Page 119 of Kiss Marry Kill

“I see.”

“This place was my life for over thirty-five years. This wasn’t just a building. A business. This was my home. I raised my daughter here. I lived a happy life with my wife here. This wasn’t just a building to be sold off to the highest bidder.”

I frowned. “But your daughter wanted you to take the higher offer.”

He smiled. “Yes, she did. But you know what? My wife, Stella, would have told me to take your offer, Dr. Thornton. And that’s why I went with you. Stella would have liked you.”

“Oh.” I frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Yep. She’d have loved the way your eyes lit up when you walked around the place. I noticed it the day you were here. You immediately connected with the energy of the building. That fella River didn’t even come take a look.”

“He didn’t?” I wrinkled my brow.

“Nope. He just threw money at the situation, assuming that was all that it would take.” He laughed gruffly. “He was almost right. But then I remembered what’s important in life, and it ain’t money. I got plenty of that already.”

“I’d given up hope. I’d accepted my loss.”

Mrs. Numi patted my back, smiling down at me. “But you didn’t lose, Dr. Thornton. You triumphed.”

I stood and held out my hand to Dr. Johnson. “I don’t know how to thank you. You have no idea how much I needed this win right now.”

He shook my hand. “I’ll tell you another reason I picked you, Dr. Thornton.”

“Yes?”

“When you thought you’d been outbid, you didn’t get mad or throw a fit. You were still respectful. But you looked like you’d lost an old friend. Truth be told, that kind of hurt my heart.”

I was a bit embarrassed he’d been able to see that in me. But it had worked in my favor, so perhaps it was all right that he’d glimpsed my weakness. “I thought I’d hidden my disappointment better.”

“It’s a good thing you didn’t,” he said.

“Yes. I suppose that’s true.” I gave an awkward laugh.

“I hope you’ll be as happy here as I was.” He gave a melancholy smile. “Word of warning though, remember the people in your life are more important than the hours on the job.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Mrs. Numi and Dr. Johnson chatted a bit more, and I glanced around the room, still in shock that it was going to be mine. I really hoped Royce would be happy for me. I was conflicted about moving out of his place. I’d loved living with him. I eventually wanted to live with him permanently. But I also didn’t want to rush things. Was that wrong of me? I knew I wanted to be with Royce forever, so what was my hesitation? It had nothing to do with my feelings for Royce. So what was it, then?

By the time we finally left Dr. Johnson, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. There were so many calls I’d need to make. But at least I was moving into a space that would be all mine. No landlord could threaten me with three-day-quit notices or raise the rent on me. I’d be the owner of my home and business.

As we reached our cars, Mrs. Numi said, “This is a good day. Let’s meet for a celebratory drink later, Dr. Thornton. I’ll buy.”

“Oh, um…”

“Come on. I always take my clients out for a drink when we seal the deal. It’s tradition.” She opened her car door. “Invite Sheriff Callum to come join us. He should be a part of this.”

“Oh, he’s way too busy right now to come out for a drink. I will invite him, but I’m sure he won’t come.” I grimaced.

“You’ll come though, right?”

“I guess that might be nice.” I gave a tentative smile.

“Wonderful. There’s a little martini bar just off of Main Street. It’s called the Lemon Drop. Meet you there at 7:00 p.m.?”

“Yes. Sounds perfect.”

She gave a graceful wave of her hand, and she got in her car.