Page 55 of Easton Island

“That woman.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “What’s the phrase you young folks like to use? She’s a hot mess.”

Quinn chuckled. “I’m sure she’s keeping you on your toes.”

“Not only me but the entire Easton Estate household.” She tilted her head. “Back to why you’re here when you have the day off. Does this have anything to do with Travis Mason and the resort project?”

“It does.”

“Brett told me he’s eager to speak with me about the easement agreement he needs for the project to move forward.”

“Eager might be an understatement.” Quinn briefly filled her in on what had transpired, how Mason had been pointedly evasive until she called him out. “He’s been showing up every day at different times, mostly in the afternoon, looking for you.”

“His company sent a letter outlining its intentions. I ignored it.”

“I don’t think he plans on giving up.”

“They have money invested. I’m sure the partners are breathing down his neck, pushing him hard to get the deal done.”

“He asked me what I thought,” Quinn said.

“If I would go for it?” Elizabeth asked.

She nodded.

“What did you tell him?”

“You were no dummy and a savvy businesswoman. I also told him I had no idea whether you were interested in hammering out a deal.”

“I have my reservations and concerns.”

“Because a project of this magnitude will affect all of us. You. Me. Local businesses. Morgan’s bed-and-breakfast.”

“There are pluses and minuses.” Elizabeth sighed. “I knew this day would come. I suppose it’s best to get it over with.”

“While we wait, we had a few new pieces on consignment delivered. I was wondering where you thought we should put them.”

Quinn and her boss got to work sorting and arranging artwork. Although she had her own ideas about the optimal locations, Elizabeth was the seasoned expert. She had a knack and a flair that made the pieces “pop” and caught visitors’ eyes right off the bat.

They took a coffee break midway through the morning with no sign of Travis. Quinn was starting to think he would stick to his usual routine and not show up until the afternoon.

Customers arrived, and Elizabeth greeted them, walking them through the gallery and sharing information about the various pieces.

From her cubby in the corner, a movement caught Quinn’s eye. A familiar figure passed by the window and stopped in front of the door.

“I knew it,” she muttered under her breath. “I had a hunch he would show up this morning. It looks like Elizabeth will be forced to listen to his pitch after all.”

Chapter 25

Morgan waited for Chester to trample over the top of her and flop down on the passenger seat. “Ronni is coming home today. We’ll be off the hook as soon as I host the breakfast part of our bed-and-breakfast routine.”

She shifted into reverse and backed out of the driveway, casting a wary gaze at the dark storm clouds forming. “I was thinking we should take Tristan out for ice cream later. Hopefully, the doozy of a storm that is brewing blows over by then.”

Brett had dropped him off at school that morning before he left for Toronto. He’d reported back that his son seemed slightly apprehensive. She chalked it up to the Renaud kids picking on him after Saturday’s science fair.

“But first, I’ll bring him by to play with you and Mr. Pickles.”

Her neighbor Beatrice had made it through her surgery without any complications. Morgan had sent a text message reply, thanking her for the update and attached a photo of Chester and the bunny frolicking in the yard.

Mr. Pickles appeared to be adjusting to his new surroundings, although his floppy ears seemed a little “floppier.” Whenever she mentioned Beatrice’s name, they perked up.