My Beautiful Neighbor (The Greene Family Book 1) by Piper Rayne (android based ebook reader txt) 📗

“Since the grand opening of The Story Shop is happening on the first day of tourism season, we’ve decided to hold the duo for the town the night before. And then we’ll continue the duo the day of the grand opening. As always, tourism brings in more money to the duo nights, but since this is Miss Knight’s first one, we’d like to do a soft duo night the night before.”

“Who is she partnered with?” someone asks.

This is an amazing opportunity for any business. The town will advertise, and where masses congregate, people feel as though that’s the place to be. I have no doubt this plan was put into place to make sure The Story Shop has the strongest opening it can.

My hand slides to touch Presley’s knee, but I catch Clara watching, so I retract it, remembering we’re in public. I just wish I could convey how happy I am for her because this is huge.

George bangs his gavel because he loves that damn thing. “We’re sticking to what the town voted, so it’s Truth or Dare Brewery and The Story Shop.”

“Beer and Books,” Jed yells and winks. We’ll have a talk later that he did this all behind my back.

“Or Books and Beer,” Presley says.

Jed shakes his head, but his grin says he appreciates her retort.

Clara grabs Presley’s knee and wiggles it. “This is so awesome for you.”

I’ve never been jealous like I am right now that Clara got to touch her and congratulate her first. Goddamn, what the hell is wrong with me?

“I feel a little overwhelmed right now.” Presley fans her face and turns to me. “How on Earth do we morph books and beer?”

I shrug because I don’t really know, but I’ll help her figure it out. “I’m sure Jed’s got ideas.”

The four of us laugh.

“Then as long as Miss Knight is okay with the plan, it’s a go.” George hovers his gavel above the wooden plaque.

“Yeah, I’m good with it,” Presley says and the room claps.

George bangs the gavel. “Now on to the next thing on the agenda.”

They discuss the beginning of tourism season and what needs to be done. Mandi and a few other inns discuss their booking rates and reservations at restaurants. Chevelle says how many boat tours have been reserved, and Fisher discusses the extra patrolman we hired for the crowds.

Presley pulls out her phone and opens her notes app, typing things she wants to get done before opening day.

After the meeting is dismissed, Clara hugs Presley, and I catch a few people watching. It’s their slightly opened mouths as they smile, watching the two sisters embrace, that reminds me why I’d never live anywhere else. People in small towns have one another’s backs and want everyone to be happy.

“What do you need me to do?” Clara asks.

“Just get me your recommendation list for the young adult section. And could you be there for duo night? I know nothing of what it’s going to entail, and if I’m pulled away, maybe you could give some people some book recommendations.”

Clara nods. “Absolutely.”

Jed walks over to me. “How mad are you?”

“We’re a partnership for a reason.”

He nods a few times. “I know. I know. You’re just too close to the situation and I didn’t know if you’d have concerns. This is good for us. Especially since we’re going to announce the new flavor for the summer.”

Jed’s right. He’s a great marketer and I don’t blame him. I might’ve thought this was too much for Presley too soon and tried to stop it. But she’s strong and determined. I watch as a few people congratulate her and say if she needs any help to just reach out.

Jed looks on like I am. “She’s really become a member of Sunrise Bay, huh?”

“Seems so.”

“Seems that for the first time in my life, I was wrong. I guess she does fit in a small town.” He elbows me.

All I can do is nod because I can’t take my eyes off of her. Happiness looks beautiful on her.

“I have no idea what to do,” I admit, sitting at a table with Jed and Cade.

“Good thing for the two of you, you have me.” Jed stands and grabs five bottles of beer that he sets on the table.

I pick up a quesadilla that Cade made for lunch. They’re pretty damn good. It’s their signature item, according to him and Jed.

“You need to pick out books that fit these tastes or titles,” Jed says, sliding the beer bottles toward me.

I set down the quesadilla and pick up the bottles, examining the labels. “Razzle Dazzle, Naked Digger, Limp Donkey, No Stout For You, and Melting Heart.”

“Razzle Dazzle is new for the summer, and Melting Heart was our Valentine one.” Jed points at each. “So I thought you could use Razzle Dazzle for a summer read, Melting Heart for a romance book. For the other ones, I figure you can taste them and pair them as you think. I’m not much of a reader.” He shrugs.

I chuckle and take a sip of Naked Digger before coughing. Though I’m not a beer person, it’s growing on me. “Okay, leave these with me tonight. This is a great idea.”

“We can give out samples and package six-packs and the book for people to buy together,” Cade adds. “I’m thinking since you’ll have a lot of traffic at the store from browsers, we can keep most of it over here, but we’ll put up signs around your place advertising the sets.”

Excitement builds inside me. “This is amazing. I love all the ideas.”

“Great! As soon as you get me the books, I’ll get with our marketing people and make up the posters. Send me over your logo.” Jed heads into the back. I think this is making his year.

“He’s happy,” I say.

Cade hooks the toe of his boot under my chair and slides me closer to him. “Guess what?”

“What?” I sip the stout beer, which