Page 18 of Take This Heart (Windy Harbor #1)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

TO MY KNEES

MILO

Something isn’t sitting right with me about all the reporters suddenly camped out on the Whitman property. When I have a free moment, I step outside and pull out my phone. I’m surprised when my uncle answers on the first ring.

“You change your mind about joining the right side?” Bruce says.

“No. But talk to me straight—did you have something to do with the animosity toward the Whitmans in Windy Harbor that popped up overnight?”

There’s a low chuckle and I have my answer. “You wound me, Milo. It’s not too late. You can turn this around and make everything up to me.”

“What are you up to?”

“What am I up to? You make it sound so salacious. The citizens of Windy Harbor deserve to know that the new build going up in their town will destroy their way of life. Not only will this disturb the waterfront and cause an eyesore to that pristine land, but it will bring more traffic into town than they know what to do with. People live in Windy Harbor to get away from the hustle, not to invite more of it into their backyard.”

“So, what—you’re whispering in their ear about going against Everett Whitman so you can get your hands on that property? You think your plans for that land are any better?”

He makes a sound of derision. “Milo, Milo, Milo,” he sighs.

“I had such high hopes for you when you were the youngest person to ever receive the Pritzker Award. What a fucking waste.” Another exaggerated sigh.

“I don’t need the land. I know when to move on.

My plans are simply this: Keep Everett Whitman from getting what he wants. ”

It’s quiet for a second as he lets me digest those words.

“You’re really that petty?” I finally ask.

He chuckles. “Petty? I’m saving the community of Windy Harbor, Milo. And you should know…Whitman is no saint.” He pauses for a second and I look at the phone to make sure the call hasn’t dropped. “Come to dinner tonight. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say no, but his next words are different…earnest.

“It’s important, Milo. Please.”

I’m the one sighing now. “I can’t tonight…I’m in Windy Harbor this week.”

“Even better,” he says. “So am I.”

What is going on here?

“It doesn’t feel right, Bruce. I’m working with Everett. I like the man. I consider him a friend.”

“We’re family, Milo. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? I’m asking you to meet me for dinner. You’re really going to turn down a meal with your flesh and blood?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and stare up at the clouds that almost look fake, they’re so perfect. “All right. What time?”

“Excellent. Let’s meet at The Hungry Walleye at six.”

“Okay. And Bruce? As far as business goes, Everett Whitman could be a snake, but I’ve signed a contract with him. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I hear ya. I’ll go easy on you tonight. Like I said, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

“Got it. I’ll see you tonight.”

I hang up and stare at the water in frustration. I don’t have a good feeling about all of this.

I turn to walk toward the house and Goldie is standing there with a strange expression.

Shit. What did she hear?

She smiles and my smile back is reluctant. Maybe she didn’t hear anything.

“I hope I didn’t interrupt,” she says.

“What? No.” I shake my head. “I was done. What’s up?”

“The guys said you told them where to find the easel.” She leans forward conspiratorially. “They’re not usually quite that good with gifts. I mean, they’re not terrible, but—” She wrinkles her nose and I relax even more.

She couldn’t have heard my conversation with Bruce. There’s no way she’d be talking to me like this if she had. And why the hell have I kept it quiet anyway? It’s not like I can help who I’m related to. But I’m on such tentative ground with her as it is…

“I need to stop while I’m ahead, don’t I?” She laughs. “Anyway. I just wanted to thank you.”

“It was their idea,” I say, shrugging. “I just suggested the easel.”

“That had to be weeks ago…when things weren’t very…when we weren’t—” She wrinkles her nose again.

“Semi-peaceful?” I suggest, grinning.

She fights a smile. “Is that what we are?”

“I thought we were getting there. Until you started avoiding me.”

“What? Don’t be silly,” she says, biting the inside of her cheek.

This woman. She’s relentless. Determined to bring me to my knees.

“I’m never silly, Mildie.”

She snorts and rolls her eyes. “Okay, Golo.”

I grin and we stare at each other until she starts blinking fast.

“Dad’s got a craving, so I’m trying to make sure he gets what he wants. You in for dinner with all of us tonight?”

“I—” Shit.

Why do I feel like I’m betraying her?

Because in a way, you fucking are.

Fuck me.

“I wish I could. I have plans for tonight. Maybe tomorrow?”

She stares at me for a beat and then nods. “No problem.”

When I walk into The Hungry Walleye, a young girl moves into action without making eye contact. She grabs a menu and only looks up when I say, “I’m meeting someone.”

Her mouth drops and she freezes mid-step. I turn around to see what’s wrong, but there’s no one behind me.

“He might already be here.” I look around and see Bruce at the table in the back. “Spotted him.” I point to the back table and the girl continues to stare at me. “Should I take that back with me?” I ask, pointing at the menu.

Her mouth moves slightly, but no words come out.

Finally, she blinks and motions for me to follow her.

She must be painfully shy. I suffered that affliction, especially when I was younger, and it’s no fun.

Bruce and I say hello to each other and the girl hands me the menu once I’ve sat down, but she doesn’t leave.

“Cat.” Bruce snaps his fingers and she jumps. “Bring my nephew a Wild Brunette.” He shakes his head, chuckling when she gulps and nods. He shoots me a look when she scurries away, and I glare at him.

“That was rude,” I say.

“You’ve got those Granger good looks. You should use it to your advantage— it comes in handy when you need it.”

I sigh, already wishing I hadn’t come. One of the first things that ever put the nick in my uncle Bruce’s armor was the way I saw him treat servers. I was young, but it bothered me so much, that someone I loved could be so demanding and rude to others.

I open the menu and hear a throat clearing. I look up and see an older woman grinning at me. She smacks her gum and puts her hand on her hip, jutting it out to the side.

“What’ll you be havin’?” she asks.

“What’s good?”

“Our walleye is the best in the state. Bob caught it this mornin’, and my batter is better’n sex.”

My eyes widen and Bruce laughs.

“You know what, Helen? You’re right about that,” Bruce says. “Give us a few of your baskets.”

“I’ll give you my basket all right,” she says, still grinning at me. She blows a bubble and it makes a loud pop. “Fries or Tater Tots?”

I swallow, feeling like she’d batter me up if she could. “Fries.”

“Tater Tots are always the way to go,” Bruce says, shaking his head.

“Gotta agree with ya there.” Helen nods and winks at Bruce.

“Okay, Tater Tots,” I agree.

“You still on that health kick?” Bruce asks when Helen walks away.

“I wouldn’t say a health kick necessarily, but I guess I stay away from junk most of the time.”

I haven’t eaten anything fried in five years, but this feels like the wrong place to bring that up. Helen’s affection feels like it could turn on a dime.

“So what’s this dinner about, Bruce? You said there’s someone you want me to meet?”

He leans forward, about to say something, when his face brightens. “Oh, there she is now. Ava! Over here.”

I turn, expecting to see a new girlfriend or at least someone close to his age, but she’s closer to my age—late twenties or early thirties, sharp green eyes, sleek dark hair, and a command to her walk that has everyone in The Hungry Walleye sitting up straighter and taking notice.

Bruce likes them young and he’s older than my mother, but this woman feels a bit young, even for him.

Shit, this better not be a setup.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Bruce says, standing to kiss her cheek. “Thank you for joining us. Ava, I’d like you to meet your cousin, Milo. Milo, say hello to my daughter, Ava Piper.”

I blink. “Your daughter?”

“Hello,” Ava says. “I’m not sure what we do…shake hands? Hug? High-five?” She laughs and I do too, shaking my head.

“Wow. Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” I stand up and shake her hand. “This is crazy.”

Bruce’s chest puffs with pride. “Isn’t it amazing? She found me recently. All these new-fangled tests that people can do now…”

“23andMe,” Ava fills in, sitting down across from me.

“I don’t have many cousins my age…and definitely not many who live close. You’ve probably met Dahlia though,” I say, tilting my head toward Bruce.

Dahlia is his daughter with his ex-wife and she’s about eight years younger than me.

“No, I haven’t yet.” Her eyes move to Bruce and he shifts uncomfortably.

“Do you live in Minnesota?” I ask.

“I do now.” She lifts her hand and when Helen looks over, she points at my drink. “One of those, please. And your walleye basket.”

Helen nods. “Coming right up.”

Now that I look at Ava more, I see similarities to my uncle and my mom. “My mom will be so excited to meet you. Or have you met her already?”

She shakes her head. “Besides Bruce, you’re the only family member I’ve met.”

“Oh…have you told anyone else about her?” I ask Bruce.

He shakes his head. “You’re the first.”

“Well, I think I’m in shock.” I shake my head and laugh. “And Mom is going to kill you for not telling her immediately.”

“I hope it’s a happy shock,” Ava says, smiling.

“A very happy shock.”

She asks a lot of questions about my work and my life.

She’s easy to talk to and I quickly lose track of time.

Ava has recently moved to Minneapolis and is a freelance journalist. She’s smart and funny, self-deprecating in a lighthearted way.

I almost forget Bruce is even sitting across from us, despite him being the reason I’ve been so stressed lately.

He excuses himself to use the restroom while our food comes. I take a few bites and then lean back in my chair, still digesting this news, when I hear the unmistakable sound of Goldie’s laugh.

I look toward the entrance, and there she is, walking in with her family.

She’s changed into a short summer dress and her long, blonde hair spills over her shoulders.

I want to tug on that hair and kiss some of that sass out of her.

And then when that sassy mouth inevitably returns, I want to do it all again.

But then her eyes land on me and brighten for a second…until they flit to Ava.

Her expression freezes and then shifts, her jaw tightening. She stops walking and Tully bumps into her from behind. She brushes it off and forces a smile for her dad, and then looks everywhere but at me.

I start to rise, maybe to wave her over and explain who Ava is, but before I can move, Bruce returns.

Goldie’s eyes narrow like she’s seen a snake.

She pivots hard and says something to Tully. He directs them to the only table that doesn’t go past ours.

“Oh look,” Bruce says. “It’s the family that everyone has thought was perfect…until now.”

My eyes narrow on him and I stand, excusing myself, and walk over to the Whitmans’ table. Before I can get there, Goldie pushes her chair back and walks toward me.

“Hi,” I say carefully.

“Well, this explains so much.”

“Let me explain—”

“No. You’re here. With her. And him.” Her tone slices through me, saccharine sweet, but venomous.

“She’s not…it’s not…what you think.”

“Really? Because what I think is that we were finally—finally—starting to be civil, and then I walk in and see you on a date with some rude woman who’s been asking about my family, and with Bruce Granger, our sworn enemy.”

“Wait, first…what do you mean some rude woman? You know Ava Piper?”

Her eyes get huge and she looks over my shoulder like she’s willing Ava to burst into flames. “That’s Ava Piper? You have got to be kidding me.” She crosses her arms and turns that glare back on me.

My balls shrivel a little, but then my dick raises its head belligerently, never one to back down on a sparring session with Goldie Whitman.

“What is going on here? What game are you playing? I want the truth. Now.”

I scrub my hand over my head. “There’s no game, I swear.”

But I sound guilty as fuck.

“Oh, come on. Ava Piper wrote the only negative review of my art installation. Then she acted like I was a pariah at The Loon the other night. Erin says she’s been asking a lot of questions about my family.

And then Bruce? Well, you know about the family rivalry between our family and the Grangers.

You’ve heard us talking about him and said nothing! ”

I wince. “I just met Ava tonight. She’s my cousin. Bruce just found out she’s his daughter.”

Surprise crosses her face.

“And I know I should have told you sooner that I was related to Bruce, I just didn’t know how. I haven’t seen eye to eye with my uncle for a very long time.”

“Wait, am I hearing this right?” she sputters. “You’re related to Bruce? How did you fail to mention this?”

I wince again, like I’ve been struck. “I’m so sorry.

I should have said something sooner, I wanted to…

but it’s not an issue for me. I swear it isn’t.

My mom is a Granger. She’s Bruce’s sister, but my mom has stayed out of it.

As soon as I knew Bruce was trying to purchase the property, I let him know I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Everett. ”

Her eyes glitter with tears and anger, flicking over my face like she’s not sure whether to believe me or punch me.

“I can’t believe I let my guard down for a second with you,” she says, and I feel the blow.