Doreen squeezed Ean’s upper arm. “That’s enough, Ean.”
“No, Doreen.” Grady folded his hands on the table. “Maybe he’s right. Maybe I was expecting Megan to solve my problems. But I’ve run out of time and no one can help me.” He stood. “I’m going to have to close Fine Accessories when this rental agreement is done.”
Belinda gasped. “Grady, are you sure?”
Grady nodded. “I just can’t afford the rent anymore. It’s draining my savings.”
Tilda fisted her hands on the table. “Grady, you coward.”
Grady frowned at her. “I’m not a coward.”
Tilda continued as though he hadn’t contradicted her. “You can’t give up now. We have to stick together.”
Grady turned toward Megan. “You were smart to diversify the bookstore. I should have done something similar with Fine Accessories. It’s too late now.”
Megan shook her head. “Grady, it may not be too late for you to revamp your company. Let me help you.”
Grady shook his head. “You can’t. I’ve run out of time and money. That’s what I told Ramona when I mentioned we were gonna run someone against her.”
Megan’s brows arched. “You told her?”
Grady’s cheeks flushed. “It came up in conversation.”
Ean listened to the other association members trying to rally the accessory store’s owner. Megan even offered to help him diversify his store. Still, Grady wasn’t willing to even try. “You give up too easily.”
Grady rewarded Ean with a glare. “My family has owned Fine Accessories for generations.”
Ean arched a brow. “Isn’t that even more of a reason to hold on to it?”
“I’ve done all that I can.” Grady’s gaze circled the other faces around the tables. “Good luck with Ramona. You’re going to need it.”
Ean considered the other business owners as they watched Grady walk away. Was he the first to go or the last?
Most of these entrepreneurs presided over businesses that spanned back generations. What would happen to Trinity Falls if its residents continued to lose the enterprises that represented their history and heritage?
He looked toward his mother. Doreen’s intelligent, dark gaze focused on each member of their group. She was attentive to what they had to say. She was engaged in the town and its people, interested in their needs. How could he have ever considered giving
her less than his wholehearted support?
Instead of questioning her decision, he should have been asking himself what he could do to help the town. Well, he’d ask that question now.
CHAPTER 30
“I’m proud of you, Mom.” Ean broke the comfortable silence as he walked with his mother to her home after the association’s meeting Wednesday night.
“Thank you, Ean.” Doreen sounded startled.
The farther they traveled from the center of town, the fewer pedestrians they passed, and the darker the night became. They’d first accompanied Megan home, stopping to make sure she entered safely before continuing to Doreen’s house.
“I’m nervous.” His mother chuckled. “But I’m excited, too.”
“I’d be worried about you if you weren’t nervous.” Ean tossed her a grin. “You’re going to be the best mayor this town has ever seen, and I’m going to do everything I can to help you get elected.”
Doreen linked her arm with his. “That means a lot to me.”
“I’m sorry that I wasn’t supportive of your decision right away.”
“Megan reminded me that you’re adjusting to a lot of changes.” Doreen glanced at him. “I know I’m not the mother you remember.”