
“Yes,” Patience whispered back, cutting her off. “You should probably get back to the office.”
“I should. Call me when you’re done.”
“I will.”
Justice watched the old lady leave. There weren’t many circumstances when he felt uncomfortable, but this was one of them.
“Was she trying—”
“To suggest she’d like to have her way with you?” Patience asked, her eyes bright with amusement. “Oh yeah. Eddie and her friend Gladys
