“Because it’s right, and it’s fair, and it takes a lose-lose situation and turns it into a win-win. And because Jules told me a few things, about the past, about the Watfords.” Caleb paused, framing his next words. “As you might imagine, my father wasn’t completely honest with me about what happened. And though I have no proof either way, I believe Jules’s version, your version.” He paused again, giving his briefcase a little lift. “My father destroyed your dream. Let me give your daughter hers.”
Roland’s gaze locked on the briefcase.
Caleb took a chance, moving to the nearby kitchen table and opening the case.
Roland didn’t stop him, so Caleb pulled out the plans, unfolding them over the woven place mats.
“We’ve already done some work preparing the ground,” he said. “It’s bedrock under the building, but we’ll need to sink piles for the deck.”
Roland came up beside him to look.
“It’s two stories,” Caleb continued. “I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a Neo location, but the front windows are the signature feature. Well, along with the seafood.”
Roland’s aged hand reached out to smooth the plans. “This has to be worth ten times the Crab Shack.”
“Like I said,” Caleb answered, meaning every word. “This is long overdue.”
Eleven
Jules’s heart was breaking. Melissa looked just as miserable, while Noah looked grimly determined. He was packing his tools, loading everything into his truck in preparation to shut down the construction job.
Jules couldn’t help but wonder what Caleb would do with the place. Would he bulldoze it right away? Unfinished, she guessed it would turn into an eyesore and impact the views from Neo.
Yes, she decided. That was exactly what he’d do. It made sense.
It was also emblematic of the entire history of the Parkers and the Watfords. The Parkers lost. The Watfords won, and their empire grew larger and larger.
She ran her fingertips over the smooth surface of the bar, recalling the hours of sanding and polishing. It had all been a waste of time. Everything they’d done here had been a waste of time. She wanted to be angry, but she knew she had no one to blame but herself.
Melissa should be angry. Melissa deserved to be very angry with Jules.
Jules gazed across the room to where Noah and Melissa were talking softly, standing close together. Her sister looked sad as Noah smoothed his fingers over her cheek. Jules knew their romance had bloomed. This moment aside, she’d never seen Melissa so happy.
She didn’t know what was next for them. But she hoped it was something. She’d bet it was something. Noah didn’t strike her as the type to go quietly into the night.
Neither was Caleb. But Caleb had what he needed from her. There was no reason for him to fight for anything anymore, not a single reason in the world for him to even seek her out. Their lawyers would take care of the paperwork.
At least the Parkers would get something out of this deal. Her father would be pleased. Her father would be thrilled. She hadn’t called him yet. She didn’t have it in her to deal with his happiness.
“Jules?” The sound of Caleb’s voice sent a trill along her spine.
At first she thought she’d imagined it. But she turned to the door, and there he was, big as life, looking just as he had that first day he’d walked in. He’d been scowling then. He looked joyful now. She supposed he was, since he’d won.
“We’re almost finished here,” she told him, imagining he was already warming up the bulldozers.
The truth was, they were completely finished. There were no more excuses to linger. Moments from now, she’d walk away from the Crab Shack forever. She’d failed her grandfather. She’d failed everyone. She fought the urge to touch her stomach.
Caleb strode inside. “I’m here to offer you a new deal.”
Her heart sank another notch. “Less money?”
He had her over a barrel, and he knew it. It would be just like a Watford to turn the screws.
“No.” His tone was unexpectedly gentle as he moved toward her.
“What kind of a deal?” Melissa asked, joining the conversation.
Both she and Noah moved in, as well.
“A partnership,” Caleb said, his attention focused squarely on Jules. “Half the Crab Shack for half of the Whiskey Bay Neo.”
Jules parsed his words inside her head, certain she was misunderstanding.
“Why would you do that?” Melissa asked.
“Because I think they’re both going to succeed. I wasn’t snowing you earlier. We should coordinate efforts. I’m putting my money where my mouth is. We thrive together or we sink together.”