Page 23 of Make-Believe Match

Pulling my phone from my suit jacket pocket, I called her. It rang a few times. “You going to answer, or should I leave a message?”

She picked up. “Don’t bother.”

“So are you going to let me in?” I stared at the thick wooden door that separated us.

“Not on your life.”

“Why not? Are you busy?”

“I will be in a minute—changing my phone number.”

“Your doormat here says a hundred thousand welcomes.”

“So?”

“All I need is one.”

“You had your one!” she shouted. “And you tricked me to get it!”

“No, I didn’t. Look, Lexi. Let’s not fight. Your grandmother asked me to speak with you.”

“Then speak.”

“Can’t we talk face to face?”

“No. I don’t trust you.” She paused. “Or myself. It’s better if I can’t see you.”

That made me smile. “Okay, fine. We’ll talk on the phone. Let me sit down.” I lowered myself into the Adirondack chair next to her front door. “You have a nice view,” I told her, scanning the woods across from her building.

“Enjoy it for the next sixty seconds because that’s how long you’re allowed to sit on my porch.”

“Your grandmother wants you to be happy,” I said.

“Sure. Onherterms.”

“She doesn’t want to go through with the sale without your approval.”

“She doesn’t need my approval.”

“Well, she’d like it.” I paused. “I’dlike it.”

She barked out a laugh. “What do you care?”

“I’m not the villain here, Lexi. I’m trying to negotiate a deal that’s good for both sides.”

“This is just ajobfor you. It’s mylife.”

“Fair enough.” I thought for a moment. “Can I be honest?”

“Oh,nowhe’s honest.”

“I’ve seen the numbers, Lexi. This resort is going under. I’m sorry, because I know what this place means to you, but it’s true. The question is, do you want to walk away with nothing or with the means to start over somewhere new?”

She didn’t answer right away, and hope had me holding my breath. Was she coming around?

One second later the door next to me flew open and she stepped out onto the porch. The red suit and stiletto heels were gone, and she stood barefoot in jeans and a white tank top. The makeup had been scrubbed off, and her hair tumbled around her shoulders in soft waves I wanted to run my fingers through.

“Hi,” I said, rising to my feet.