Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Bingo.
My phone is vibrating in my pocket, but I ignore the call because I need to learn what I can from this woman. How I’ll use it, I have no idea. “So Henry’s made a donation to your charity?”
“Oh, yes. Several sizeable ones.” She laughs. “I won’t lie, when I first heard about plans for this hotel and the area, I was against them. But Henry has helped me see the benefits over time.”
How many digits did it take for her to see the light, I wonder.
“What about you? I see you aren’t wearing a wedding ring,” she notes. “You should come to our Sunday service. There are plenty of young women who attend. I could introduce you to a few.”
Old Ronan would accept, like a fox discovering a hen house, and every single one of those young, godly women would end up screaming my name just to prove a point. “I’m not sure what my work schedule looks like.”
“The Lord shall wait for no paycheck.” She waggles her finger.
My experience at church is limited, but I doubt that’s a proverb.
Her eyes wander. “Oh! There’s Mayor Wilson.”
I follow her gaze to a short and stocky bald man by the fountain.
“I’ve been trying to get hold of him all day. Henry had me earmark a chunk of money for Theo’s son’s outdoor adventure club so they can go camping in Idaho this summer. What an experience for those kids.”
I struggle to keep my expression smooth. “Does Mayor Wilson know Henry’s the one helping out with that?”
“Of course he does! The boys went to Yosemite last year. Theo said the scenery was spectacular.” Her smile is genuine. “Henry has been so generous. Councilwoman Reeves’ daughter and a few classmates are going to Paris in the fall to study fashion! And Councilman Maher’s wife has been trying to start a community theatre, so we’re giving her the funds to do it. That’s a big one. We’ve been saving for years. No way we could do that without Henry’s help.”
“That’s amazing.” What’s amazing is that this woman doesn’t seem to see Henry’s game for what it is. But she can’t be this dense … can she? Either way, two drinks in and Gayle is a fucking canary.
“It truly is. Our community is going to thrive, all thanks to Henry. Of course, he doesn’t want credit for it. He’s happy to allow the foundation to shine.” A hiccup escapes Gayle, earning her laughter. “I think this drink might have put me over the edge. Oh dear, it looks like Theo is leaving. I don’t want to miss him before he ducks out.” She reaches out to squeeze my forearm. “It was so nice talking to you, Ronan. We’ll see you on Sunday?”
“I’ll try my best.”
Gayle rushes across the room.
“Really great talking to you,” I murmur after her. So, Henry is funneling money through Gayle’s charity organization to support causes and win votes, and he’s buying Gayle’s vote by helping her with her mission to save all the lost souls.
“Look at you, schmoozing the politicians.” Abbi appears at my side to tease me. She’s in a short silk dress that accentuates her belly.
“I think I need a shower,” I mutter.
“I met her earlier.” Abbi nods toward Gayle. “Reminds me of my mother. Only less fanatical.”
And more dangerous. Gayle holds a position of power. Bernadette just likes to gossip and judge.
“She certainly does love her church,” Abbi continues.
“I hear you’re going this Sunday.”
“Oh, haha.” She chuckles as if I’ve made a joke but then sees my expression. “Wait, what?”
“Didn’t you know? It’s part of Henry’s grift to hold her vote so he can push through his big plans for Mermaid Beach. He’s tossing money at all of them.” I can’t help my bitter tone.
“No.” She shakes her head. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“He is. Through her foundation. You know, the one to bring back traditional family values.” I sling an arm over Abbi’s delicate shoulder and lean in to whisper in her ear, “What would dear, sweet Gayle say if she knew what we’d done in Alaska?”
Gooseflesh coats her skin. “She’d be appalled, but for the right donation would choose to look past it.” Even as she jokes, her cheeks flush with the reminder. It always does when I flirt with her. Before, I’d do it on purpose just to get that reaction and remind her of what we had, but now that Sloane is in my life, it feels wrong.
I’m about to pull away when Henry appears. “Is there a reason you’re fawning over my wife in front of everyone?”
“Needed a place to rest. There are a lot of people here.” I pretend to size up the crowd as I keep my arm on her. “What are you telling them about that shiner?”
“Nothing. No one’s asked.”
I snort. “Bullshit.”