“It is what it is, Megan. I did the best I could. And now you’ll thank me by digging it up and getting Amber and her family riled up again too.”
“Amber’s known for years. And I do thank you for putting a roof over my head and paying for my college. But I did the math yesterday. All the rent you collected from my house would add up to well over two hundred thousand dollars by now. So, I’d say we’re even.”
She stood to leave before she said something even uglier about his lack of compassion. Just as she reached the door, he said, “All that money is in a separate account. Because I’m damned good at investing, there’s almost three hundred thousand now. If you’d show me rather than just tell me how you’ve finally become a responsible adult, maybe I’ll let you have it.”
Three hundred grand?
She slowly turned and faced him again.
His lips curled into a smug smirk. “Well, now. That got your attention, didn’t it? Everyone in this town has secrets. Some bigger than others. Your mother had more than just this one, things no one should have to know about their mother. Showing up with a smile on your face on Founder’s Day and keeping this to yourself would help me believe you’re one step closer to earning that money.”
“Really? You’re going to use that to buy my silence? As much as I’d love to use that money to fix up my house, it wouldn’t be worth having you hold it over my head the rest of my life. I’m done caring what you think of me!”
She slammed his office door behind her. Blood pounded so loudly in her ears she couldn’t hear a word Mrs. Duncan said to her.
No way was she going to give him any more power by touching a dime of that stinking money. She’d take the risk, gather more pre-booking money, and then pray she’d be able to get her lodge open on schedule. She wouldn’t fail this time. She’d show him he was wrong about her and do just as Grandma said, steal away some of his clients and make a good living despite him.
Why should she care what he thought of her anyway? She didn’t need his approval anymore. She’d just focus on making the people who actually cared for her and who were in her corner proud.
She ignored everyone who called out a greeting and kept her head down as she made her way to the hotel. She’d pick up Haley from Casey and then go hammer or strip the crap out of something at the lodge.
Just as she started across the grassy park, Haley called out a happy, “Hi, Momma!”
Her anger dimmed by half at the sight of Haley’s sweet, smiling face. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” Meg lifted her up and spotted Grandma sitting on the wooden bandstand steps nearby.
Meg plopped Haley onto the step and then sat between her and Grandma. She’d been trying to think of what to say to Grams all morning. “So, I guess Casey told you what I was doing, huh?”
Grandma nodded. “Figured you’d run outta there with your panties all in a twist. We’ve all seen what an idiot you can be when you get like that. Thought we’d stop by to be sure you didn’t do anything stupid.”
“I wasn’t going to . . . well, anyway, I want to say thank you. For being there for me when you didn’t have—”
Grandma thumped her cane. “What nonsense is this now, Meggy? Do you love me any less since you found those files?”
“No. I think I love you even more.” She drew her grandmother into a hug. “Even if you are the crankiest person I’ve ever met.”
“Well, there you go. And for the record, there’s never a dull moment when you’re around, and I like that about you . . . most of the time. You’ve done some pretty idiotic things, but I got no time for boring people.”
Meg laughed. “Thanks. I think?”
Grandma struggled with her cane as she slowly attempted to stand. “I’m off to the grocery store. I don’t want to hear about those files ever again. Got it?”
“Got it. Why don’t you give me your list, and Haley and I will go for you?”
“What list? It’s all up here in the steel trap.” She tapped a finger to her forehead. “I’m not so old I can’t do my own damned shopping. Besides, looks like you got bigger trouble on your hands.” Grandma pointed her cane. “Amber’s heading this way. Casey said you’re gonna talk to her about it too. Not sure yet if that’s going to be one of your more idiotic moves or not. Guess we’ll see.” Grandma stuck out her hand. “Haley, why don’t you come along with me? You can pick out the ice cream you like best.”
“Okay. Bye, Momma.” Haley tilted her chin and pursed her lips.