Chapter 24
24
“So, he’s showing the potential buyer around the property right now?” Frankie leaned against the front desk, glancing between Abe, Chris, and Nick. There was an edge of curiosity mixed with concern in her voice.
“They’ve been out there for a few hours,” Chris crossed his arms, his tone less than enthusiastic.
“Weird, he didn’t want us to come along,” Nick added, his brow furrowed.
The weight of Joe’s decision hung in the air, thick with unspoken concerns. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances, each of them wrestling with the thought that their family legacy might soon belong to someone else.
Abe, the calmest of the group, offered a steady perspective. “I’m sure this is hard enough for Joe. He didn’t want to disappoint anyone.”
Chris’s expression shifted to something more mischievous. “Is it bad that I wish I knew where they were so we could sabotage the tour?”
Abe gave a sly smile, eyes twinkling. “Not at all. I was thinking the same thing.”
Frankie’s jaw dropped, but a chuckle slipped out. “Abe! I’m... impressed!”
“We should’ve had a plan,” Nick muttered, shaking his head with mock disappointment.
“Next time,” Abe said, his grin widening.
Frankie looked between them, feigning disapproval. “You three are terrible. But I can’t say I disagree.”
Chris leaned in, his voice dropping as if sharing a secret. “When we first arrived, I was surprised by the decision to sell. I mean, I supported it. But now... I don’t know.”
“If you have any reservations, you should speak up,” Frankie encouraged, her gaze softening.
“I couldn’t do that to Joe,” Chris admitted, shaking his head. “He’s already sacrificed enough for us.”
Nick, ever curious, tilted his head. “So, what did the guy look like? The buyer?”
“He’s not the actual buyer,” Abe corrected, folding his arms. “Just a representative of some company in the city.”
Chris’s eyes narrowed as if recalling the man’s appearance. “He wore a suit, shiny shoes, and a wool jacket. In the snow.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Oh boy. A city slicker.”
Chris shot him a look. “We’re all city slickers, Nick. Abe’s the exception.”
Abe nodded sagely. “Thank you.”
Just then, Abe’s eyes flickered toward the entrance. “Oh look, here they come. Act busy.”
Panic set in, but only for a moment. Abe leaned over the desk, pointing out something on the computer to Frankie, who squinted at the screen, pretending to be fascinated. Nick grabbed a nearby clipboard and scribbled aimlessly on the attached papers. Ever the dramatist, Chris picked up a feather duster and began dusting the front desk with exaggerated motions, looking far too pleased with himself.
The door swung open, and Joe walked in, followed by a man whose tailored wool coat and polished shoes screamed city life. He carried himself with a smooth confidence that felt out of place in the cozy, rustic surroundings of the inn.
Joe looked relieved to see everyone. “Oh good, you’re all here. I’d like you to meet...”
The group behind the desk froze. Frankie’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth falling open.
“Ethan,” she breathed, the surprise evident in her voice. “What are you doing here?”