6. Ella
“Ella, can you come in here, please?”
Gloria’s voice snapped me to attention. I hadn’t noticed that I was leaning into my computer while editing my latest piece about the updates that Mayor Jorgenson wanted to make to the Harmony Island bridge that connected us to the mainland. I had been so lost in the words that my posture had taken a hit.
“Yes, Gloria,” I called as I pushed out my chair and stood. I smoothed down my pencil skirt and picked up the notebook and pen that I kept on my desk for these impromptu meetings.
Gloria was sitting in front of her computer with her glasses perched on her nose. She was staring at the screen as her hand moved the mouse around. I stood in the doorway, waiting for her invitation to enter. After a few seconds, she settled back into her chair and motioned for me to sit on one of the chairs in front of her. I nodded and obeyed, my pen poised over the notebook so I was ready for whatever she needed me to do.
She bounced a few times in her chair before she rested her elbows on the armrests and steepled her fingers. “I need you to take Elizabeth with you to Harmony Cove.”
I jotted down Harmony Cove in my notebook. It was one of the oldest parts of town. The houses were small and dated but had the best view of the island. Most of the Harmony Island originals lived there. “Okay, I can do that.” Then I glanced up at her. “Any particular reason why?”
Gloria studied me as if she was weighing her words. Then she sighed and sat up. She started straightening things on her desk as she spoke. “Marcus Proctor has requested that we run a cover piece on the offers they are making to the residents of Harmony Cove. They are on their way right now to extend the offer to Barbara McDonnell and would like newspaper coverage.”
My pen hovered over the notebook as I processed what she was saying. As much as I’d wanted to put the mystery man from the day before behind me, hearing the Proctor name made that resolution fly from my mind.
It took me a moment to realize that Gloria had stopped talking, so I quickly jotted down what she’d said. “Sounds easy enough,” I said with a smile. I raised my eyebrows. “Anything else?”
Gloria was studying me. I could tell that she wanted to say more, but I was determined to get her off the scent. If she wasn’t going to sanction me looking into the Proctor family, then I was just going to have to do some digging on my own. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe Gloria and Asher were right.
But maybe—and this was less likely—maybe they were wrong.
It’s a journalist’s responsibility to ask questions and seek for truth even if it made people uncomfortable.
“No,” Gloria said as she narrowed her eyes. “Just that story and nothing else.” Then she paused. “I’ll text you the address.”
I set my pen down on my notebook, hooking it with my thumb to keep it in place, and moved to stand. “Wonderful. I’ll go grab Elizabeth, and we’ll head out.”
I could feel Gloria’s stare on me as I gave her a quick nod and headed out of her office. Elizabeth was sitting behind her desk, typing away on her keyboard when I walked up to her. I tapped her desk a few times to get her attention. Elizabeth was the intern Gloria had hired. She had just graduated from Harmony High last year, and she did a lot of the grunt work. She was young but sweet and willing to do whatever she needed to do for Gloria. I enjoyed her company when I was asked to bring her with me.
“We’ve got a story to cover,” I said when she finally stopped typing and looked up at me through her glasses with multi-colored rims.
Her ears perked as she nodded. “You’ve got it, boss.”
I gave her a quick smile before heading over to my desk. I grabbed my purse, my voice recorder, a notebook, and pens. After sliding the items into my bag, I fished out my keys, grabbed my half empty coffee cup, and pushed in my chair.
I was filling my cup with coffee when Elizabeth walked up to me. She had on a cute brimmed hat and was pulling her purse strap up onto her shoulder.
“Ready?” I asked as she pulled out a pair of sunglasses from her purse and swapped her glasses for them.
“Yep,” she said as she settled the sunglasses onto her nose.
“Great.” I replaced the coffee pot and screwed on the lid to my cup. My keys jangled in my hand as I grabbed the now full coffee cup while using my other hand to find my sunglasses that I was sure were buried in the bottom of my purse.
The sun was bright when I pushed the front door open. I slipped my glasses on as I held the door for Elizabeth, and we headed toward my car.
I gave Elizabeth a sheepish smile as I hurried to clear the takeout boxes scattered in my front seat. I never really drove anyone else. If Asher and I hung out, we normally just drove separately. Besides a few acquaintances here on the island, I didn’t have any bosom buddies. I was hoping ladies like Abigail and Shelby were going to fix that.
Once we were settled, I stuck the key into the ignition, and my car roared to life. It was only a fifteen-minute drive to Harmony Cove. Jack Johnson played on my radio as I turned into the community.
The sign that greeted us was weatherworn but beautiful. The wood sign was intricately carved with images of flowers and the sun. The letters of Harmony Cove curved and swirled. Its white paint was in need of a refresh, but even in its aged state, it was a work of art.
“What’s happening in Harmony Cove?” Elizabeth asked as she shifted her gaze from outside the window to me.
“Proctors wanted us here to cover some offer they are making to Barbara McDonnell,” I said as I fished around my cupholder for my phone. Once in hand, I held it out in front of me while I shifted my gaze from my phone to the road. Thankfully, it only took me a moment to find Gloria’s text, and I read the address out loud to Elizabeth.
After two right turns, we pulled up behind a row of black SUVs. My tiny Toyota Corolla looked minuscule next to them. I looked over at Elizabeth, who looked just as confused as I was. Why were there so many vehicles here if they were just making an offer on Ms. McDonnell’s house?
We both unbuckled at the same time. I grabbed my purse and hiked it up onto my shoulder as I pushed open the driver’s door and climbed out. Elizabeth waited for me as I rounded the hood. We walked side by side down the sidewalk and up Ms. McDonnell’s driveway.
A man in a dark suit and sunglasses stood next to the front door. This seemed a little excessive for what we’d been asked to come down here and cover. I shot Elizabeth a look and she responded by raising her eyebrows.
“Excuse me,” the bouncer-looking man said as he stepped forward and held up his hand. “What can I help you with?”
“I’m Ella Calipso.” I shoved my hand into my purse. Gloria had given me a press badge when I started, but this was such a small town I’d never had to take it out. People just knew who I was, and if they didn’t, they certainly knew Gloria. “With Harmony Gazette,” I added when no recognition passed over the man’s face.
He narrowed his eyes before he stepped back and lifted his wrist to his mouth and muttered something. Whomever he’d talked to must have given Elizabeth and me the green light because he suddenly walked over to the door and pulled it open. With a flick of his hand, he motioned for us to enter.
“Thanks,” I said as I led Elizabeth up the porch steps and through the front door. The entire exchange was so weird. Why were they acting like the president was here? I wanted to turn and ask Elizabeth what she thought, but I also wanted to appear professional, and two whispering, gossiping girls walking into a meeting didn’t seem to be the way to portray that.
I could hear voices coming from the back of the house, so I headed down the hallway with Elizabeth right behind me. Everyone was in the kitchen. Marcus Proctor was sitting at the head of the table with Ms. McDonnell next to him. There was a group of men in suits standing behind Marcus, and standing to the left was…
I frowned. Asher?
His gaze caught mine, and he looked as confused as I did as he stared at me. I could see the question forming in his mind, and it matched my own, what are you doing here?
“Ah, you must be who Gloria sent,” Mr. Proctor said as he waved me over.
Not sure what to do, I obeyed and walked closer to him. “Ella,” I said when I got close enough to extend my hand. “Ella Calipso.”
Mr. Proctor glanced down at my hand, and for a moment, I worried that I’d overstepped. Thankfully, he took my hand and shook it before nodding toward the empty seat at the other end of the table.
Not wanting to draw even more attention to myself, I hurried to the spot and took a seat. Elizabeth sat to my left. I pulled out my notebook, pen, and recorder and set them on the table. It seemed as if everyone was waiting for me to finish before they started talking. I pressed record and then uncapped my pen and held the tip over my notebook.
“As I was saying,” Mr. Proctor said, “we think that an offer of $1.3 million is very generous.” His gaze focused on Ms. McDonnell, who was studying the tabletop in front of her.
I almost choked when I heard that amount leave his lips. My gaze instantly snapped over to Asher, who glanced at me. I raised my eyebrows, but he just kept his expression stoic as he slightly shook his head and focused back on Ms. McDonnell.
“It’s life changing money,” Mr. Proctor continued.
Ms. McDonnell nodded. “I know,” she whispered. “I guess I just never thought about selling. This is where I’ve lived my whole life. Teddy and I brought our babies home here.” Ms. McDonnell reached her wrinkled hand out and rested it on the table. My heart ached for her. She reminded me of my grandmother.
Mr. Proctor glanced around the room as if he were looking for someone to back him up. His gaze settled on Asher. My friend paused but then nodded as if he understood exactly what Mr. Proctor wanted from him.
“Listen, Barbara. This is an amazing deal. I would suggest you take it. The housing market can be a volatile one, and in the regular market, you won’t get near this much.” He leaned forward, his lips tipped up into a smile. “The Proctors are offering top dollar because they are making an investment. If you sell on the open market, a regular buyer won’t be able to pay as much.”
Ms. McDonnell was studying him as he spoke. I could see her expression soften as Asher spoke. $1.3 million was quite a lot. If Asher thought it was a good deal, she should trust him even if I didn’t trust Mr. Proctor.
I watched with my pen poised above my notepad to continue writing. It was as if the whole room was holding their collective breath to see what she was going to say. Ms. McDonnell dropped her gaze to the table and paused before she slowly started to nod.
“Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll sell.”
The entire room erupted into celebration as the suits standing behind Mr. Proctor began talking. Briefcases were opened and papers were shuffled as the men surrounded Ms. McDonnell. I kept my gaze on Mr. Proctor, whose smile gave me an uneasy feeling in my stomach. He was speaking to a man next to him before he turned to Asher and spoke in a hushed tone.
I wished I could get closer to hear what he was saying, but that would look weird and, after my conversation with Asher last night, I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t being a supportive friend. If he was going to get a piece of the $1.3 million pie, I didn’t want to be the negative Nelly standing in the way of his celebration.
“I think that’s it,” I said as I gathered my items and shoved them back into my purse. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to write a whole article about, and I had a sinking suspicion that Gloria was going to help me write it with a heavy hand.
I grabbed my phone from my purse as I stood. I needed to grab a few photos for the article before I left. I waved for Elizabeth to wait as I rounded the table and moved my phone around for a good shot of Ms. McDonnell signing the papers that were being laid in front of her one by one.
She looked overwhelmed as she scribbled her signature on each form. After a few shots, I stuffed my phone back into my purse and turned. I yelped when I saw Asher standing next to me with the widest smile I’d ever seen. He wiggled his eyebrows before he quickly glanced around to make sure no one saw what he’d just done.
“Are you working tonight?” he asked as I stepped around him. He followed a few inches behind me so only I could hear his voice.
“Probably,” I said as I nodded to Elizabeth as I walked by her. She understood my gesture and followed behind Asher.
“Well, can you get out of it?” he asked as we left the dining room and entered the hallway.
“Asher, where are you going?” Mr. Proctor’s voice boomed over the other conversations.
“Be right back, Marcus.” Asher popped back into the middle of the doorway and nodded toward Mr. Proctor, who seemed okay with his response and returned to talking to the balding man next to him.
I couldn’t shake the feeling in my stomach that something was off. And as much as I wanted to hang out with my friend, I knew he wanted to talk about this deal and he was going to want me to share in his excitement.
I just wasn’t ready for that.
“I’ll have to see what Gloria wants. She’s in a mood today, and I doubt she’ll want me to bail on her.” I forced a smile. “I’ll text you, though.”
He was staring down at me. His gaze was conflicted. I knew he wanted a solid answer—and for that answer to be yes—but I wasn’t ready to give it to him. I needed some time to process, and I couldn’t do that with his smiling face in front of mine all evening.
“Yeah, okay. I get it.” He turned to Elizabeth. “Make sure she at least tries to take the evening off,” he said as he pointed his finger directly at her.
Elizabeth gave him a mock salute. That seemed to appease Asher as he turned back to me and narrowed his eyes for a moment before he pulled me into a hug. “I’m glad you’re in Harmony.” He held me for a moment and then broke away.
“Me too,” I whispered, but he was already heading back into the dining room by the time I got the words out.
It took me a moment to get my bearings and turn to Elizabeth. She was scrolling on her phone, so I bumped her shoulder with mine and said, “Let’s go.” She tucked her phone into her back pocket and nodded. She followed me out of the house and over to my car.
We drove in silence. When we were a few minutes from the newspaper, she spoke. “I can cover for you if you want,” she said, glancing over at me and giving me a shy smile. “I don’t know what the story is between you and that guy, but he really seems to like you.”
I scoffed. “Asher?”
She nodded.
“Asher’s just my friend.” I shook my head as I paused before taking a left turn. “He’s always just been my friend.”
I glanced over at Elizabeth when she didn’t respond. I had this desire to keep going, but I knew from experience overexplaining always raised suspicions.
It wasn’t until I’d parked behind the newspaper that Elizabeth decided to respond. She opened the door and turned to smile at me. “If you say so,” she said before she climbed out and shut the door behind her.
I was left sputtering, attempting to refute her words, but it was too late. I watched her walk away from my car, across the parking lot, and disappear into the building, the door swinging shut behind her.