Meant to Be by Terri Osburn Read Free Book Online

memory lane.”
    There wasn’t enough liquor in the world to make him take that trip. “I’ll pass.”
    The doe eyes turned sharp again. “I’ll be around for another week or two. Think it over, and when you changeyour mind, give me a call.” She slid a business card into the pocket of his flannel, then swung her ass back up the pier.
    “Why didn’t you let me hit her?” Sid asked. “One good punch, for old times’ sake.”
    Joe exhaled. “She’s not worth it, Sid. She’s not worth it.”

    One afternoon with Lola LeBlanc, and Beth was convinced the woman had been sent from heaven. The slippers were better than walking on clouds. They were like walking on air, if air actually molded to your foot, lifted you off the ground, and levitated you through your day. Though she’d offered to pay for them, Lola insisted she take the slippers as a welcome-to-the-island gift.
    Island Arts & Crafts exceeded Beth’s expectations. The building stretched back beyond what was visible from the front, affording ample space for artwork of all kinds. The walls were covered in prints, oils, watercolors, and sketches, all reflecting the island feel. Sunsets over dunes. Charming cottages in blues, greens, and yellows. Boats of all shapes and sizes bobbing in a harbor that looked so real Beth could almost see the waves rolling against the hulls.
    Other areas held everything from small sculptures to homemade porch signs and delicate glass creations. After a short negotiation, Lola agreed to let Beth pay for a deep purple vase in what looked to be a swirl of glass and light, but she still refused to accept payment for the slippers.
    No sooner had Lola finished wrapping the vase than the chimes hanging from the front door signaled the arrival of a new customer.
    “Looks like we have a fancy one here.” Lola patted Beth’s knee. “Go ahead and pour your tea. This could take a while if he’s looking for something for a lady love.”
    Beth nodded but kept her attention on the new stranger. He smiled, but in an “I’m here to sell you something” sort of way. Half the lawyers in her office used that smile.
    “Can I help you, sir?” Lola asked.
    The fake smile grew wider, revealing teeth white enough to blind. “I’m looking for Ms. LeBlanc. Is she in today?”
    Lola’s smile slipped. “I’m Lola LeBlanc. Did someone send you to see me?”
    “As a matter of fact, someone did.” The man pulled a card from his coat pocket. “I’m Derek Paige. I work for Tad Wheeler of Wheeler Development. I believe we’ve contacted you previously.”
    Lola’s smile disappeared. “I’m not interested in what Mr. Wheeler has to offer. I’m sorry you wasted your time coming all the way down here in person, Mr. Paige, but perhaps you’d like to purchase something to remember your trip?”
    Though she was being extremely courteous, there was no missing the derision in Lola’s voice. Beth couldn’t help but wonder what Wheeler Development would want from a small-island art shop owner. The construction development company owned by Tad Wheeler happened to be a client of her law firm, and though she didn’t work on the account, she knew Wheeler usually aimed for larger prey.
    “Mr. Wheeler is willing to negotiate the terms of the deal. I assure you, Ms. LeBlanc, it would be well worth your time to sit down and discuss the matter further. We are highly motivated in this endeavor.” Though he slipped his hands into his pants pockets, there was nothing relaxed about Mr. Paige. Beth imagined his boss would not be happy if his representative failed in his mission. Whatever that mission might be.
    As if shifting personalities, Lola threw one hand on her hip and waved the other in front of the unwelcome visitor’s nose. “I told your people on the phone, and I’ll tell you again. I’m not selling my store. Mr. Big-Shot Developer Man will just have to find another island upon which to stick his hoity-toity sandbox.”
    Selling? Wheeler wanted to