Chapter 10 #3
I raise an eyebrow. “You want to know who I send rent to? Shouldn’t your company know that?”
Max runs a hand through his hair. “I apologize for all the questions. I’ve been trying to track down keys and paperwork for these buildings over the last few days. Whoever handled all of it didn’t report it well, so I’m on a wild goose chase to get everything in order.”
“You look like you just became the janitor with that key ring,” I say, pointing to the jumble of metal.
He laughs. “Yeah, I don’t know how people with this many keys do anything. I spent at least an hour trying to figure out which one unlocks the door downstairs. I’m grateful Maria Matthews had them, though. It makes it easier than trying to find someone to open everything.”
My brain catches on the name Matthews, and I say, “Is she a real estate agent?”
Max nods, and I share a look with Lila.
“Does she have a son named Joey?” Lila asks, her eyes going wide.
“Yeah, he came out when I met them at their house. Why?”
“He’s the one giving Lila a hard time,” I say, leaning in a bit to keep my voice lower.
“I can still hear you,” Lila says, folding her arms over her chest. “Did you tell Max I got suspended?”
Max gives a soft smile. “She just said you had some trouble with a kid at school.”
“Just know, that if you try anything, I know karate.”
Max’s expression is somber but I can’t hold back, letting out a loud laugh.
He turns to look at me, as if I’d help him understand. His eyes are somewhat pleading, the gold flecks more prominent.
“I think I missed something,” he says raising an eyebrow.
“Lila took a full year of karate, but her skills look more like a fire dance than self-defense.”
“Hey, you’re not supposed to be telling secrets to a future felon,” Lila says.
I turn to Max and we both laugh. It feels good to have something to laugh at and someone who can enjoy in the little quips Lila comes up with.
“What do you suppose your crime will be, Max? Breaking and entering?” I say with a grin.
His look is playful, and something loosens in my chest, almost like a wall is breaking down. Not for him, of course, but a sort of healing taking place.
“That sounds plausible.” We stare at each other for a moment longer, and I feel my smile drop a bit. It’s not a connection I feel with him, is it? It’s just that I haven’t really interacted with a guy younger than twenty years my senior since Curt left.
I try to return to the original conversation, hoping it will push down some of the buzz running through my body right now. “Okay, I communicate with a Richard Farley. I think his email says he’s from outside Penrose Beach.”
“Would you mind if I take a look at one of his emails?” Max asks.
He takes a small step forward, and I catch a hint of his cologne. It’s more of a deep ocean scent, and I’m drawn to it more than I should be.
I open my email and search for the property manager. At least I hope he’s the manager.
I scroll to the bottom where the contact information is, and Max pulls out his phone, taking a picture of it.
“Okay, I’ll contact Richard and get things figured out there. Then I’ll get a contractor in to work on the rest of the apartments.”
“Rusty’s not the one to trust with a project like this,” I add.
Not that I know Rusty more than the two times I ran into him in town. I’m not sure if he even came to the jobsite more than once, sending a crew to do things. I’m not attacking him personally. Just his ability to execute a construction project on time.
Max glances around again. “I’d agree with that.
I just received a bunch of ‘progress pictures’ that he sent in, and he only changed the angle of your apartment to make it look like they were different apartments getting done.
” He runs a hand through his short hair and looks up at me.
“Do you know any contractors who could take this on?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Before summer? No chance. I’ve only been here a few months, but Steve and Burt have been nonstop since February.”
“Can I get their number?”
“You can, but I wouldn’t count on them having time.”
He rubs his hands over his face. “What is it with this town and summer?”
“It’s tourist season. Everything revolves around it, or so I’ve been told.”
Max looks at me, as if trying to put the puzzle pieces together in his head. “So everyone preps for months…for what? Three months?”
“Pretty much. That’s when everything’s full and the beach is packed.”
“Why don’t people come now? The weather’s nice.”
“The water’s still freezing. And we’re tucked away from the bigger beaches.”
He considers that, then looks back at me. “If they had the right buildings and some more entertainment, do you think the town could handle more people?”
I’m surprised by his question. He seems to be the one who has a handle on business ideas, and yet, he’s getting my opinion. My very unresearched opinion.
“The town would love it. I heard about some company trying to turn things into a luxury destination.” I study his face as he looks at a point on the wall behind me.
Shaking his head, he says, “I don’t think that’s the answer.
If people have been coming here for years, even with how rundown things are in some spots, I would think a facelift and more things to do that aren’t so beach-specific would be helpful.
Then they can come and enjoy the beach but also have other activities. ”
“You seem to be liking this area,” I say. He speaks with so much passion, and again, that attraction sensor in my brain is going off. But how long will he be here?
His smile makes me melt a little more. “I do. Sure, it’s smaller than where I live, but it’s relaxing here. But will it still be so when the crowds come?”
I bob my head back and forth. “I think if you look for it, you can find your spot anywhere.”
His grin is big and beautiful, sending my stomach for a loop. “I like that. Find happiness where you are. It’s probably something I need to work on.”
Lila groans. “Why are adults so weird?”
It’s only then that I realize just how close I am to Max. He never moved after taking the photo of the email, and well, I don’t mind.
“Thank you,” Max says softly. “And sorry for disturbing your morning.”
“It’s not a big deal. Good luck with…whatever this turns into.” I twirl my fingers around the open space.
Lila waves goodbye, and we head back to the apartment. I start on the waffle batter again, but my mind is still upstairs. It would be nice to have the rest of the spaces finished—filled with people instead of empty frames. Maybe even a new friend for Lila to hang out with.
And yet, I’m stuck on a man who seems like a total catch. But how long until he gets sick of Penrose Beach and leaves?