Well, I’m doing it now.
“Who’re you calling?” he asked.
Holding up a finger for him to wait, she found Mrs. Lumley’s number in her recent calls and tapped the screen. One ring, two…
As certain as she was about her decision, she got that twist in her stomach for letting down the woman who’d always been so intimidating and important.
“Phinny, darling,” Mrs. Lumley said. “How are you, dear?”
“I’m doing well, thank you.” She watched Declan’s expression. “I’m sorry for not returning your call sooner, but it’s been quite hectic out here.”
“Of course. We are feeling a bit pinched on the timing, though.”
“Yes, I know, and I apologize for that. I want to thank you for the job offer.”
His elbows locked, and his arms went ramrod straight.
“But I’m afraid I have to pass. You know the foundation means the world to me, but I’ve decided to stay in the States. I’m going to start a business here.”
“I don’t understand.” Mrs. Lumley’s tone turned frosty. “Didn’t you ask me for this job?”
“Yes.” The joy went right out of her, and she shifted away from Declan. “And I’m so sorry, but my circumstances have changed.” Ugh. Now, she felt like an asshole.
“I went out on a limb for you because of your family and because of what you once meant to my son, so I must say I’m extremely disappointed to grant you this favor only to have you reject it.”
“I’m so sorry. I feel awful about it.”
“Particularly since the planning committee has already begun its work, and you were one of our key members. I’m seeing a pattern of carelessness from you, and I’m quite sure I don’t like it. Goodbye.” The line went dead.
Phinny sat in the car, the sun burning her thighs, a bee darting around her head. An eerie sense of dread churned through her. She’d wanted to prove to Declan that he could trust his heart with her.
Instead, she’d antagonized one of the most powerful women in the United Kingdom.
“I’m guessing that didn’t go well.”
“No. She’s angry. I mean, after all she went through to get me a salary…”
“Doesn’t she run the foundation?”
“Of course.”
“So, how much work did she have to do? A few conversations?”
“She had to present it to the board. You have to be careful what you put up for a vote. Everyone has their own agendas.” It would be embarrassing for her. That was the real issue.
“You can take the job, you know.”
That snapped her out of it. “No, Declan, I can’t. My life has changed, and I live here now. I called her in front of you to prove that I’m staying here. Nothing could make me go back to my old life. Nothing.”
“Okay, then.”
She didn’t like when he got all emotionless like that. She hated when she couldn’t read him. “I thought you’d be happy.” Because it meant he’d shut down.
“I am.” He got out of the Jeep. “I’m just not sure it’s as simple as you’d like it to be.”
“What does that mean?” But he was already heading to the house. She stayed put for a moment, an uneasy feeling creeping up her spine. She knew she’d made the right decision. She wouldn’t change it for anything.
But he was right. It wouldn’t be that simple.
There would be a consequence. She just didn’t know what.
* * *
Phinny had a lot riding on today. It was just a pop-up store, but she’d arranged every detail herself. She was pretty damn proud of herself for securing a last-minute and affordable building large enough to house Lachlan’s entire collection of furniture.
She hadn’t had time to submit an announcement in local newspapers, but she did post on as many Calamity and Jackson social media sites as she could find. She’d put up flyers and, most importantly, she’d asked the Cooters to spread the word.
Given that she was starting her own business in town, and she’d really put her name out there, today had to be a success.
As they turned into the parking lot, she saw the moving truck. She’d offered to pay for it, but Lachlan had just hung up on her. “He’s here.” They’d come early to make sure the space was clean and aired out. “I hope he brought some guys to help him unload.”
“Well, I’m here. I can help.”
Excitement had her unbuckling even before Declan parked. “He’s going to make serious bank today.” But more importantly, she hoped he’d launch a business that would support him the rest of his life. No one should be financially insecure at Lachlan’s age.
Declan turned into a spot in front of the entrance. “You want me to help him unload or get started sweeping?”
“Let’s take a look at the space first.”
Right then, Lachlan strode out of the store. He didn’t look pleased.
Jumping out of the Jeep, she hurried over. “Hey. We’re here. If it’s a mess in there, don’t worry. The owner didn’t have time to bring in a clean-up crew, so Declan and I brought our own supplies.”
Lachlan narrowed his eyes against the early morning sun. “It’s not happening.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re setting up for a volleyball tournament in there.” His gruff voice sounded annoyed.
Dread sliced through her, opening a vein of self-doubt. “No, no. They probably had a tournament. They’re taking it down now. We’ve got the building today and tomorrow.” She could not have gotten this wrong. She just couldn’t have. Something as simple as the date? She pulled up the email with the attached contract and quickly scrolled through it. Oh, thank God. “No, see?” She tapped the screen to show him. “We’re good. It’s ours.”
“Don’t know what to tell you.” He moved past her, pulling his keys out of his pocket.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“Home.”
“No. Hang on, please. Let me talk to them.” She was already on the move. “I’ll get it all sorted. Give me five minutes.” She dashed into the building to find a hive of activity. Someone was unrolling tape for court lines while others assembled nets and poles. “Excuse me,” she asked a woman with a clipboard. “Hello. I’m Phinny Crutchley, and I’ve rented this space for a furniture pop-up store.”
“Okay. Well, we’re setting up for a two-day tournament.”
Her heart pounded, but she didn’t betray the slightest concern. “We’ve somehow got our wires crossed.” She held up her phone to show the contract. “See, we’ve rented it for today and tomorrow.”
Now, the woman looked concerned. “So did we.” Holding her clipboard to the side of her mouth, she shouted, “Clayton.”
A man jogged over. “What’s up?” He gave her a nod. “Hey.”
“Hello. There seems to be a misunderstanding.” For the third time, she held up her phone. “I’ve rented the space this weekend.”
The smile faded. “That’s not possible.” He read the contract dates. “Okay, hang on. Let me check.” He pulled out his phone and tapped away. His brow creased as he transferred his gaze back to hers. “Huh. Looks like we booked the same dates.”