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.It was a cozy place, with wood benches for chairs and rectangular tables with forest-green tablecloths.The walls were covered in yellowed knotty pine planks and decorated with pictures of the various peaks of the Adirondacks.Brian took the opportunity to introduce Mari to everyone present.Several remembered her family, and she was welcomed back many times.Brian finally guided her to a table where Jack, Melanie and Sam were already sitting.“Whew! What a night,” Mari said, taking a chair.“You know what I love the most about Hawk’s Lake?”“The pizza?” Jack handed her a piece on a paper plate.“That, too.” She laughed.“But I just love the way everyone here pulls together.”“And everyone knows your business,” Brian added.They all laughed, but Brian noticed that Mari didn’t join in.He realized his constant criticism of Hawk’s Lake was upsetting her, which he supposed made sense, given that she felt more alive and at home here than anywhere else.Gus Belden stopped by the table, clamped a meaty hand on Brian’s shoulder and squeezed.“Great job, everyone.” He nodded to Mari.“Thanks for pitching in.”Brian introduced Mari to Gus.“We went to high school together.Gus owns a bait and tackle shop in Big Moose.”“Pleased to meet you,” Mari said, holding out her hand.Gus shook it and turned his attention back to Brian.“Bri, Matt Logan was just telling us that his son Josh has to have an operation for his tumor—it’s in his lung.They boy’s doctor wants to send him to St.Jude’s.”“But I just saw Matt here tonight.He was helping me evacuate the bus,” Brian said.Gus puffed out his cheeks and shook his head.“You know Matt.He’ll always help.But the guy doesn’t have any insurance since he lost his job when the lumberyard in Big Moose closed.”“And we’ll help him.” Brian pulled a pen from his pocket and started making notes on a paper napkin.“I’m thinking the fire hall.We’ll get some donations for a silent auction.” He made some notes.“And what about a barbecue out back, maybe some small rides for the kids?”“Brilliant.I knew you’d have some great ideas,” Gus said.“Sherwood Enterprises will donate silverware, glassware and other household items.” Mari leaned forward.“I’d love to help.”Brian took her hand.“Thanks, Mari.”Gus took off his baseball cap and crumpled it in his hand.“Thank you, ma’am.That’s really nice of you.”“Round up a committee, Gus.We’ll meet in my office.Let’s aim for this Friday at eight.”“You got it.” Gus slapped his hat back on his head and headed for another table.“What were you just saying, Brian?” Mari asked, scratching her head with her index finger.“Something about how people in Hawk’s Lake will help you, whether or not you want it?” She opened her eyes wide and blinked them rapidly several times.“You know what I mean.”“Do you know what you mean?” She blew out air in obvious exasperation.“You try to disown the town, but then you cheerfully walk right back in.”Point well taken, he thought.But he wasn’t about to admit that she might be right.That would mean that he’d become complacent—that he’d given up his dreams.And he wasn’t ready to give up just yet.They stayed for a while longer.Brian checked his watch.“Two in the morning.I think it’s time to go home.”They said their goodbyes to everyone on their way out, and were soon driving back to Sherwood Lodge.“What a night,” Brian said.“It was a great night.” She leaned back on the seat.“Makes me feel like I did something to help the community.”“Why do you say that? I know Sherwood contributes a lot to various organizations, and now you’re donating to the fund-raiser.”“But that’s different.Tonight, I did something…personally.”“But aren’t you on several charitable boards?”“How do you know that?”“I get your annual report.I’m a stockholder.”“You are?” she asked, definitely surprised.“It was my high school graduation present.I told my dad that I wanted stock in Sherwood Enterprises.”“That’s so cool.” She covered her mouth with both hands to hide another yawn.“You’re nodding off.Move closer.I don’t want you to bang your head against the window.”“I’m fine.”But to his surprise, she did move closer, and he put his arm around her.It felt so right being with Mari.And when she rested her head on his shoulder, he could smell the fresh scents of the evening on her hair [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]