Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews Read Free Book Online Page A

they tell me. The people’s choice and all, although, I should tell you, I ran unopposed.”
    She sighed and was conscious of the sweat trickling down her own face, and the fact that her shirt was sticking to her back. It was easily ninety degrees on this black asphalt lot.
    â€œCould we maybe go inside where it’s cooler? I’ve got a business proposition to discuss with you.”
    â€œCity business or personal business?”
    â€œBoth, actually.”
    *   *   *
    She followed him through the dry-dock area and into the inner office, where he seated himself behind the desk and pointed her toward the only other seat in the room, a high-backed metal chair.
    â€œI’m listening,” Eb said.
    She took a deep breath. “About this morning. Look, I’m sorry. I had a long drive down here, and I was tired, and hot, and, well … I guess I sort of made an ass of myself over that roach.”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œThe point is, I’d like to apologize.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œBut you weren’t exactly helpful, you know,” she said. “Or polite. What does Ginny think of the way you interact with her guests?”
    He chuckled. “She’s used to it. What kind of business proposition are we talking about?”
    â€œI should probably introduce myself. My name is Greer Hennessy.”
    â€œFrom Los Angeles. You’re driving a rented Kia, and you’ve rented out the entire motel for, what, six weeks?”
    â€œWho told you that?” Greer asked, stunned.
    â€œMy aunt. Ginny Buckalew.”
    â€œWait. Ginny is your aunt? The same Ginny that owns the motel?”
    â€œCo-owns it,” he said. “With me.”
    â€œI should have known,” Greer said. “Did Ginny also tell you why I’m here?”
    â€œSomething about a movie you supposedly want to film here in Cypress Key?”
    â€œNot supposedly. We definitely want to film here. Your town has everything we need. It’s quaint and picturesque, it has that Old Florida, pre-Disney look that’s impossible to find anymore. I know, because I just spent two days driving the Panhandle.”
    â€œThere’s lots of other places in Florida,” Thibadeaux pointed out. “It’s a big state. We got nothing but beaches and coastline. Have you seen Sarasota? Or Naples? How about Vero Beach, over on the east coast?”
    â€œAre you trying to sell me on someplace else?” Greer asked, puzzled. “Look, I know we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot this morning, but personalities aside, this film is the real deal. It’s a big-budget, major motion picture with a director whose last movie was nominated for an Oscar.”
    He wasn’t jumping up and down. Yet.
    â€œWe’re talking about a six-week shoot,” she continued, “most of it done right here in Cypress Key. It’s a huge win for your town. In terms of local motels, restaurants, bars, and jobs, it’s at least a million dollars in revenue.”
    â€œInteresting,” he said, picking up a catalog and leafing through it. He looked anything but interested in her proposal.
    But she had to keep trying.
    â€œMy director is flying in Monday, and he’s bringing the male lead in the movie,” Greer said. “And that’s another reason I need to see you. The crew and most of the cast will stay at the Silver Sands and the other motels in town, if we need them, but we’ll need to lease a couple private residences for the director and the principal actors.”
    He looked up. “What sort of residences?”
    â€œHigh-end, luxury homes,” Greer said. “The director needs at least four bedrooms, and as many baths, and a swimming pool.”
    â€œI think I could find something like that,” Thibadeaux said. “We’ve got three properties for sale, out in Bluewater Bay. Spec houses. I’d have to see if the