Piper laughed at something Nick said. “We should leave them and go drink that wine,” Piper said, loudly enough for them to hear.
Wes’s gaze zipped to Hailey’s. Hers was sparkling with amusement. “She’s joking. Mostly.”
It was easy to settle into conversation. Nick was an investment banker and Wes was excited to talk to him about the newest project he and his brothers were putting together.
“It makes me happy to see people of your wealth and status give back,” Piper said.
Wes did his best not to blush. Their grandparents had instilled the importance of giving back. It had resonated with everyone in the family except their father. “I think a lot of people in my position do the same.”
“A lot of them don’t,” Piper said.
Nick nodded, clearly enjoying the wine. “She’s right. A lot of times, people give to get. Even if it looks generous, there’s an internal motivation no one else was aware of. You and your brothers should be really proud of the work you’re doing.”
They had BBQ steaks with prawn skewers, the wine was fantastic, the company entertaining and funny. But Wes couldn’t get Nick’s comment out of his head. What was Wes’s motivation for the choices he’d made? Was it selfish? He didn’t think so. When he’d talked to his mother, she’d been completely on board with the investment in the San Verde Square. In fact, she was thrilled to be designing a living space directly above Hailey’s store. Once he figured out how to tell his brothers, they’d have the office space they wanted. Hailey’s and Tara’s rent was safe. It was a win-win all the way around.
So, why did he feel guilty for not telling the people who mattered most to him?
37
May
The buzz of saws and banging of hammers made it hard to hear the customers. Hailey leaned in, asked the woman to repeat herself. According to Tara, the owner of their shops was renovating the upstairs space for a variety of purposes. She never knew how Tara got all the good gossip but figured it might have to do with being around longer. Or more employees with their ears to the ground.
Once things quieted down, she left Bryce and Leo in charge, going next door to meet up with Everly, Grace, and a friend of Grace’s. Everly had texted earlier that morning and asked if she could join them for coffee and brownies.
The bakery was still bustling with the end of the afternoon rush and it hit Hailey that she no longer had reason to envy the flow of customers. Tara waved from the counter, then pointed toward the back. Folk music played from the speakers. It would be so lovely if they had outdoor patios. With the summer temperatures starting, she could imagine how nice it would be to have the outdoor element.
Grace, her friend, and Everly were tucked in a back corner near a display of quirky items for sale. There were mini coffee cups, little glam bags with BAKED written in gold across the front.
Grace stood, gave Hailey a hug when she arrived at the table. Everly smiled at her as she sat down.
“This is my best friend, Rosie.” Grace pointed to the other woman.
With dark curls surrounding a cherub-like face boasting a bright-red-lipstick-painted smile, she was immediately likable. Hailey shook hands with her across the table.
“Nice to meet you.”
“You too. I’ve heard lots about you,” Rosie said.
“Most of it is probably true,” Hailey said, wincing.
Grace playfully swatted her. “All good things.”
Everly laughed, nodding. “Mostly,” she said quietly.
Hailey laughed. She’d noticed that each time she saw the radio show producer, she was a little more open. Wes had explained the story of how she and Chris got together. Having gotten to know Everly a bit now, she couldn’t imagine how hard it would have been for this woman to go on a bunch of basically blind dates.
“You own the salad shop next door?” Rosie asked.
Hailey picked up the coffee Grace had already ordered for her, took a sip. A loud clang from upstairs interrupted her answer. They all glanced at the ceiling.
“The new owner is renovating. The salad shop is my business but we don’t own the space.”
Rosie nodded. “I’d love to get up there and see what they’re doing.”
Grace grinned, using a fork for her brownie. “Rosie and I are both designers. We’ve been working together on several projects.”
“That’s exciting for you guys. By the Cup was a sub shop before I moved in so most of it was ideally set up but I got to pick out my furniture and accents. I enjoyed it but I don’t have an eye for those details.” She gestured to Grace. “Your house is so beautifully decorated. I can’t even imagine pulling that all together.”