Page 24 of Only You

“That’s because I grew up here.”

“Only for the first sixteen years of your life,” she said.

“True, but in a small town like Harbor Falls, you get to know everyone.”

We stepped inside the Seaside Bar & Grille, and the place was packed with residents.

“Thank you for this, my friend,” I told Colin.

“Of course. No problem.”

Lucy went off with Mara. Walking up to the bar, I had the bartender pour me a double scotch.

“My sympathies for your loss,” Hannah said, standing next to me. “Thank you for the other day at the bank.”

“You’re welcome.” I smiled. “This town needs a flower shop. I hadn’t been back here in so long; I didn’t realize Mrs. Philbert had passed away, and her son had closed it down.”

“You didn’t visit your mother when she was ill?” she asked.

“No. It’s complicated.” I shut that subject down quickly. “So, do you have a name for your flower shop?”

“I do.” She smiled. “Blooming Beauty.”

“I like it. Here’s to Blooming Beauty.” I held up my glass.

“To Blooming Beauty.” She tipped her wine glass to mine. “How old is your daughter?”

“Lucy is eleven.”

“Ah, she’s a tween. Happy times.” She grinned.

“Very challenging times.” I smirked.

“I see they’re bringing the food out,” Hannah said.

“Yeah. I better go fetch Lucy and make sure she eats. Maybe we can talk later?”

“I’d like that.” A bright smile crossed her lips.

After the luncheon was over and I thanked everyone for coming, Mara took Lucy home while I met with Ralph at his office.

“Why would my mother leave me everything?” I asked. “The woman hated me.”

“That’s not true, Alex. She was mentally unstable after?—”

“It still doesn’t explain why, Ralph.”

“You’re the last Harbor. This town is your legacy, and she knew that.”

“Well, I can’t stick around. I have a company to run in Chicago.”

“Are you actually going to sell the house?”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“That house has been Harbor Estates, your family’s home since your great great grandfather built it. It would be a shame to see someone other than a Harbor owning it.”

Sighing, I ran my hand down my face. “I have a lot of thinking to do, Ralph.”