Page 67 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

“But you know I own it, right? So I get to make the final decision,” Nina said.

“Not sure why you think that holds any weight,” Blue said. “But okay, if it makes you feel better to think that.”

“Hi, ladies.” Jonathan was walking out of the waffle place with a large carrier bag in one hand.

“Dinner?”

“We’re having waffles because I don’t want to cook, and Caleb is buying.”

“I love waffles,” Blue said, eyeing the building he’d just walked out of.

“So, Nina, I wanted to run something by you,” Jonathan said through the scarf he had wrapped up to his ears. “If you need a manager for Circle Left, I’m your man.”

“No way! Really? Yes!” she cried, hugging him hard.

“The interview process usually runs differently, from memory,” Jonathan said. “There’s reviewing my CV and⁠—”

“You’re a lawyer, and I know you and your people. You’re hired!” Nina cried.

“I will still take the occasional cases, but I need a change,” he said. “If you want anyone to live in, then we can do that, too, as we’re looking for a place to settle down in.”

She couldn’t stop smiling. “Perfect, and yes you can take Nancy and Hank’s suite, but it will need redecorating,” Nina said. “This is so perfect, I couldn’t have picked a better manager.”

“You didn’t pick me, I did,” Jonathan said. “But I’ll do good by you, Nina.”

“Let me know when you’re free, and we’ll have a meeting,” Nina said.

“Sounds good, and I’m soooo excited. Now I need to get these waffles back before they get cold. Talk soon.”

She watched him climb into his car and drive off with a toot and wave.

“Jonathan will be fantastic,” Nina said, hardly daring to believe her good luck.

“He’ll be amazing as your manager, Nina. Good work,” Blue said as they headed up the street.

Nina talked about a few of the things she thought needed changing or upgrading in Circle Left, and Blue added her thoughts. It felt good to think about something that wasn’t her father, Finch, or her mother’s death.

“Talking about needing an upgrade,” Blue muttered as they reached the Rollaway.

“Oh please. There would be a revolt by the locals if Dee changed a single light bulb in there,” Nina said, pointing at the open door.

Looking skyward as something touched her nose, she noted it was snowing.

“Quick, let’s go. I hate snow!” Blue said.

“Who hates snow?”

“Me!” Blue said, dragging her toward the Rollaway.

They could hear loud country music, and plenty of raised voices singing already, even though girls’ night had only just started. Stepping inside, Nina looked around the interior.

You never knew what Dee had planned for nights like this. Usually there was something phallic hanging from the ceiling, and tonight’s decor didn’t disappoint. A huge set of pink breasts floated about, tethered to something above them.

“I wonder where she gets this stuff?” Blue said, admiring them.

There was a bar, which was lined with women, pool tables, and a big-screen TV, which usually had a game playing on it, but not tonight.

They’d painted one wall emerald and another cherry. The ceiling was full of lights strung from one side to the other, and socks. Other towns had things like postcards, or photos of celebrities, but not Lyntacky. Their town had socks.