The Shop on Main(30)

“You just need to explain it to Bella. I’m sure she’ll understand. I’m just worried she’ll have a hard time finding new space.”

“Maybe she’ll let me help her.”

“Don’t count on it. She’s become very independent and self-sufficient. She’ll probably want to figure things out for herself. It’s just a bad break for her.” Rebecca looked out the window. “I like that the town is having a rebirth of sorts. Lots of artsy businesses. Couple of clothing stores. We’re getting a lot of people moving here that commute into the New Orleans area for work. We could use a nice restaurant, too. It only helps all of us for the town to attract new business. But I still feel for Bella.” Rebecca sighed. “But, I admit, I’m very, very happy for Sylvia. She deserves something nice in her life now. Never knew anything about Jake’s father. Figured it was none of my business. There were rumors at the time he was born, but the town soon moved on to new gossip, as small towns do.”

“Yes, he’s my brother. He doesn’t seem too keen on having a brother though.”

“Just give him time. It must hurt to be totally rejected by your father.”

“I’m sure it does. But I’m not sure he didn’t get the better deal. Being raised in that family. A big normal family.”

“The Landrys are one big family, that’s for sure. Fine people. Every one of them.”

Owen sighed. “But I can’t believe it’s Bella’s shop in the building I bought. Mr. Potter said the tenant’s lease was month-to-month and he told her he was selling the building, but I didn’t know it was her.” He hadn’t really thought about the person behind the lease and how it would affect her. He had just wanted to get the building back to Jake and his mother. He hadn’t really looked into the renter since the lease was month-to-month, he knew he wasn’t going to renew the lease.

He was mad. Mad at himself. He usually did a much better job of finding out every little thing about the properties he bought. Mr. Potter hadn’t mentioned that Izzy lived above the shop with her boys either.

Everything was just one fine mess and he had muddled it all.

~ * ~

Jenny sat at a table at Magnolia Cafe. The breakfast rush was winding down, and Becky Lee should have time to chat pretty soon. Which was good, because boy, did she need to talk to her. Then they needed to go see Izzy.

Becky Lee slid into the seat across from her. “Okay, what gives? You said you had something to tell me?”

“First, did you talk to Izzy last night? Did she have a good time with Owen, or was it a one-time deal?”

“Oh, she had a good time, all right. They kissed. I gather he’s quite the good kisser.”

“I was afraid of that.”

“Afraid he was a good kisser?”

“No, afraid that she had a good time and she was getting emotionally tied up with him.”

“You don’t like him? Becky Lee looked confused.

“Well, I searched for him on the internet. Just wanted to check him out for Izzy. We’ve got a problem.”

“What, he’s married? Wanted for murder?” Becky Lee leaned forward.

“Worse.”

“Spill it, Jenns.”

“He’s a developer. He buys up businesses and properties. He bought Izzy’s building.”

Becky Lee sat for a moment “He’s the one going to buy out Mr. Potter?”

“I checked with Mr. Potter. Izzy’s building has already been sold. And Owen told Mr. Potter to tell Izzy she’ll have to move out.” Jenny hurt for her friend. Izzy was going to be crushed. Not only was she losing the shop and her apartment, she was losing it to the first man she’d been attracted to in forever.

“This isn’t good. Do you think he was trying to trick Izzy?”

“I don’t know. But I’m sure Izzy doesn’t know this about him. She would have said something, and I seriously doubt she would have dated someone who was going to throw her out on the street.”

“Bless Izzy’s heart. What a mess. I reckon we’ve got to tell Izzy though.” Becky Lee straightened her shoulders. A smiled teased the edges of Jenny’s mouth. Becky Lee was getting ready to go to battle for their friend. They could always count on Becky Lee.

“I thought we could walk over to her shop when you’re finished with your shift?”

“Ah, you don’t want to tell her alone, do you?”

Jenny sighed. “The whole don’t-shoot-the-messenger came to mind. Besides, she’ll need moral support. Do you think he was ever going to tell her? Was he just playing with her, keeping her busy until the deal went through?”