Page 38 of Reaper

I open my mouth and close it a few times, shocked by this turnabout, but no words come out.

“Why?” I finally manage to croak out.

She sighs heavily and her shoulders slump. “I think I just didn’t want to lose my last thread to Charlie, but you almost dying put everything in perspective. The house and the supper club aren’t my last threads to Charlie. It’s you, your mother, and Mark. Even before he died, Charlie liked your ideas and wanted to implement them. I... I was scared it would change everything and become something I couldn’t recognize anymore. But, again, you almost dying really drove home that point. I would still like to embody the spirit that Raymond had put into the place, but yes, I am open to your changes.”

I share a stunned look with Ma in the rearview mirror before she goes back to focusing on the road as she navigates through town.

Clearing my throat, I carefully reach forward, placing my hand on Granny’s shoulder. “I want to rebuild as close as possible to what we had. After the last time we talked, I got to thinking more about what you said. About wanting to keep our history intact. I want that as well, but I also think we could fill a bigger need in the community if we added on and built a tavern attached to or next to the supper club. If it was attached, I figured we could build a thick wall to divide them so that no one in the dining areas could hear what was going on, on the opposite side of the wall. The kitchen and office areas could be connected at the rear of the club and tavern so that the staff and us can get between the two as needed. Also, the kitchen staff could help the other as needed, too. For the supper club, I thought we could make a few minor changes but mainly remain the same. Those were my thoughts about them, anyway.”

Granny gently pats my hand, and I lean back in my seat.

“I like those ideas, too, but we’ll need to run the numbers,” Ma replies, and I nod in agreement.

“They’re saved to my cloud account, but we’ll need to get a new computer since our other ones were destroyed. I also want to get a better security system as well. Reaper mentioned his grandparents’ grocery store’s system alerted the fire department when the fire triggered the alarm. I was thinking of talking to him and his friend that runs the company for a quote.”

“I heard from Audrey that the system likely saved their store because the fire came dangerously close to where their gas lines were located. The fire chief also told her that the system notified them about the fire and they were on their way before the man who was walking his dog called it in. My vote is to get the same security system. For the house and both the businesses. Emma?”

It takes me a moment to remember that the Audrey she’s referring to is Reaper’s grandmother.

Ma nods in agreement, her hands turning white on the steering wheel as she grips it tightly. “Same. I don’t want this ever to happen again. Go ahead and get the quote, Honey.”

Chapter 17

Lark

Pullingoutmyphone,I pull up my text thread with Reaper.

Lark: Could you put me in contact with the person who installed the security system at your grandparents’ grocery store? I was talking with Ma and Granny and we all would like to get the same thing or something similar for our house and businesses.

Reaper: Of course, Darlin’. His name is Smoke, and he runs Steel Security. I’ll text him your information and he’ll be in touch.

Reaper: Wait, businesses? As in plural?

Pulling my bottom lip in between my teeth, I debate about how much to tell him.

Lark: We might be branching out a little. We’ll still have the supper club, but Granny is open to my ideas on expanding. We’re going to talk more about it tomorrow. I also need to get a new laptop since ours were all destroyed so that I can show them the numbers I had pulled a couple of months ago.

Reaper: Let me help you with that. I can talk to Python and we can pick one up for you so that you have it ready to go for tomorrow.

Frowning, I reread his message. I’m really tired and just want to curl up into bed and cry myself to sleep. Glancing up at Ma and Granny, I can tell from their slumped postures that they don’t have the energy to go out right now, either. Plus, it would be nice to have it ready for tomorrow. Now that I know Granny supports my ideas, my mind is reeling with possibilities.

Lark: Are you sure that wouldn’t be a problem?

Reaper: Of course not, Darlin’. How about we swing by in the morning with it? Python said he could have it ready to go for your family meeting.

Lark: I would appreciate it, but I WILL be paying you back for it.

Lark: I mean it, Reaper. A laptop is expensive.

Reaper: I understand, but at some point, I will get you used to me giving you gifts and providing foryou. We’re gonna head out so that Python has time to do all of his tech voodoo shit that he does. Text me later tonight when you go to bed, Darlin’.

I frown. Why does he want me to text later tonight? Almost as if he’s able to read my mind, my phone pings with another message.

Reaper: I’d like to start my day and end my day talking to you, Darlin’. Have a good nap and I’ll talk to you later.

My heart beats faster in my chest as I read, reread, and then re-reread his messages again. He was serious. He still wants me? Scars and all?

I clutch my phone tightly while I take a few steadying breaths. A few moments later, I’m a bit calmer and I finally go to reply and realize that while I was panicking, he’d messaged me again.