bank will feel the same way? It could be all that and more when I tear it down and put up a restaurant.”
No, I wasn’t sure. But I’d bet I could get a lot of amazing references in this town, thanks to my family and friends.
Sometimes, asking for help could be a good thing.
I tipped my head to the side and stared Maitland down. “That a firefighter who makes an average salary could afford?”
His jaw tightened.
I hadn’t even been aware that I’d been looking at Sharkey’s like that. But my creative marketing background that had been wasted on corporate brochures and bland campaigns finally clicked into gear.
Ideas started filling my head. Like expanding the parking lot into a large eating area that could bring families to this part of the lake once more. Becoming a place that would be more than just a bar.
So much flooded my brain. Things I never knew I wanted. A home and a place to raise a family had been right here all this time. I’d just been too stubborn to see it.
“Remember this moment in a year when your business fails, and you’re forced to sell to me for a fraction of what I’m offering you now.”
My mouth was as dry as dust, but I gave him a confident smile. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
Maitland’s charming smile dissolved as he rolled up his window and backed out of the parking lot. The rims of his stupidly expensive tires scraped over a pothole before he peeled out into the road.
“My sister, the badass.”
I whirled toward my brother’s voice. “Rude. Were you listening?”
He draped his arm over my shoulders. “Here I am complimenting you, and I get nothing but shit.”
I dug my knuckles into his ribs.
“Ow.”
“You’re hovering.”
“I had to make sure that dick wasn’t going to hassle you.”
“I had it under control.”
“Of course, you did. I was just here as backup. Just because I worry about you and want to make sure nothing happens to you doesn’t mean I don’t think you can handle yourself.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s the definition, actually.”
“It would have been if I’d interrupted and told him to shove his golf clubs up his ass and get off our property. But I let you handle it.”
I peered up at my brother. Somehow, the word our didn’t get my hackles up. “I guess you’re right.”
“No guessing. Facts. Being able to handle yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.”
“I’ve had to do a lot of stuff on my own, Damien.”
“Only because you pushed us all away for your fancy husband.”
“That wasn’t why. I left because I needed to know I could stand on my own.”
“How’d that work out for you?”
For a moment, I rested my cheek on my brother’s shoulder. “I thought it was great. Until I inherited this stupid bar. Now I want to make it amazing.”
“And make babies with Jake Mills.”
I shoved my knuckles into my brother’s ribs again. “No.”
“Gina told me she caught you guys half-naked.”
I shoved his arm off me. “Gina needs to shut her mouth.”
“Mills is a good guy. I always thought you should have dated him in school instead of that punk Danny.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to think so too.”
“I always knew you were smart, piccola. Sometimes, it just takes you awhile.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Come on. You can see what it’s like to not have help.”
“How much of a mess did they leave?”
“A Gina, Frankie, and Papa in the kitchen kind of mess.”
I groaned. “Great.”
He nudged my shoulder with his. “I’m really glad you’re back.”
“Who says I’m back?”
“You’re back.” He lifted me onto the porch.
I didn’t disabuse him of that notion. Instead, I held out a hand to help him up the extra-large stairs. He surprised me by taking my hand.
We headed back inside. My mother and Gina both had paintbrushes in their hands.
My sister hopped off the stepstool and held out a paintbrush. “Tell me you’re better at trim than I am?”
I took the brush. “I guess we’re going to find out.” I stopped in front of my mother. “Sorry, Mami.”
“Pride is a good thing. I taught all my children to have it. But when you start sounding like a spoiled brat, it’s my job to call you out. These people came here to help you.”
“I know. I just didn’t like Jake taking over.”
“He’s been spending all his spare time talking to your brother about the cheapest and best way to fix up the bar enough for you to get it open and money coming in. That boy loves you.