Lives Apart : A family saga of betrayal, tragedy and survival. (The Lives Trilogy Book 1) by Anne M. McLoughlin

Author:Anne M. McLoughlin [McLoughlin , Anne M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Irish fiction, Kindle unlimited, Historical Fiction, Irish American
ISBN: 9781781994009
Publisher: Poolbeg Press
Published: 2020-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

By the end of the first week in Cape Cod he’d spotted the gap. A new world opened up in the discovery of the numbers of families who decamped to the coastal areas for summer holidays once the schools closed. Retail facilities around the beach areas were sparse – enough for the basic needs of families, but something more might be needed. An opportunity waiting to be grasped. He’d buried himself too long in the city.

By the end of the holiday he’d already started taking walks around the vicinity. Unlike his earlier strolls, these had a purpose. He hadn’t said anything yet, it was too early and it might come to nothing, but he had started looking around for suitable premises. It might take a while but the possibilities looked good.

“This place is lovely but it could do with a shop a bit nearer. And with a wider range,” said Johanna.

It was the day she came back with the shopping bag full, mopping her brow that the time felt right to share his thoughts.

“I was thinking that myself.”

“Thinking?” She looked at him in the armchair where he sat gazing out at the ocean. “I might send you hoofing down there when we run out of milk the next time.”

“How about I do something better?”

“What do you mean ‘better’?”

“Well, I was thinking myself there may be an opening for a decent store here.” He looked at her. “What would you think? Just for the summer months.”

“Are you serious?” She raised her eyebrows. “Do you not have enough on your plate already?”

“I wouldn’t be running it myself on a day-to-day basis. I’ll appoint a manager. I’ve the very person in mind.” He grinned.

“You needn’t be looking at me.”

He laughed at the alarmed look on his sister’s face.

“Oh, you needn’t worry, it’s not you. I’m only teasing. No, there’s a good manager in one of the Boston branches that I’m sure would love to come here for the summer months with his family and run it.” Hugh looked thoughtful. “Say nothing yet to anyone until I have a word with him.”

She nodded. “My lips are sealed. Not a word to anyone.”

“And, anyway, we can’t have you puffing yourself up and down for the shopping next summer if we’re back here on holiday.”

“Well, a good grocery store is needed. I can’t argue with that.” She looked a bit dubious. “But I hope you wouldn’t be taking on too much.”

“Leave me to worry about that.” He paused. “So you think it might be a good idea then. Maybe you’ll come with me for a walk this evening and I’ll show you a few sites.”

“So that’s what you were at when you’ve been going off all secretive in the evenings.”

“You’re on for it then?” He grinned at her, hoping by the time he was back in Boston he’d have everything sorted and that negotiations might be under way with the possibilities for expansion this new venture offered. This was going to occupy him fully and he couldn’t wait to get started.

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