CHAPTER TWO
DANI
That evening, as they snuggled on the couch, Dani told Brad about seeing JoEllen at the Woodlands. “It makes me furious to think she’s keeping tabs on us.”
With his arms still around her, Brad looked down at her, his blue eyes troubled. “We can’t let her interfere with our lives. Most people who’ve met JoEllen feel there’s something off about her. Best to stay away as much as possible. I’ve told her I’ll no longer be available to help her with the cabin, that if there’s a problem, she’ll have to talk to their rental office.”
“I think it’s sweet that you’ve tried hard to be kind, but you’re right; we have to go on about our business and stay away from her.” She nestled against his broad chest. She was so lucky to have made such a quick, solid connection with him. Better yet, her work as an architect was helping his construction company and had allowed her to leave her old firm in Boston where her talent was never appreciated.
Pirate, her black lab, impatient to get her attention, pressed his head against her hand. Chuckling, she turned to him and gave him a pat. “Okay, I see you, Pirate.”
She and Brad pulled apart. “How about we give ourselves a treat and head to Jake’s for dinner? I’m ready for one of their big burgers.”
“Sounds like fun,” said Dani. “Saves me from putting together a meal.”
Jake’s was a local bar on Lilac Lake’s Main Street, popular with both residents and visitors to the resort area.
“We can walk from here,” said Dani. “Are you willing to do it? I know you’ve worked hard all day.”
“It’ll be good for me,” said Brad. He was in excellent shape, but he’d told her he liked to eat and didn’t want to get heavy As they headed out, leaving Pirate behind, they could feel the heat of the summer day easing a bit. Compatible, they walked hand in hand, easily keeping in step.
. Brad’s house was only a few blocks away from the town center. His white Cape Cod house wasn’t the only one with a white picket fence in front of it or proudly flying an American flag. Roses clung to the fences, their blossoms peeking through the pickets, adding color to both sides. Walking along the street, Dani thought of Hallmark movies. This setting was perfect for one.
Storefronts and restaurants lined the six commercial blocks on Main Street. Each time Dani saw it, she filled with a sense of pride that her family had been a presence in town for many years. Lilac Lake had changed dramatically from a cute little town to a stunning resort area with the renovation of storefronts into picture-perfect places with colorful awnings and potted flowers by the brightly painted front doors. Trees lined the street providing protective shade, And in areas away from the street, lilac bushes thrived, preparing to put on a magnificent show in the spring of next year, when the town filled with their distinctive aroma.
They arrived at Jake’s and went inside.
At this time of day, televisions strategically placed for viewing had their volume turned down for dinner hour. Later, they’d blast the sports news, competing for attention from people conversing in groups or simply relaxing by themselves.
Dani waved to Quinn McPherson sitting at the bar with his partner Liam Richards. Quinn, his sister, Rachael, and Ross Roberts, retired baseball star, were the new owners of the Lilac Lake Inn. Liam would manage the inn upon the completion of its renovation.
Quinn and Ross were the ones taking on bigger roles working with Collister Construction on the renovation of the inn. After Brad had rejected her overtures, Rachael had more or less disappeared. When asked about it, Quinn explained that Rachael was involved in another hotel project, which suited all of them.
Dani turned and saw Nick at a table with Garth and Beth Beckman. She and Brad headed over to them.
“Hi! Have room for a couple more?” Brad asked. “Pretty crowded tonight.”
“Sure, sit down,” said Beth, as Garth pulled up another chair. Garth’s family owned Beckman Lumber, and Collister Construction worked with them on all their local projects.
Dani sat beside Nick. “Just the man I want to talk to. I know it’s your day off, but I’m worried about Whitney.”
Nick straightened and gave her a look of concern. “What do you mean?” Whitney and Nick had gone on a few dates years ago but seeing his reaction now, Dani wondered if he still had feelings for her sister.
Dani filled him in on the conversation she’d had with her sisters earlier that day. “I told Whitney I wouldn’t tell you unless I had cause. I’ve been thinking about it ever since and feel you should know. Whitney doesn’t want to feel like anyone is watching over her, but both Taylor and I are hoping you’ll keep an eye on her. I’m not staying at the house I’ve rented with them because I’ve moved next door to Brad’s house. Taylor is going to be spending time in New York City, leaving Whitney alone in the house from time to time.”
“I understand,” said Nick. “I agree with Whitney it probably isn’t anything to be too concerned about. But the moment the situation escalates, you’re to let me know. Okay?”
“Yes. People can get away with saying things on social media that they would never say face-to-face,” said Dani, “But you never know what trouble it might produce.”
“I agree. So, let’s keep Whitney as safe as possible.” His mood lightened. “Any more news about the ghost at the cottage? Taylor told me she doesn’t want to move into the house until you know for sure all strange happenings have ended.”
Dani couldn’t help returning his smile. It seemed silly to talk of ghosts, but she and her sisters were committed to finding out all she could about the Maynard family. Then the cottage would truly be theirs.