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“That’s exactly why I didn’t.”

She slips her arm through mine. “Let me find someone for you.”

“I’m fine.”

“Nine months isn’t fine.” She leans into me. “Let me find you someone.”

“I’ll find someone myself.”

Chloe gives me a doubtful look. “Where? The hotel lobby?”

“I meet people.”

“You work, then go home to Percy.”

I give her a look.

“Fine,” she says. “I’ll stay out of it.”

“Thank you.”

“For one month.”

I laugh. She has a point, though. I’ve let work take over my life. I need to go on a date, flirt with a man who isn’t trying to build a hotel next door, and remind myself that Eric Voss isn’t the only man in Alton Hills. Otherwise, his ridiculous offer may start to sound less ridiculous.

Later that night, Percy and I are halfway through a movie neither of us is watching. He’s asleep across my legs, with one paw hanging over the edge of the sofa. I’ve lost track of the plot, but I’m too comfortable to care.

A glass of the wine Eric sent sits on the table beside me, along with a plate of cheese and crackers. The wine is incredible, which is deeply annoying.

I spent most of the afternoon helping Chloe choose an outfit for her date. Then I came home, washed my hair, put on old pajamas, and ordered dinner. This is the first time all week I’ve had nothing to do.

My phone rings beside me. When I see Grandma’s name, I smile and turn down the TV.

“Hi. How’s Spain?”

“Why is Voss feeding the Hartwell?”

My smile fades. “Who told you?”

“Doris called. She said there was wine, breakfast, chocolate, and some kind of shopping allowance. Rachel, what’s going on?”

Of course Doris called her. I should’ve known Grandma would hear about the gifts from someone.

“Voss wants everyone to think they’ll be a good neighbor.”

“A neighbor?”

I close my eyes. There goes any chance of keeping this quiet until she gets home.

I sit up and ease Percy off my legs. He gives me an offended look before curling against my hip.

“They submitted everything the city was waiting for, so the council hearing was scheduled sooner than we expected.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” she asks.

“I was handling it.”

“Has it been approved?”