Trinity Falls (Finding Home 1)

and waved her toward the same black leather visitor’s chair Leonard and Megan had used two days previously.

“What’s on your mind?” Might as well get to the point. Ean shrugged off his fleece winter jacket and hooked it onto the coatrack.

Ramona handed him her coat before settling into the seat. “You can’t possibly agree with Megan’s plan to allow the center to stagnate.”

“It’s not stagnating.” Ean sank into his executive chair and propped his elbows on the armrests.

Ramona flung an arm toward the bay window. The view overlooked the center’s courtyard. “The same businesses have been in this center since we were in elementary school.”

“They’ve continued to thrive and meet Trinity Falls’s needs. That’s something to be proud of.”

Ramona crossed her legs, smoothing the skirt of her navy blue power suit. “This center could be so much more. The town’s people deserve so much more. And I want you to help me get it for them.”

“Get what for them?”

“I want to modernize the entire town, not just the center. Think about it.” Her face glowed and her voice sang with enthusiasm. “If Trinity Falls were more sophisticated, I wouldn’t have to move to New York. I could stay here with you, and we could become the town’s power couple.”

Ean didn’t want any part of her plans. “I like Trinity Falls the way it is.”

“It can be better.” Ramona was insistent.

“Has anyone asked you to change the town’s shopping options?”

“No, but—”

“Then it’s only your opinion that the center needs more sophisticated shops.”

“Yes, but—”

“Your opinion isn’t the only one that matters.”

“Would you stop interrupting me?” Ramona snapped the command. “People don’t understand what they’re missing. Not everyone has lived in New York like we have. When they see the sophisticated, trendy shops we bring in, they’ll be so much happier.”

“What about the businesses you’ll be displacing? What about your family’s bookstore?”

“It’s called ‘progress,’ Ean.”

“Not to the center’s business owners.” Ean stood as his irritation rose. “I have a lot of work to do today.”

Ramona looked up at him, stunned. “You’re not going to help me?”

“No, I’m not.” Ean crossed his arms over his chest. “Nor will I be one half of your power couple. I’m already in a relationship with Megan.”

Ramona stood. Her surprise morphed to deep displeasure. “You’re compounding one mistake with another. With my connections, I can make or break your practice.”

Ean’s lips curved in dark amusement. “I’ll do fine on my own.”

“Go ahead. Laugh.” Her voice was ragged as she glowered at him. “You’re standing in the way of progress. When it runs right over you, we’ll see who laughs last.”

Ramona spun on her heels, snatched her coat from his coatrack and stomped from his office.

The slamming of his front door sounded like a cannon blast from the opening salvo of a battle—loud, long and threatening. Ean returned to his seat.

Ramona was determined to change the business makeup of the town center. The business association appeared to have two choices: elect a new mayor or buy the center from the town. They were running out of time for the first, and they didn’t have money for the second. Was there a third option?

CHAPTER 25

Later that afternoon, Ean looked up from reading The Trinity Falls Monitor while waiting to have lunch with Megan at Books & Bakery.