“Put that in your article, Hannah,” she crowed. “Treasure Chest Mini Golf is the perfect spot for a romantic date.”
Red-faced, Hannah introduced them. “Xander Anagnos, meet Nova Reyes, owner of this fine establishment.”
Her face went solemn as she enveloped his hand in both of hers. “I’m so sorry about Gus, hon. He was a good man, and so are you for filling his big ol’ shoes.” She turned to Hannah. “Ready for the unveiling?”
She raised her camera. “Can’t wait.”
They followed Nova past a lumpy cement dragon, a neon orange crab, and a mangey pirate.
“Here he is, the pride of Trappers Cove.” The old gal yanked away a tarp, revealing a four-foot, bug-eyed alien, painted a bilious green and waving from an open-top flying saucer. “Meet Gus, our newest obstacle.”
“He’s beautiful.” Hannah elbowed Xander.
He choked, cleared his throat, and tried again. “Really, uh, special.”
Nova thumped her fist over her heart. “I wanted to honor my old friend, and what better way than to memorialize him in sculpture?”
“Indeed.” He pinched his lips together hard to keep from laughing in the kind old woman’s face.
Not one tiny bit fooled, Hannah stepped between him and the sculptor. “He’s touched, Nova. Truly, this is lovely. Right, Xander?”
He nodded, feeling his face heat.
The old gal fished a packet of tissues from her hoody pocket.
“Thank you, ma’am.” He turned his back and pantomimed wiping his eyes. Good Lord, what was with these people and their attachment to Gus’s little green men? Everyone he’d met—and with Hannah’s help, he’d met everyone from the shoe repair guy to the librarian to the mayor—they all asked about his plans for the damn aliens.
What they didn’t know, and what Xander wouldn’t share out of respect for his well-loved uncle, was what Gus’s UFO obsession had cost him. His bank records revealed a once-fat balance worn down to whisper-thin over the past five years. If Gus hadn’t passed, he’d probably have been forced to sell the place. So Xander’s distaste for the schlocky alien merchandise wasn’t just a personal preference—he was pissed at the little green buggers for hijacking his uncle’s nest eggandhis sanity.
To rebuild Souvenir Planet, Xander had to find a new focus.
But what? After visiting every shop in town and taking copious notes, inspiration still eluded him. Next week, he’d expand his search to nearby beach towns.
Ideas would probably flow faster if Hannah wasn’t so damned intent on preserving Souvenir Planet as a shrine to her beloved past. Would she still care for him once he changed things up? The more he learned about her history, the more he understood her desire to cling to the good old days, but nostalgia wouldn’t pay the bills. She and all the other UFO fans would have to be content with an alien corner in the new shop. Or an alien middle, since he can’t move the damn cosmic transmitter without disturbing the so-called cosmic vortex. Just thinking about it curdled his stomach.
Hannah kissed the old gal on both cheeks. “Thanks so much, Nova. We’ve got to scoot now. Xander needs to get back to work soon.”
Nova gave them each a tight hug. “Good luck to you, son. I know you’ll make us all proud.”
I will, but you might not like it at first.
Hannah hooked her arm through his and started toward the beach. “Sorry, Nova’s a talker. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am, actually. Must be the sea air.”
She led him to a low brick building with an ornate painted dragon arching over the doorway.
“Sea Dragon Chinese Cuisine.” She tugged the door open, and a cloud of garlic and spices enfolded them. “Not fancy, but their lunch buffet is truly kick-ass.”
A youngish guy showed them to a table by a trickling waterfall. His little daughter, who couldn’t be more than four, trailed after and pointed to the goldfish swimming in the water feature’s base. “That’s Peppa and Zoe, and the black one is George.”
“Very fine fishies,” Xander assured the cute little squirt, who giggled and dashed behind her father’s legs.
“Help yourselves to the buffet,” her father said. “I’ll bring your tea.”
They filled their plates with fragrant noodles, savory and spicy stir-fried dishes, crispy fried wontons, and puffy battered prawns.
“Try the almond duck,” Hannah urged him. “You won’t be sorry.”
