Page 86 of Resting Grump Face

“Angry-Amish-Man,” she huffs. “More like Amateurish-Amish-Man.”

Earnest eyes grow small, but I shut them down before their little quarrel can escalate. “Be nice. Both of you. We already have enough trouble. The last thing we need is to fight amongst ourselves.”

All four of my friends grumble at the same time. I sigh and lean back in my seat.

There has to be a better way.

Guy and Paige suddenly sit up straight and start pointing outside. “What the—” both whisper simultaneously.

When I see my boyfriend step out of the building and hold the door for Dicky, I chime right in.

What the hell is he doing here?

Why would he be meeting Richard Dome?

We watch as Dicky lights a cigar and takes a deep drag before handing it off to Ryker.

“Earnest,” I say, but he’s already on his laptop again.

A few moments later, he’s playing the audio from Ryker’s phone on the speakers of his laptop. It’s a little muffled, but I can clearly make out Ryker’s voice. It’s him alright.

“Well, you won’t regret it.” Dicky lights another cigar, takes a deep drag and pats Ryker on his shoulder. “I know it’s none of my business, but is there a reason you’re soinvestedin this property?” Both laugh at his terrible pun.

“Invested?” Guy asks and is swiftly shushed by the rest of the car.

“Well, it’s a long story. Let’s just say I need it in order to settle an old score with an old… flame.”

Dicky grunts with acknowledgment. “That’s a pretty penny to pay, just to settle an old score.”

Ryker takes another drag and lets the back of his hand glide along his jawline. “Some things are more important than money. I’m sure you understand.”

“Hm,” it echoes through the speakers, “I once paid a guy to destroy a priceless Van Gogh that my ex-wife owned just because it was her favorite painting, so, yeah, I understand, son. And, by the way, if you happen to know any eligible broads, by which I mean D-cup and up, do send them my way. Little Richard might consider settling down soon. Gotta enjoy all that additional money I just made.”

Ryker looks down to the ground and nods.

“What the fuck is happening here?” I say, still confused, or rather not wanting to believe my own eyes and ears.

“Did you cheat on him?” Robyn asks with a straight face.

I don’t even know how to answer that.

“Because it looks like he just bought Haven in order to get back atsomeone.”

“There has got to be an explanation.” I reach for the door handle and am about to open it when Robyn and Earnest both push me back into my seat. “I just need to talk to him. Something is… why would he do that?”

“How did you two meet again?” Paige asks while rubbing her forehead.

I look at her, then back out to Ryker, who is leaning over a railing, flicking the ash onto the ground.

“But… he wouldn’t.”

Earnest pats my shoulder clumsily. “Maybe, but evidence suggests otherwise.”

“But I’m sure there is a good explanation,” I say, slowly beginning to doubt myself.

Dicky can be heard over the speaker again, “And you haven’t decided yet what you’re going to do with it?”

Ryker shakes his head. “For now, I might just proceed with your plan. Clear the place out. Especially one person. The rest I will let my people figure out.”