whatever they thought about her back then didn’t matter and what they thought of her now didn’t matter either. She had property she wanted to sell, and she preferred they not get in the way of her doing so. But then, what unnerved her more than anything was that even if she’d imagined Sawyer Grisham’s gaze on her before, it was definitely on her now.
She was handed the microphone and was about to speak when Reid Lacroix stood. “I have something to say.”
Vashti’s heart began pounding. She wondered what was going on. Reid Lacroix’s opinion about anything still carried a lot of weight in this town since his blueberry plant employed a number of people living in the cove. He was not someone you wanted as your enemy. She also knew Mr. Lacroix was completely against change of any kind and over the years he’d been instrumental in keeping developers out of the cove. There was no reason for her to think this time would be any different. By him wanting to have his say now might mean there would not be a need for any vote later, so she and the developer would be wasting their time.
As far as she was concerned, his request was out of order; however, she knew that there was no one here who would tell him that. Instead the chairman of the board took the microphone from her and passed it to him with a huge smile. “Yes, by all means, Mr. Lacroix.”
She met the older man’s gaze, expecting the worst. “I heard you’d returned to town, Ms. Alcindor, and I want to join in with the others and say, welcome home. We’re glad to see you back, regardless of whether it’s permanent or temporary. It always does our heart good whenever one of our own returns.”
Vashti stared at the man, stunned. That was definitely not what she had expected him to say. As she looked into the depths of his dark eyes, she saw a sincerity in them that surprised her. In a public place he had welcomed her back. His opinion mattered and he’d effectively made it clear to everyone that she was welcomed back and if anyone felt otherwise they would be going against him. Why? Was he letting her know that he knew the truth about who fathered her child?
“Now, Ms. Alcindor, you may continue.” Mr. Lacroix, smiling, passed the mike to her.
“Thank you, Mr. Lacroix. I truly appreciate that,” she said. And she truly meant it.
* * *
“VASHTI DEANNA ALCINDOR. It’s been a while.”
Vashti smiled at the man who engulfed her in a huge bear hug. She needed it as the prospect of getting ten million dollars from the sale of Shelby by the Sea was gone. She had said her piece, asking the zoning board to consider the advantages that bringing a tennis resort could bring to the cove, before introducing the developer. He’d done a great job explaining to everyone how the proposed tennis resort could benefit the town and the boost it would give to the local economy.
Everyone seemed to show interest and had even asked questions—more positive than negative. However, in the end, no matter how excited the residents of the town seemed, the decision belonged to the zoning board. In the end there were eight board members voting against the resort and only two for it: Kaegan and Sheriff Grisham.
“Kaegan, it’s so good to see you,” she said, when he finally released her. She stared into his face. He looked the same, just older. More mature. Still handsome as ever, even more so. And he still had more hair on his head than she did. “I understand you took over your family’s business. I was sorry to hear about your parents.”
“Thanks.”
“And you’re on the zoning board. I think that’s great and thanks for the yes vote.”
“For all it’s worth, I agree with that developer. A tennis resort coming here would boost the economy. But I don’t have to tell you some people are satisfied to let things stay as they are. Then they wonder why their kids grow up and move away. Only a few return.”
Vashti nodded again as she glanced around. “I was going to thank Sheriff Grisham. I’m surprised he voted yes.”
“I’m not,” Kaegan said. “Sawyer moved here from a progressive city. Besides, he has a teenage daughter and that resort’s perks, especially the free tennis lessons, were great. I just hate you’re losing the deal. I heard they had offered you a lot of money for the place.”
“They did. More than I had dreamed of getting, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
She glanced around again. “I don’t see Sheriff Grisham.”
“He left as soon as the meeting was over.”
“Oh, I see,” she said, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. She had really wanted to thank him, like she’d thanked Kaegan. She was glad they had voted their conscience and not the way Reid Lacroix had wanted them to.
“Mr. Lacroix didn’t seem upset that you and the sheriff didn’t vote with him.”
Kaegan shrugged dismissively. “Lacroix is used to it. He knows both Sawyer and I will speak our minds and not sugarcoat anything either. I honestly believe he respects us for it.” Kaegan didn’t say anything for a moment and then he said, “To be fair to Reid Lacroix, he’s the one who encouraged me to join the board.”
“He did?”
“Yes. He’s changed, Vashti. For the better. I heard he hasn’t been the same since his wife and son passed away within six months of each other.”
Vashti looked away when memories she’d put to rest years ago suddenly surfaced. At that moment she felt pain. Real pain. And it was pain she didn’t want to feel.
“He sure did take a stand tonight where you were concerned.”
Vashti glanced back at Kaegan. “What do you mean?”
“That speech he gave to welcome you back to town. It will put an end to any negativity toward you while you’re here. Heck, you saw the crowd surrounding you after the meeting, following his lead and welcoming you back like the Great Oz had not only spoken, but had given his blessings on your return. I wonder why he did it.”
Vashti refused to look away again. Instead she looked at Kaegan and shrugged. “I have no idea. I guess he was being nice. And it really wasn’t necessary since I’m leaving town on Friday.”
“You just got here.”
“Yes, but I’ve stayed longer than I intended to do.”
He nodded. “Did you go by Shelby’s?”
“Yes. It brought back a lot of good memories.”
“Yet you were okay with that developer tearing the place down.”
It wasn’t a question but a statement and she heard the censure in his voice. “Yes, I need closure, Kaegan.”
He looked at her for a long moment before asking, “What are your plans for tomorrow night?”
“As far as I know I don’t have any. Why?”
“Tomorrow will mark the second anniversary of my return to the cove. I’ve invited a few friends over for beer, fried fish, crabs, oysters and shrimp. Sort of an old-fashioned seafood roast. How about dropping by my place around eight? I’m still at my parents’ home but building my own place next door. I’d love
