“No, I didn’t mean that. I want to buy it and restore it back to the way it was. Like it was when I used to go to plays there with my grandmother.”
“That sounds like a nice plan, doesn’t it Miss Eleanor?” Beverly asked, like she was trying to ease the tension.
“And if you bought the place, would you be willing to sign an agreement that says you won’t tear it down?”
Tori stared at the woman. “I guess so. Why?”
“Because we don’t need more things torn down in this town and modern things put up to replace them.”
“I plan to renovate it. I just need to get a contractor to look at it. Make sure it’s structurally sound, and the wiring is up to code. Get an estimate of what it would cost to restore it.”
“I can give you those numbers,” Miss Eleanor said, her hands crossed across her chest.
“You can? But how?” Confusion swept through her.
“Because I recently bought the theater, had someone check it out, and got estimates for restoration.”
Beverly’s mouth dropped open. “You did? You didn’t say anything.”
“I don’t have to tell the whole town my business, now do I?” Miss Eleanor frowned at Beverly.
“But you have it up for sale again?” Tori asked.
“I do. Because if the right buyer came along, I’d sell it. But this way I could keep the wrong buyer from purchasing it and tearing it down.”
“Like the rumor about Cliff? Him buying it and tearing it down?” Beverly shook her head.
“My son doesn’t have the sense God gave him. I didn’t find out soon enough that he’d bought those lots at the end of the boardwalk or I’d have stopped that too.”
“Wait, Cliff, the man who wants to tear down the theater is your son?” Tori looked between Beverly and Miss Eleanor.
“Yes. He is. I don’t know where I went wrong in raising that boy.”
“I’d be very interested in seeing any paperwork you have on the place. Talking to the contractor you contacted.”
“Smart businesswoman. Double-checking things. I like that. Where are you staying? I’ll send the paperwork over.”
“I’m at Bayside B&B.”
“And your name?”
“Tori… Ah, Tori Duran.”
The woman looked at her closely for a moment. “Okay, Miss Duran. We’ll see if we can strike a deal. If you’re serious about reopening the theater.”
“Oh, I’m serious.” She nodded vigorously.
“We’ll meet later this week, then, at the Realtor’s office.” Miss Eleanor rose, put some money on the table, and turned to Gavin. “I know you heard all that. You’ll help, of course. Make sure the renovations are done correctly. Like you did on the lighthouse restoration, no matter what those idiots said about you.”
She swiveled to watch Gavin’s face, knowing full well he would tell Miss Eleanor no. He wanted nothing to do with her.
But he just bobbed his head and smiled at the woman. “Yes, ma’am. If that’s what you want.”
Tori’s mouth gaped open. “I don’t need his… help.” She almost said interference.
Miss Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know you. But I know Gavin. I know he’ll stick to restoring it back to how it was, not change everything up. So, that will be in the sales contract too. Take it or leave it.” She turned and strode briskly out the door.
“Well, looks like you two will be working together,” Beverly said.
