Page 49 of Keeping it Local

After we cleaned up the boat, I gave Johnny a quick kiss, thanking him for the boat ride before heading home. I needed to take a shower, eat, and change before I headed into the shop to work my afternoon shift. Plus, I needed to figure out what to say to Mary.

“You missed the rush,” Mary said to me as I walked in. “I had this one kid doing somersaults in the waiting area—probably hyped up on sugar from an ice-cream cone.” She laughed, shaking her head.

“Sorry, I know that can be a lot.”

“Oh, it’s all right.” She took one of the rags and wiped down the mountain bike next to me.

We worked silently side by side for a few minutes as I gathered the courage to bring up the festival to her.

“So, you know how Johnny and I are working together for the Blueberry Festival, right?”

She glanced and me, trying to hide a smirk. “Yeah, I think I know something about that.”

“Well, we have most of the donations we’re expecting at this point, but we’re looking for a couple other bigger donations to make a big pop for the final Starlight Night.”

“Okay…”

“And I was wondering if that might be something you’d be interested in helping with.” I finally looked her in the eye.

“What are you looking for, exactly?”

“We were thinking a sunset cruise tour or something like that.” I took a breath. “I hate asking you while we’re at work, but⁠—”

“No, I get it.” She folded her arms over her chest, letting her dust rag dangle next to her.

“Would that be something you’d be interested in?”

Her mouth quirked down for a beat before going back to the next bike. “You know Beth, every year, I’m asked, and every year, I say no.”

“That’s what I told Johnny⁠—”

She cut me off. “I’m not finished.” She held a palm up. “I’d absolutely donate for you, but I just can’t.”

I furrowed my brow. “What?”

“I would, but I can’t.”

“Okay…”

“I’m selling the business, and I have some people looking into the books, so I can’t donate right now.”

“I know… Wait, what? You’re selling? When?”

“Just got an offer last week.”

I stood up. “Did you have it up for sale? I didn’t realize.”

“I’ve had feelers out for a while now but nothing official. I had someone who’s done some work in other beach towns come to me unsolicited. Sounds like a franchise or something.”

“Wow.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and it was a bit serendipitous,” she said. “I know it’s the right thing to do. To sell, be with my girls, be with my grandbabies. It also feels bittersweet though.” She paused as she held my gaze. “I always thought if I sold, I’d sell to another family, or someone who’d keep running the shops the way we always have. Probably wishful thinking though.” She walked out toward the street and looked back at the marina, on the other side of the rental hut. “Unless you’re interested?”

“Me?” My head snapped in her direction.

“I’ve seen how you are in Port St. Clair, how much you love this town and running the shop when I’m not here. I’m sure you’d do great with the other two locations, as well.”

“Mary.” I paused, following her gaze to the marina. “I’m needed back home.”