Free Laura Abbot by Belleporte Summer Page A

more or less clueless about relocating to a different state, but she’s sharp as a tack. She’s squared around with insurance, driver’s license, bank accounts—all that kind of stuff. Naturally we’ve made amendments to her trust based on her Michigan residence and the sale of the Winnetka property.”
    Seamlessly, the waitress removed Ben’s empty and set two more beers on the table. “It’s the strangest thing,” Jay said. “She’s been like a kid looking forward to this move.” He shook his head in bewilderment. “Go figure. I mean, who would have thought she’d give up that suburban lifestyle she enjoyed. Especially at her age.”
    “I’m not sure how much she enjoyed it, particularly after your grandfather died.”
    “It’s true. She’s always loved Summer Haven. Maybe she put up with the Chicago scene all those years for Granddad’s sake. To see her now, she could be the Gray Power poster girl.” With a twinkle in his eye, Jay held up a fist and affected an oratorical tone. “Seniors of the world, unite. Live your own life!”
    “That’s what Katherine is doing, and I think it’s great.” Ben had to admit her decision had been timely—throwing him business when he desperately needed some billable hours.
    “Mom might have tried to stop her, but Granny was too quick for her. She and Dad’ll probably be over here a lot more now, checking on Granny.”
    Ben raised his glass. “You, too, I’ll bet.”
    Jay grinned. “You know me pretty well. I’ll do anything to keep my grandmother happy.”
    He took a long swig of beer. “What’s happening about the improvements she wants to make on the cottage?”
    “Arlo’s slated to begin on Summer Haven as soon as he finishes with The Gift Horse.”
    “The what?”
    “The new gift shop opening in the village.”
    “Who’s doing a crazy thing like that?”
    Ben muffled a groan by taking a mouthful of beer. So he wasn’t the only one skeptical of the project. “Laurel Eden.”
    “Who’s she?” Before Ben could answer, Jay snapped his fingers and said, “I remember now. Myron Fiedler at the Lake City Bank mentioned her. Small, good-looking woman with some big merchandising ideas.”
    “That’s the one.”
    “You know this Laurel?”
    For some idiotic reason, he found himself clutching his knees and praying his voice wouldn’t crack. “In case you’ve forgotten, buddy, Belleporte isn’t that big a place.”
    Ben felt his friend scrutinizing him. Then, as if making an important discovery, Jay shook his head and leaned back in the booth, laughing. “I never thought I’d see it. You’re holding out on me, Nolan.”
    It took great effort for Ben to control his expression. “What are you talking about?”
    “You, buddy. It’s plain as day. You always were the world’s worst poker player.” He clinked his mug against Ben’s. “Congratulations, hotshot.”
    “What for?” Ben growled.
    “Finding the one.”
    “Now, wait a minute—”
    “Give it up. You’re busted. So what’re you doing about this Laurel Eden?”
    “You’re way off base, Kelley, but even if you weren’t, I’m in no position to pursue her or any woman.”
    “Maybe that’ll change soon.”
    “Whaddya mean?”
    “This is confidential for now, but Dad’s getting ready to merge the Sullivan Company with Allied Tech. He wants you involved in the legal work on the tax implications. Could be a healthy retainer, my friend.”
    “You must have counsel in Chicago—”
    “Sure we do. But nobody we trust as much as we trust you. So quit trying to talk yourself out of work.”
    Ben studied his beer. This was a big deal. A very big deal. He didn’t want to disappoint the Kelleys, but neither did he want to feel indebted to them for his success.
    “We believe in you, Ben. And we need you.”
    Jay’s eyes held his, and Ben knew he couldn’t let down his oldest and best friend. “Okay.”
    “And while you’re at it, give yourself a break. Ask The Gift Horse