“Ah, shit. Sneaky pests, those ones,” Linda said with a tsk.
Kriti leaned toward Raven and sniffed. “I can’t tell. You smell fresh as a daisy.”
“I better. I’ve showered five times since yesterday. I’m really getting a crash course in Mother Nature up here.”
“If you were going to stay through the winter, you’d get the real lesson,” Kriti said, laughing.
“Well, who knows? I might still be here,” Raven said.
Kriti cocked her head. “Oh? Word around town is that you’re leaving before the summer is up.”
In her short time in Cedar Lake, Raven had witnessed how gossip traveled. From working in the motel lobby for an hour or so every day, she’d learned about the Tamborskis’ daughter’s elopement and a growing guinea pig population in Stan Mulligan’s backyard that was close to spurring county intervention. She knew she had to nip misinformation in the bud.
“It’s not true,” Raven said. “There’s a very good chance I might stay.”
“That would be nice. I think you’d fit right in,” Kriti said, and as Raven cleaned and reset the coffee station, her mind kept returning to the fact that Silas, maybe even the others at Mountaintop, were going around town, reassuring locals of her inevitable departure.
The thought had the effect she’d hoped the cold shower would have had. It was a good reminder for Raven that she was here for business. And at that moment, she—for pride’s sake—needed to underscore her intention to make a decision independent of Silas’s wants.
“Hey, now that I think about it,” Raven said, interrupting Linda and Kriti again, “do you know any realtors? I should start looking into more permanent housing options.”
* * *
Silas was partway through installing high shelves in his living room when his brother showed up.
“Looking good,” Isaiah said, taking in the space.
“Thanks. I’m thinking of displaying some of my medals and trophies up there when it’s done,” Silas said before gesturing to the large box his brother held. “What’s in there?”
“Everything you’ll need to make customized party favor bags,” his brother said.
“How many people are you expecting at this party again?” Silas asked as he inspected the inside of the packed box.
“Please direct any questions you have to Victor. I’m just following instructions,” Isaiah said with all the resignation of a man who would’ve been content with a small backyard party. “Speaking of my husband, he said he met Raven the other day.”
“He did.”
“Said she was really lovely.”
“She is,” Silas responded.
“Called her pretty too.”
“Sure, yes,” Silas casually said, but he had considered this previously inconsequential fact one too many times since she’d come over. Her upswept eyes, the shape and tone of her lips, the curves that made up her soft body. That fucking nipple piercing.
“Victor also said—”
“Jesus, did he perform a monologue?” Silas asked.
Undeterred by the sarcasm, Isaiah continued, “He also said that Raven seemed sociable and warm. Not like someone who was having a difficult time adjusting.”
“Okay? What are you trying to say?” Silas asked, taking a seat on the armrest of his sofa.
“Have you thought about what you’d do if Raven remains the owner from now until the foreseeable future?” Isaiah asked, his brows and voice pinched.
“No, I’m not worrying about that right now,” Silas said.
“But don’t you think preparing for the worst-case scenario would be wise?” his brother asked.
