Page 79 of A Secret Chance

“I’m Emma.” The woman gave a wave from the doorway.

“Nice to meet you, Emma,” Freddie said and continued pulling wire.

Emma clasped her hands in front of her as if she didn’t know what to do next.

“Come on in, Emma.” Brock gave an exaggerated wave. As she approached, Brock stuck out his hand. “I’m Brock and this is my daughter, Tabitha.” Emma smiled and shook both of their hands.

“Nice to meet you,” she said.

“And this is my business partner.” He turned to introduce Charlie, but he had disappeared. “Charlie...” his voice petered out. “I guess he had to go.”

“I just wanted to introduce myself,” she said. “I’m new to town.”

“Welcome,” Brock said. “Most people here are friendly.” He couldn’t believe that Charlie had just fucked off. It was very out of character. The man had been nothing but professional up until that very moment.

“Thanks,” Emma smiled. “Anyway, I should go. I have to meet my realtor.”

“Is it my auntie Charlotte?” Tabitha asked.

“Is your auntie’s last name O’Hare?” the woman smiled. Tabitha nodded enthusiastically. “Then yes, I’m on my way to meet your aunt.”

“You’re in good hands,” Brock said. “Hey, by any chance do you have a business card?”

The woman grinned and plunged her hand into her huge handbag. “I just picked them up.” She handed Brock a tasteful white business card with a lone pink tulip on the back. He slipped it in the breast pocket of his plaid shirt. He had been quick to adopt the official uniform of Chance Rapids. “My fiancée is planning our wedding and last I heard, we still needed flowers.”

Their wedding was on hold until the brewery was finished. It was going to be the first big event held in the new space. “I’d be happy to meet with her,” Emma smiled. “I’m working from home until my shop is done. Which, fingers crossed, should be ready in a month but I’ve heard that might be optimistic.”

“The local tradespeople are notoriously slow. Especially the electrical guy,” Brock said.

“Hey,” Freddie laughed.

“Just checking to see if you’re listening in to everything we’re saying,” Brock laughed.

Freddie pulled the trigger on the drill, interrupting Brock, a wry smile on his face.

Emma said goodbye and hurried out of the construction site to meet Charlotte. Brock turned to see Charlie emerge from the storage room. “Is she gone?” he whispered.

“Yes,” Tabitha said. “She’s gone.”

Charlie’s face was white, and he looked visibly shaken.

“What’s wrong with you, man?” Brock asked. “That was pretty rude.”

Charlie rubbed his beard and shook his head. “I think I know her and not in a good way.”