Harmony Cabins (Finding Home 2)

“That was Benita’s idea. Benita Hawkins is my business manager.”

“Of course.” Doreen nodded. “She was bossy as a child.”

Audra’s lips curved with amusement. “She still is.”

“She doesn’t return to Trinity Falls often. When she does, she doesn’t stay long, but I can tell she hasn’t changed.” Doreen hesitated nervously. “Do you know any singers who might be willing to perform at our sesquicentennial celebration?”

“I’ll ask around.” Audra added cream and sweetener to her coffee. “Why don’t you check with Benita?”

“I did.” Doreen gave her a bashful smile. “When I told her our budget, she laughed.”

That also sounded like her business manager. Nothing motivated Benita like the almighty dollar.

Audra sipped her coffee. “What’s your budget?” Doreen named an amount that made Audra wince. She thought about the up-and-coming singers she knew. “I might be able to find someone who would perform for that. But it won’t be a big-name star, and you’ll have to pay expenses, travel, and lodging.”

Doreen gave her a grateful look. “We can handle that. Thank you for agreeing to help.”

“The performer will also need a band.”

Doreen brightened. “The university has a concert band.”

Audra’s brows quirked. “Are they any good?” “They earned first place in last year’s regional concert competition.”

Audra wasn’t convinced. “I’ll have to hear them before we make any final arrangements.”

“Fair enough.” Doreen sounded relieved. “Now what can I get for you?”

“How are the Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies today?”

“Just as moist and delicious as they are every day.”

Audra could barely wait. “May I have one?”

“Coming right up. I’ve got a fresh batch in the oven.” Doreen disappeared into the kitchen.

Audra perused The Trinity Falls Monitor. Her breath caught in her throat. A large photo of Jack stared up at her from page two beneath the title FOUNDER’S GREAT-GREAT-GRANDSON HEADLINES MAIN EVENT. She became lost in the article, learning about Ezekiel Sansbury’s trials and triumphs while founding Trinity Falls, Jack’s parents’ contributions to the town, and Jack’s efforts to protect his family’s legacy.

“Mind if we join you?” Darius’s voice interrupted her.

Audra looked up as he settled onto a bar stool beside her. “Not at all. I want to apologize for misleading you about my name. It’s not Penny. It’s Audra.”

Quincy shook his head. “We understand.”

“It was Benita’s idea, wasn’t it?” Ramona took the stool to Darius’s right and Quincy sat beside her. “Jack told Darius she was your business manager and that she’d made your reservation to the cabins. She’s always been a bossy know-it-all.”

Audra silently agreed. Relieved, she turned back to Darius. “I was just enjoying your interview with Jack.”

“Thank you.” Darius gave her a slow smile that made her wonder how many hearts he’d broken.

Audra tapped the paper. “I feel as though I know him a lot better now.”

Ramona rolled her eyes. “Don’t feed his ego.”

Audra smiled at the other woman’s warning. “I also didn’t realize he was your boss.”

Quincy laughed out loud. “I don’t think Darius acknowledges he has one.”

Darius leaned forward to see his friend. “Since Jack’s the publisher of the Monitor, I know he’s my boss.”