by Mary Manners
She frowned. She’d placed a pen in her purse just before she left home that morning. She was sure of it.
“No problem.” Morgan waggled his pencil.
“We can’t sign a contract in pencil.”
“Of course not.” He winked. “So, I guess you’ll have to allow me to take you to dinner. The server is sure to carry a pen.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea—going to dinner with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because…because…oh, I don’t know.”
“Neither do I.” He flipped the notepad closed and tucked it back into his pocket. “Lila, we’re going to be working together for the next several weeks. Are you planning to skip every meal that we’re together?”
“That would be impossible.”
“Good. Then let’s break the seal today. Besides, it’s never good to begin a project of this magnitude on an empty stomach.” Morgan glanced out the window, noting a red and white awning near the east end of the boulevard. A lighted sign flashed, Pappy’s Pizzeria. He’d read rave online reviews of the eatery that assured the food was well worth the trip. “If it will make you feel better, you can consider tonight’s meal a business meeting. We’ll finalize our plans, then sign the contract.”
“It would expedite things.”
“Of course. Signed, sealed, and then I’ll order the materials and have them ready to go first thing Monday morning. There’s no sense wasting another day on details.”
“You’re right.” Lila smiled and the radiance shot an arrow straight to Morgan’s heart. “Dinner it is, then. Do you like Italian food…pizza, pasta?”
“You’re talking my language.”
“Great. I know an awesome little restaurant just down the boulevard.”
“I think I’ve read your mind.” Morgan took her hand and led her toward the front entrance. “Pappy’s Pizzeria. Let’s go.”
Chapter 3
PAPPY’S PIZZERIA BUSTLED WITH A robust Friday evening crowd. Lila wandered down the aisle toward the rear section until she found a vacant booth near the windows. She slipped into a red-cushioned vinyl seat across from Morgan and settled back as a snappy tune filtered through the speaker system.
“The pasta’s superb here and so is the pizza.” She took the menu Morgan offered. “Actually, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu; it’s all fantastic.”
“If the desserts featured in that display case at the entranceway are any indication, no one goes home from here hungry.” He opened his menu and scanned the contents. “The portions are huge and I’ll trust your judgement on the quality.”
“You should. I’ve been in Clover Cove long enough to know. And since my cooking skills leave much to be desired, I’ve become a regular here.”
“Did I hear you right? Are you confessing a weakness?” Morgan lifted his gaze to peer at her from behind his menu. “You mean to say you can’t cook?”
“I have many weaknesses…mainly when it comes to chocolate and wildflowers. If you stick around long enough you may discover them all.” She studied the menu, though she practically knew it by heart. “And as for my cooking…it all depends on your definition. I happen to make a mean grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.”
“Well, I happen to have a soft spot for that particular combination.”
“But anything beyond a sandwich and soup with a garnish of potato chips and you’re on your own.”
“Well, I might take you up on the offer…take my chances and see where it leads.” His dark gaze told Lila he had an interest in more than the food. “In the meantime, what do you think about sharing a pizza?”
Lila’s nerve endings sizzled and popped. She set the menu aside and unraveled the silverware from her napkin as she swallowed hard. Morgan’s gaze remained glued to her, studying her as she placed the napkin in her lap.
“I think that’s a fine idea, as long as you don’t mind to leave off the mushrooms.” They were about the only thing Lila didn’t favor at the cozy family-style restaurant now owned by Kami and Wyatt Cutler. “I am not a fan of fungus.”
“That works for me.” Morgan closed the menu and set it aside as Jada, the peppy server with hair dyed the color of ripe mandarin oranges, approached.
“Hey, Lila.” Jada set two glasses of ice water on the table and then swiped moisture from her hands onto her apron. Her belly sat high and round, signaling the impending birth of a daughter. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is Morgan Haynes. He’s a builder from Nashville.” Lila swept her hand between them. “Morgan, meet Jada…and Molly.” She gave Jada’s belly a nod.
“Pleased to meet you, Jada.” He grinned. “I see congratulations are in order.”
“Yes. Thanks.” Jada’s hand went instinctively to her belly. “Morgan…” She leaned in and squinted as she made one slow sweep over him. “Have you been here before? You look awfully familiar.”
“No. This is my first time to town, though I’ve done a lot of research of the area via the Internet.”
“Hmm…that’s odd.” Jada lifted a pen from the pocket of her apron and used it to scratch behind one ear. “I could swear you look just like...”
“Who?’ he asked.
“Never mind.” She shook her head. “Welcome to Pappy’s.”
“Morgan’s going to breathe new life into the Victorian house I purchased just down the boulevard, across from Peyton Cutler’s floral shop.” Lila chatted. “We’re going to begin construction this week.”
“Oh, right.” Jada drew her gaze from Morgan and slipped the pen back into her apron. “Peyton mentioned that you’re going to do some business together. You’re planning to open the boutique soon?”
“As soon as Morgan can tighten up all the details and get the supplies delivered, renovations will commence.” Again, a trill of excitement coursed through Lila at the thought. Her voice quickened. “Remodeling should go pretty quickly from that point.”
“That’s awesome. Chet Simpson ran a story in the community section of the Clover Cove Times last week. I saw it on the front page, complete with a snapshot of the house. The place is so romantic with all the little details we don’t find anywhere else in the Cove…turrets, a sweeping wrap-around porch, and so many windows. It must have really been something back in the day.”
“And it will look fantastic again soon.” Morgan nodded. “Trust me on that point. People will flock.”
“The town is banking on it.” Jada splayed a hand over her mounded belly. “It’s about time we got something like that in this town. No more trips clear out to Knoxville or Nashville when a couple decides to take the big leap. It will be a real time-saver. My sister just got engaged last weekend. She wants an October wedding…autumn leaves and all. Maybe you can help her out, Lila.”
“Of course. I’d love to. An October date leaves us plenty of time to plan. I’m taking appointments even though the building’s not ready. I’m working out of my apartment until then. Your sister can give me a call.” Lila’s excitement soared as she handed Jada a business card. “And maybe Chet will do a follow-up in the Times when Morgan has the work finished, to showcase the completed restoration.”
“I’m sure he will. He’s been gunning for years to have the building restored by just the right person. It’s much too beautiful to sit vacant. I’m glad you’re the one, Lila. It’s as if the building has been waiting for you to come along all these years. You’re the talk of the town, you know.”
“Well, you’ve certainly made my day. As soon as the renovations are finished, I’ll give you a personal tour.” A smile bubbled up as Lila’s voice trembled with pleasure. “It’s good to hear there’s so much interest. Send your sister my way, Jada, and I promise to take good care of her.”
“I know you will. And I can guarantee you’ll have plenty of business. Hattie Cutler plans to be your first customer—with my sister as a solid second—and if they’re pleased with your service, they’ll issue an all-points bulletin six c
ounties wide. In the meantime, you should both probably fuel up. It’s going to take a load of energy to complete the project. What can I get for you today?”
“We’ve decided to share a pizza.” Morgan handed Jada both menus and she tucked them under one arm. “What do you recommend, minus the…um…fungus?”
A conspiratorial glance passed between him and Lila.
“My husband Fred is on the line tonight,” Jada informed them. “And he’s been experimenting with a New York style meat lover’s that’s to die for. It’s heaped to the gills with fresh pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham…maybe even the kitchen sink.” She offered a saucy wink. “All the good stuff plus loads of cheese. And it also happens to be the special today.”
“Mmm…that sounds perfect.” Morgan rubbed his belly. “How about it, Lila?”
“I’m in. What’s a little cholesterol in the grand scheme of things?”
“Well, in that case...” Morgan motioned toward the dessert display. “Save us a few slices of that tiramisu, too.”
“We can do that.” Jada jotted the order on her pad. “And would you like something besides the water to drink?”
“I’ll have a glass of sweet tea with lemon.” Lila smoothed the napkin placed across her lap.
Morgan followed with, “And I’ll take coffee, black.”
“Sure. I’ll post the order and bring you those drinks. Garlic knots drizzled in marinara are coming right up. And be sure to save room for that desert you requested. Fred just made a fresh batch of the tiramisu and it’s out of this world. I know because I’m the official sampler.” Jada patted her belly with a chuckle as she ripped the order sheet from the pad. “Well, baby Molly and I are.”
“This is nice.” Morgan leaned back against the bench seat and inhaled deeply. “You know, the Cutlers could charge here for the aromas alone.”
“Yes, they could.” Lila laughed. “They do things top-notch. Good people, the Cutlers. Hattie Cutler is the honorary matriarch of this town.”
“Really? FYI, that’s where I’ll be staying while I’m here. At Hattie’s place. She’s offered me her guest house free of charge for the next month or so.”
“Really?” Hattie and her family carried a solid reputation for generosity. “That’s wonderful.”
“Apparently Hattie’s hopped on board with the restoration and is bent on helping you stay within your budget. So, you’ll find her kindness reflected in the final cost on the contract when you sign it.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Lila felt a lump of gratitude form in her throat. “That’s so…generous of you.”
“Teamwork gets things done.” His gaze tagged hers and held tight. “My administrative assistant worked out all the housing details with Hattie over the phone. I figured bunking at her guest house would serve my needs better than being caged in a cramped hotel room for several weeks—not that I’m planning to rest too much while I’m here. I intend to get this job done and get back to Nashville.”
“I hear that.” Lila hoped he didn’t read that the thought of him leaving cast an odd shadow of sadness over her. She’d spent less than a day with him, yet she felt as if his going away would leave a void. “And I’m glad you worked things out with Hattie. The Cutler family has been nothing but good to me since I arrived in Clover Cove. Kami and Wyatt Cutler own this pizzeria. They just took it over from Kami’s dad, Anthony Moretto, who decided to retire when he proposed to Hattie earlier this month. The Cutlers also own and operate the nursery across the street. They’ve expanded the property several times over the past half-decade. And, last year Peyton—she married Reese Cutler—opened a floral shop just down the street. Her business has done so well that we’ve made an agreement to partner. She’s going to supply all the wedding arrangements for clients who come through my boutique.”
“Sounds like you’ve got things all figured out.”
“Mostly…though small details keep popping up. They’re nothing I can’t manage, though.”
“Of course not. And the Cutlers seem to have things well in-hand.”
“Oh, they all work together.”
“All?”
“Sure, there are more of them.”
“How many?”
“Well, there’s Maddie, the only sister to the three Cutler brothers—bless her heart. It’s a good thing her husband owns a mechanic’s shop on the other side of town. She’s not known for her pristine driving record. Word on the street is that Gunnar has had to haul her sedan out of a ditch more than a time or two…or three.”
“Gunnar?” Morgan’s blue eyes seemed to darken as the color suddenly leached from his face. “Did you say her husband’s name is Gunnar…and he works on cars?”
“That’s right. Gunnar. He owns Gunnar’s Garage, in town.” Lila picked up her napkin and fanned Morgan’s face as the color drained to an alarming shade of alabaster. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Just give me a second.” Morgan’s heart began to race as a lightheaded feeling caused his head to swim. “I’m trying to wrap my head around this.”
“Around what? Morgan—”
“Here you go.” Jada returned at that moment with the drinks and garlic knots. “The tea and coffee are both fresh and I’ll keep it coming. Just give me a holler when you’re ready for more.”
“Thank you, Jada.” Lila’s voice sounded miles away as steam from the garlic knots swirled and danced around Morgan. When Jada left, she leaned in close across the table to whisper urgently. “You’re freaking me out, Morgan.”
The fluorescent lights above seemed to dim and flicker. Black spots danced before Morgan’s eyes. With great difficulty, he drew a breath. “I…I’m fine.”
“Well, no offense, but you don’t look fine. You look…” Lila pressed a glass of water into his hand. She set her gaze firmly as he sipped, swallowed. “Well, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I think I have, sort of.” He drew another deep breath as the room came back into focus. “Never mind. It’s probably nothing. Just a memory. Let’s eat.”
“Some memory.” She eyed the garlic knots. “Would you like to bless the food?”
“I…” Morgan swallowed the wad of sandpaper in his throat. His appetite had fled, yet it wouldn’t be fair to ruin her meal. So, he put on a good face. “Well, I haven’t prayed for a while but I’ll give it a go if you’d like.”
“Yes, I’d like that very much.”
Morgan reached for Lila’s hand. The touch of her warm skin against his comforted. He managed a short, mumbled blessing that concluded as Jada set a pizza between him and Lila.
Unsettling thoughts swirled through his head. So many memories…so many gnarled emotions gathered like a tangled ball of duct tape.
Could his brother be here in Clover Cove…the same Gunnar who married Maddie Cutler? Could it possibly be?
He drew a sip of coffee. The hot liquid washed the sandpaper from his throat. He eyed Lila over the rim of the mug. “What more can you tell me about Gunnar?”
“What do you want to know?”
Surely Lila’s mention of Gunnar was merely a coincidence. There were plenty of men named Gunnar in the world, who worked on cars and owned mechanics shops, right? And his estranged brother was simply one of them. “It’s crazy. Never mind.”
“If something’s bothering you that much, it can’t be too crazy,” Lila prompted.
“You have no idea.” He shook his head. “Forget I said anything. Let’s focus on the Victorian.”
“Okay, but you’d better dig into the pizza before it gets cold.” Lila lifted a cheese-laden slice from the pan and set it on her plate. The aroma of spicy sausage filled the air. “I gave up eating cold pizza when I graduated from college.”
“I prefer not to limit myself.” Morgan struggled to steady the tremor in his voice. How was it that after so many years, thoughts of his brother could still turn him inside out?
Gunnar had abandoned him when Morgan needed him the most—end of story. The relatio
nship was damaged beyond repair. There was no point in dwelling on a past that couldn’t be changed and a future that would never be.
“Oh, look.” Lila glanced toward the entrance. “Here comes Hattie Cutler now. And Maddie’s with her.” She waved. “Gunnar, too. I suppose they’re coming in for a bite to eat since the nursery just closed for the evening. I’m sure the Cutler men will be happy to show you around town. And you can ask Gunnar anything you’d like about your…crazy situation.”
Morgan choked on a mouthful of pizza. A swarm of bees filled his head with a deafening drone.
Loping toward him, like a sluggish mirage straight out of the desert heat, came Gunnar. Dark hair—a mirror of Morgan’s—framed eyes the color of blue smoke.
Gunnar looked up and his gaze tagged Morgan. He froze, eyes huge, as if a semi bore down in his path.
Morgan locked his gaze.
It’s Gunnar…it’s really him.
Like the flip of a switch, time raced into fast-forward mode. In a trio of strides Gunnar stood at Morgan’s side. He palmed the tabletop as he leaned in, breathless.
“Morgan…”
“This can’t be happening.” Morgan’s words stuck to his throat. “It’s impossible.”
“How did you get here? When? Why?”
“I didn’t know you were here. If I had…” A blaze of heat coursed to chills. “I wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re in shock.” Gunnar shrugged from his jacket and tossed it over Morgan’s
shoulders. “I can’t believe you’re really here. I’ve been looking for you for so long. I didn’t think I’d ever find you.”
“Don’t.” Morgan shrugged from his jacket and it fell to the floor. “I’ll be fine as soon as I get out of here.”
“But we have so much to talk about. Let me—”
“I said back off, Gunnar.” Morgan slid from the booth. “It’s too late for a family reunion. I’m not a frightened eleven-year-old kid anymore. I don’t need you, and I don’t want anything to do with you.”
“You can’t mean that. I don’t understand what’s going on here.”