Riverbend by Tess Thompson Page B

people here in town.Most of us are barely hanging on but we won't judge you just ‘cause you're filthy rich. Especially since you tip well.” She laughed, as if they were old friends. “But no, seriously, we're grateful you're looking after Alder and our girl here.”
    Drake smiled. “Glad to hear it.” He looked over at Annie. “Probably should take Alder now so you guys can talk.”
    She nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
    “I'll pick you up at eleven, then?”
    “No need, man, one of us will get her to your house. Better if Alder doesn't have to leave the house so late,” said Tommy, pulling Ellie-Rose onto his lap. She sucked her juice box with great intensity, snuggling into her daddy's neck.
    Drake shoved his hands in his pockets. “Sure. Annie, you have the code to the gate.”
    “Right.” 0336
    Mike was studying Drake. “Listen, don't know if Annie told you about our plans to make this little town shine. So far we've got this place and Linus's inn. Some boys from up in Seattle are building a resort down by the river.”
    “Yes, I've seen the construction,” said Drake.
    “It's going to be something. Fly-fishing tours, a spa for the ladies—you know, all that fancy stuff city folks like. But this main street here needs some love. Needs a facelift, so to speak. And there's opportunity for more shops and cafes. We need a lunch place, for one thing.”
    Drake appeared to be listening intently but what he thought of Mike's speech was not apparent to Annie, as his face was blank.
    “I think it's great what you're doing here,” said Drake, without emotion or inflection. He was a careful man, thought Annie. He knew where this discussion was headed. He was a businessman—a smart businessman. He knew when he was about to be asked for money.
    “My point is. Lots of opportunities for investments if you're so inclined,” said Mike.
    “Yeah,” said Cindi. “We want this town to look like Sun Valley or Cannon Beach, all slicked up and quaint and stuff. And we need proper shops for rich ladies to buy things. And lampposts and brickover some of our ugly buildings. And grass and parks with fountains. You know, stuff like that. And all that costs a butt-load of cash.”
    Lee smiled at Drake. “How I dream of the day when the last of the turquoise buildings are gone. The turquoise color scheme was part of an earlier ‘beautify River Valley’ project. Mike and I are on a mission to get rid of every last one of those paint jobs.” She handed Ellie-Rose a bag of crackers from the purse at her feet.
    “You all hush now,” said Ellen. “Leave the poor man alone. He hardly knows us.” She turned to Drake. “We need to learn some manners, clearly.”
    “Ellen's right,” said Tommy. “Poor Drake doesn't know us from Adam. He's not interested in our dreams for this town.” He looked over at Drake, grinning. “Sorry, man. We get a little worked up about this subject. There are a lot of people here who could use good jobs and we have so many plans. We're not rational when it comes to River Valley. But we don't expect you to jump in without even knowing us or anything.”
    “Of course not,” said Lee. “But I'll warn you. Something about this place, this town, sucks you in. I found it hard to resist. Especially because the place you call home is always the place where your people are. I didn't even know I needed people but here they are.”
    Drake smiled, gently, but his eyes were sad. “I built a company out of nothing. I know what it's like to dream big. And what you're all doing here is extraordinary. But I'm not really up for becoming involved in a community.”
    “Of course. We understand,” said Annie, quickly. “No reason for you to think twice about all this. We're all a little crazy here.” She smiled in a way she hoped was reassuring.
    “However,” said Drake, running a hand through his hair, “I could certainly be convinced to donate to the ‘beautify River Valley’ fund.”
    “No effing