Last Chance Motel 1 (Last Chance Romance Series) by Abigail Keam Page B

of coffee while constantly glancing out the window.
    An excruciating forty-five minutes later, Mike and the inspector swung open the door of the office and called for Eva.
    Eva tried to compose herself as she walked from the living area.
    “Ms. Hanover,” said the inspector.
    “Yes?”
    “Seems like everything is according to code and all your permits are in order, so I’m going to give the final okay,” announced the inspector as he signed off on the Last Chance Motel. He pulled a sheet off his clipboard and handed it to Eva.
    Her hands shook as she accepted it. “So I can open?”
    “Any time you like,” smiled the inspector. “I’m not supposed to do this but in a couple of months my daughter is coming down with her family. My wife and I don’t have room, so I’m going to suggest she call and reserve the big bungalow. It’s perfect for her needs.”
    Eva gushed, “That is so sweet. I would like to have them.”
    They shook hands and the inspector took his leave.
    “Wait a minute, Mike,” asked Eva as Mike turned to follow the inspector out. “Come in here for a moment, please.” Eva went into the living area and unlocked a desk. She took out an envelope. “Sit down, will ya?”
    Mike sat at the kitchen table and waited for Eva to join him.
    Eva handed him the envelope.
    “What’s this?”
    “A thank you. We came in under budget and under schedule. That deserves a bonus where I come from.”
    “Not necessary. I was just doing my job.”
    Eva smiled. “I think it is very necessary to reward good work. Please accept it. Blow it on Jenny.”
    Grinning, Mike tore open the envelope and gave a low whistle after looking at the check. “This is a lot of money.”
    “You saved me a lot of money.”
    “Thank you, Eva. This will go into Jenny’s college fund.”
    Both Eva and Mike stood and awkwardly faced each other.
    Mike didn’t know whether to shake hands with Eva or give her a hug.
    Finally Eva reached over and kissed Mike on the cheek. “Thanks for everything. I mean that.”
    “Sure. No problem.”
    “You will be here for the Grand Opening?”
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Mom and Jenny will be here as well.”
    “That’s good. I am very fond of them.” Not knowing what to say but wishing the moment wouldn’t end, Eva finally coughed and said, “I should be getting back to work.”
    “Yeah, I’ve got a new job interview to get to. Thanks again for the bonus.”
    “Sure thing.”
    Mike shoved the check in his pocket and left the office wondering if he should speak up. Maybe he should tell Eva how he felt, but then, Mike wasn’t really sure how he felt. Eva wanted commitment. Mike wasn’t sure he was there yet. Maybe he should just leave it alone. Mike didn’t know what to do. Maybe he could resolve his feelings for Eva over a cold beer at Aussie Jack’s.
    Yeah. Aussie Jack would tell him what to do.

39
    I t had finally arrived. The Grand Opening Day.
    At ten in the morning, a small group gathered before the flamingo neon sign with the new name of the motel–the Pink Flamingo Motel. Below it stood Mike, Mary, and Jenny flanked by Aussie Jack, Dennis, Johnny Duke, and his wife, Juan and his family, Mr. Burton, and Muriel Pruitt, who looked more sour than usual.
    Mike looked at his watch and when the large hand struck ten, everyone began the countdown. When they yelled zero, Eva flipped on the sign’s switch in the office.
    Eva knew from the roar of the little crowd that the flamingo had taken flight. She ran out and joined them. The sign was everything she had hoped it would be. One could not help but notice the flying flamingo with the bright Vacancy blinking.
    “Very retro,” commented Dennis. He hated to admit it, but the sign was excellent advertising.
    Johnny Duke took the handkerchief that his wife handed to him and wiped the tears from his eyes.
    Eva went over to him and patted him on the back.
    “It’s so good to see her soar once more,” choked Johnny. “I knew