Granddad's House (On Geneva Shores) by Kate Vale Read Free Book Online Page B

of the building.” Beau grinned. “And here’s what we have in mind for the garden building. The one you’ve been using as a shed.”
    “Just that one part. Most of the rest of it once was a servant’s quarters, but the plumbing probably needs to be replaced. I have no idea if it still works. Haven’t used the building in years, not since my wife passed.”
    For the next hour, the two men talked. Robert seemed to like what Beau had outlined. The older man sat back in his chair after his second cup of coffee.
    “Mind if I ask you some questions, Mr. James, not related to this house business?”
    “That’s why I’m here. Call me Beau.”
    “You seem to be a straight shooter, and I like what you want to do with the place.” He glanced out the window. As if talking to himself, he muttered, “I just can’t figure why Olivia took such a strong dislike to you.” He turned back. “You seem to know your own mind—the kind of man I like—someone Livvy can’t buffalo, or run circles around. That girl, she can do that, you know. Maybe that’s why she, why she …” He stopped and peered directly at Beau. “I don’t like her gentleman friend. He’s a namby-pamby. No guts, no internal strength, and I don’t think he really appreciates her.” He pointed to the coffee urn. “Another cup?”
    Beau shook his head.
    “I’ll bet you surprised her—with your house offer and all. Maybe that’s what upset her. I’ll bet she wasn’t sure how to, well, how to respond. Don’t you agree?”
    Beau folded his napkin, creasing it precisely along the edge. He had to be careful. Was Mr. Brown playing matchmaker? How much should I say? When he looked up, the old man’s eyes were twinkling kindly.
    “I don’t know her sir, but—”
    “Do you want to? Get to know her, I mean. I’ll bet she was snippy with you. Always the business woman.”
    Opting for a neutral reply, Beau said, “For the moment, I’d like us to conclude this transaction so that all parties are happy with the outcome.”
    Robert’s forehead creased. “Don’t give me that mumbo jumbo. If you like the girl, say so! I’m an old man, and I want to see my granddaughter settled before I die.  She needs someone like you, but only if you’re interested. Are you?”
    Beau suppressed his desire to laugh out loud. The man was certainly direct. “If you’re asking, am I interested in getting to know her, the answer is yes. But, I’m not sure she feels the same. She’s not happy I made an offer on your home. I’m thinking we have to get past that before, uh, well, you know, before I—”
    “Before you ask her out. I understand. Tell you what. I told her I didn’t want her here for this meeting so I could make up my own mind about you. She wasn’t a bit pleased about that, either. No, sirree! Let me call her and tell her to get back to you about your offer. She said she had to do some background checking. You know, what realtors do. I’ll let her do her business. We’ll see how the offer goes. Then maybe later …” The old man’s eyes sparkled, as if he was thinking of something that made him smile.
    “If you mean my bank account, she’s already done that.” Beau glanced sidelong at the man. “I think she was hoping I—it wouldn’t measure up.”
    Robert chuckled. “Maybe.”
    Beau rose and shook hands with Robert. “She knows her business. It was appropriate that she checked. And I appreciate your willingness to talk with me about your property.”
    “Good. After we come to agreement, assuming that happens, I’d like to meet your partner, too. The other name on your business card.”
    “That can be arranged.” Beau left the house buoyed by the man’s comments about the house. Now to wait for Olivia to call him back. He resolved to call her if she didn’t get back to him in twenty-four hours. Just a polite inquiry from an interested buyer.
     
    “Okay, Melanie.  Tell me what’s going to happen this afternoon.” Olivia relaxed in