by Ann Roberts
“She is a woman of many talents and she’s certainly spent enough time in bars to pick up a few tricks. So which one will be the home of Nelson Security?”
Her gaze shifted between the yellow, royal blue and lime-green cottages. “I’m thinking blue. That’s a good color for a security company, don’t you think? And it will match our shirts. I’m not sure anyone would take us seriously if we were housed in a lime-green building.”
“Blue’s great, but I don’t think your clients will be coming to the cottage, right? This is just a place for meetings.”
“True,” Molly agreed. “But I imagine a few clients will find their way to the door.” She pulled her closer and asked, “Are you okay with being my landlord? Dr. Yee was a little worried about it.”
“I’m not your landlord.” She pointed at Chynna Grove, who was chatting with the landscaper on the other side of the patio. “Lorraine, Karim and I agreed we would stay out of the daily operations as long as Chynna followed our business plan.”
“I think it’s great that you helped her.”
“This was her dream. We’re just along for the ride. Dr. Yee has nothing to worry about.”
They held hands and started back toward the newly renovated Scrabble. She remembered the last conversation she’d had with Dr. Yee, who was helping her cope with Richie’s death and the move to Grand Avenue. She’d also taught Molly and Ari how to communicate with each other and avoid bottling up their feelings. They were so lucky to have found her.
The renovations inside were significant and included upgraded lighting, a wireless sound system and an antique coffee bar Molly had found through her family’s plumbing business connections. At the moment two workers were hanging a sign announcing Brown’s Famous Pies were available.
“I can’t believe you got Chynna and Brooke to work together,” Molly said.
“They really didn’t have much of a choice. After LGA broke away from the RoRo council, we all had to learn to get along. Chynna is serving Brooke’s pies and the diner will feature Scrabble coffee. It’s a win-win.”
Molly smiled. “I think LGA is going to make it.”
“I hope so. Reverend Glass got what he wanted, and we’re on our own. I just hope we can work with RoRo.”
“You and Crosby will see to that.”
Ari and Crosby had been elected as liaisons from their respective councils and they met once a month to discuss matters important to both communities. Their first meeting had gone very well, and they’d declared a truce on the pranks and acts of sabotage.
They headed through the front door toward Molly’s truck. She was on her way to a new client interview. Nelson Security was riding the positive press Yoli created when she saved the trolley and Molly had several appointments for the next few weeks. It was certainly one good thing to come from the explosion.
“Ari! Molly!” a voice called.
Tony Sanchez jogged down the street, grinning. He handed them each a flyer. “We’re having a memorial for Ms. Wonders next week.”
“That’s great, Tony,” Ari said.
“It’s the least I can do. She left me half of her estate for the Bali Hi. I decided to turn the pool area into a garden. We’ll call it Carol’s Place.”
“That’s great,” Molly said, smiling. “Where did the rest of the estate go?”
“To several organizations that help returning vets. Isn’t that awesome?”
“It is,” Ari said.
“Well, I need to get these out. See you soon!”
He hustled down the street with his usual energy. Ari was certain the Bali Hi would succeed. She glanced at Molly, who was frowning.
“Hey, what are you thinking about right now?”
She opened her mouth and then closed it. She laughed. “I was going to say ‘nothing,’ but we don’t do that anymore.”
“No,” Ari said, “we don’t. We communicate.”
She sighed. “I’m just a little overwhelmed, starting a new company…us.”
Ari placed the cottage key with the royal blue dot in her hand and Molly stared at it. When she looked up, Ari hoped her own expression conveyed confidence, support, pride—and love. “It’s going to be great. You got this.”
Postscript
In the spring of 2014 the news media reported that forty patients had died while waiting for treatment at the Phoenix Veterans Health Administration facility. What began as an isolated investigation spread across the country and led to the resignations and dismissals of several top VA executives, including the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. Although various report findings have led to massive changes in the VA system, the findings were inconclusive regarding the connection of VA policy and the deaths of the forty patients.
* * *
First and Third Friday continue to be a huge draw for Roosevelt Row and Lower Grand Avenue. The rift and competition between the two art communities portrayed in this novel are completely fictitious; however, LGA continues to struggle. Its industrial roots remain solidly planted while galleries and restaurants come and go. Recently the historic Bragg’s Diner, the inspiration for Brown’s Diner, nearly closed its doors and remains open due to a Go Fund Me campaign.
Bella Books, Inc.
Women. Books. Even Better Together.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: 800-729-4992
www.bellabooks.com