‘Yeah, her food is amazing.’ Jy eyed him speculatively as he took another sip of beer. ‘So how are you getting along with Karly?’
The million-dollar question. He’d like to say famously but that would be lying. She’d lost the hostile glare after hearing his sob story last night, though, so he guessed he should be grateful for that. ‘She’s a strong-willed woman.’
Jy guffawed and raised his glass. ‘That’s putting it mildly. Here’s a tip, mate. Don’t think you can baffle her with bullshit because she’ll see right through you.’
Hudson had no intention of bullshitting her. If she couldn’t see the validity of his offer, that was all on her. ‘Thanks, but I already know she’s a savvy businesswoman.’
‘She’s loyal too. Summer and Nev are as much family to her as her grandfather, and she’d do anything for them.’
Including castrate him if he didn’t do right by Jeremiah, but his proposal was sound and he wanted them all to come out of this deal happy.
When Hudson didn’t respond, Jy said, ‘I’m surprised you’re lingering in town. I mean, from the dealings I’ve had with real estate agents in Melbourne, it’s all about signing on the dotted line ASAP. So if you’re wanting to buy Karly’s agency, why haven’t you done it already?’
Another feature of small country towns, the bluntness of their inhabitants, though Hudson had a feeling Jy had always been a sharpshooter because not many men would call him out like that on first acquaintance. ‘I’ve been checking out the town, getting a feel for the housing market.’
‘You could’ve done that on the first day, yet here you still are.’
While Hudson had spoken the truth, he’d never admit the other reason he wanted to hang around a little while longer: that Karly was the first woman in a long time to capture his attention.
‘I’m thorough in my research for acquisitions,’ he said, and if Jy doubted his trite answer he didn’t show it.
‘Well, all I can say is good luck, mate.’ Jy raised his beer again. ‘If you’re going head-to-head with Karly, you’re going to need it.’
CHAPTER
18
Karly aimed to have dinner with Pop at least once a week, usually at his place, where he’d cook his famous lasagne, her favourite meal as a child, or she’d grab takeaway from Nev. While she loved her friend’s vegan fare, every mouthful of Pop’s lasagne that passed her lips resurrected precious memories. Birthdays where he’d spoil her rotten, Friday nights on the couch when they’d watch the footy together, her first day of high school, her last … Pop had been such a huge part of her life she couldn’t contemplate change.
But that’s exactly what would happen when he retired. While selling the agency to Hudson made good business sense, the resultant handover would have consequences for her. If Hudson kept her on, could she work for someone like him? If his take-charge attitude in acquiring their agency was any indication, he’d be a demanding boss who’d expect perfection. And while she didn’t mind working hard, the laidback vibe of this town might not equate with his high standards.
Keeping her on made sense for a smooth transition, but maybe he’d want to instal new staff and she’d be fired. If so, she could follow her long-held dream and move to the city, but the thought of leaving Pop after all he’d done for her …
So much to ponder without a lot of time to look for viable alternatives. Hudson seemed hellbent on acquiring the agency sooner rather than later and Pop seemed more than keen to hand it over.
She let herself in the back door and inhaled, the rich aromas of tomato and cheesy goodness wafting from the oven filling her nose. She salivated a little as she placed the litre tub of locally churned hokey-pokey ice-cream in the freezer.
‘Hey, Pop,’ she called out, receiving an answering, ‘Be down in a sec,’ in the booming voice that was loud but hid the heart of a pussy cat.
Pop had lavished her with love to make up for her absentee parents, being a mum, dad and grandparent rolled into one. Her grandmother had absconded to London long before Karly was born and while it must’ve hurt at the time, he’d never once dwelled on his divorce or badmouthed Nora the few times Karly had asked about her. She’d always wondered if he’d remarry, but despite a few local women his age sniffing around, he took his dating life elsewhere and a small part of her was glad. Not that she begrudged him happiness, but Pop was too vibrant, too young at heart, to settle.
Then again, maybe if he had remarried someone local he’d be tied to Acacia Haven and not contemplating hitting the road in his retirement. He’d hinted at a thirst for travel, and while he deserved freedom she couldn’t help lamenting the cost to her.
‘How’s my favourite girl?’ He strode into the kitchen, moving faster than a man a decade his junior, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
‘Good. You?’
‘Can’t complain.’ He switched off the oven, slid his hands into mitts and opened the door. ‘Hope you’re hungry.’
‘For your lasagne, I’m ravenous.’ She filled two glasses with water from the tap and set them on the table. They never bothered with wine or salad when Pop made lasagne because something so tasty didn’t need the distractions.
‘How did that appraisal at Serenity go this morning?’
‘Should be an easy sell. The house is well maintained despite its age.’
‘Good. There’s never any shortage of buyers out there.’ He dished up two healthy serves of lasagne and handed her a plate before taking his to the table. ‘Wish more homeowners in Serenity would move.’
She smiled and sat opposite him, leaning forward to inhale. ‘This smells amazing.’