"Lighten up, Alexis, this is Mangrove Island, remember?" To prove his point, he polished off the rest of his drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "You figure out if you're interested first and then we can talk down and dirty."

At the mention of the word 'dirty,' Alexis summoned up an image of his dingy office. "Does the lease allow the tenant to redecorate?"

"Well, I own the building so I guess I'm equipped to answer that." He pretended to think for a moment. "I'll say sure thing. Pretty it up as much as you like. I'll even kick in for the fixtures and fittings."

He threw a twenty-dollar bill onto the table and pushed his chair back with more strength than he had when he arrived. "I'm looking forward to my retirement, so you let me know as soon as possible, alright?"

"I will. Thank you for thinking of me, Morris."

"You finish your iced tea. Don't rush on my account. I can see myself out."

With a wave, he ambled out of the café with Peter rushing to hold the door open for him.

Alexis lingered over her iced tea, her brain overloaded. Her first thought wasn't about money or even her mother; it was about Tyler. She could live here and be with Tyler. She could have a different type of legal career, just as he had suggested. No more hoop-jumping, no more faceless clients. She'd be using her skills to help people right here on Mangrove Island. Her heart thumped so loudly that she was afraid the entire café could hear it.

On the way back to Rumrunner Road, Alexis stopped by her sister's to collect the salon data she'd requested. The boys were at the park with Joe so she and Betsy had the place to themselves. Betsy was in the process of cleaning up the kitchen after a baking marathon. Several cooling trays sat on the counter with various types of muffins while two loaves of pumpkin bread baked in the oven.

"I had coffee with Sandy Ventura yesterday," Betsy revealed. "Just wanted to test the waters."

"And?" Alexis leaned on the counter expectantly.

Betsy broke into a smile. "She's totally into the idea."

"That's great, Betsy. Any thoughts on location for the bakery?"

"A few places are available in Flamingo Key. I thought I'd give Sara Michaelson a call once everything's finalized on the salon end." Sara Michaelson was a realtor who grew up near them in Castaway Cove.

"I'll ask Tyler, too. He seems to know everyone and everything on the island."

"I've been coming up with potential names," Betsy said excitedly. "Bun in the Oven. Cake-tastic. Owen suggested Sweet Treats." Betsy reached across the counter and handed Alexis an envelope. "Speaking of Owen, he drew you some pictures."




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