Chapter 8
Tori headed over to Coastal Coffee the next morning. Darlene was busy today with an inn full of guests and too preoccupied to chat, leaving Tori craving a chance to talk to someone who knew her, even a little. Hopefully, Beverly would be working this morning.
When she walked in, the now familiar scents and sounds surrounded her, a comfort from the rush of changes that were headed her way more quickly than she could have imagined. She wasn’t sure what she thought she’d do when she came to Magnolia Key, but it certainly hadn’t been to buy the theater. Or have anything to do with a theater. And yet, here she was with her big plans. Excited about them.
Beverly waved to her and motioned for her to take a seat. She scanned the room, her gaze settling on the only available two-top. As she sat down, she noticed a lone older woman sitting at the table behind her, engrossed in reading the paper. Then she ran her gaze around the cafe and froze. Gavin. Not two tables away. Their eyes met briefly, and he did that infuriating bob of his head before turning back to his meal.
Just great. Way to dampen her day.
Beverly came over. “Morning. Good to see you again. How’s the exploring of the town going?”
“It’s been… interesting.” She paused, wondering if she should tell Beverly her plan. The last person she’d told about it—Gavin—hadn’t been impressed. Though, Darlene was a fan of it.
“Interesting? How so?” Beverly prodded.
She took a deep breath. “I went to the old theater. Actually went inside it yesterday. And… I’m thinking of buying it.”
A chair scraped and the woman sitting at the table beside her turned to her. “You don’t say.”
“Miss Eleanor, this is Tori. She’s visiting for a bit,” Beverly introduced them.
“And you think the theater is a good investment for some out-of-town stranger to purchase?” Miss Eleanor glared at her.
“No—I—I mean, yes.” Why was everyone in this town skeptical of her intentions?
“It’s not for sale. Not to be bought by some stranger and torn down and some fancy stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb building put up in its place.” Miss Eleanor shook her head.
She glanced over at Gavin and saw he was listening in. She squared her shoulders, waiting for him to join in and rail against her plans. Instead, he sat there listening.
“No, I didn’t mean that. I want to buy it and restore it back to the way it was. Like it was when I used to go to plays there with my grandmother.”
“That sounds like a nice plan, doesn’t it Miss Eleanor?” Beverly asked, like she was trying to ease the tension.
“And if you bought the place, would you be willing to sign an agreement that says you won’t tear it down?”
Tori stared at the woman. “I guess so. Why?”
“Because we don’t need more things torn down in this town and modern things put up to replace them.”
“I plan to renovate it. I just need to get a contractor to look at it. Make sure it’s structurally sound, and the wiring is up to code. Get an estimate of what it would cost to restore it.”
“I can give you those numbers,” Miss Eleanor said, her hands crossed across her chest.
“You can? But how?” Confusion swept through her.
“Because I recently bought the theater, had someone check it out, and got estimates for restoration.”
Beverly’s mouth dropped open. “You did? You didn’t say anything.”
“I don’t have to tell the whole town my business, now do I?” Miss Eleanor frowned at Beverly.
“But you have it up for sale again?” Tori asked.
“I do. Because if the right buyer came along, I’d sell it. But this way I could keep the wrong buyer from purchasing it and tearing it down.”
“Like the rumor about Cliff? Him buying it and tearing it down?” Beverly shook her head.
“My son doesn’t have the sense God gave him. I didn’t find out soon enough that he’d bought those lots at the end of the boardwalk or I’d have stopped that too.”
“Wait, Cliff, the man who wants to tear down the theater is your son?” Tori looked between Beverly and Miss Eleanor.
“Yes. He is. I don’t know where I went wrong in raising that boy.”
“I’d be very interested in seeing any paperwork you have on the place. Talking to the contractor you contacted.”
“Smart businesswoman. Double-checking things. I like that. Where are you staying? I’ll send the paperwork over.”
“I’m at Bayside BB.”
“And your name?”
“Tori… Ah, Tori Duran.”
The woman looked at her closely for a moment. “Okay, Miss Duran. We’ll see if we can strike a deal. If you’re serious about reopening the theater.”
“Oh, I’m serious.” She nodded vigorously.
“We’ll meet later this week, then, at the Realtor’s office.” Miss Eleanor rose, put some money on the table, and turned to Gavin. “I know you heard all that. You’ll help, of course. Make sure the renovations are done correctly. Like you did on the lighthouse restoration, no matter what those idiots said about you.”
She swiveled to watch Gavin’s face, knowing full well he would tell Miss Eleanor no. He wanted nothing to do with her.
But he just bobbed his head and smiled at the woman. “Yes, ma’am. If that’s what you want.”
Tori’s mouth gaped open. “I don’t need his… help.” She almost said interference.
Miss Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know you. But I know Gavin. I know he’ll stick to restoring it back to how it was, not change everything up. So, that will be in the sales contract too. Take it or leave it.” She turned and strode briskly out the door.
“Well, looks like you two will be working together,” Beverly said.
He just shrugged. “Looks like it. Don’t worry, I won’t let her ruin the theater.”
Tori glared at Gavin. “Ruin it? It was my idea to restore it in the first place.”
“And I guess it’s my job to see you do it correctly.” Gavin rose, dropped some bills on the table, and crossed to the door.
She stood there simmering in anger as he disappeared.
“He really is a good guy. He’ll be a big help to you.”
“I don’t want his help.”
“Ah, well, you’ll soon learn that no one in this town gets away with countering Miss Eleanor’s… ah… wishes.” Beverly shook her head. “Except that son of hers, Cliff.” she said under her breath as she walked away.