“I’ve got a couple of ideas,” Aria replied, shivering as a cool breeze stirred the air. “I’m hoping to interview a couple of councilors to get their perspectives. Maybe write a profile on one of the locals who will be affected. Get a human-interest story.”

Eliza lifted her chin. “Choose your councilors carefully. And your interviewee.”

“With all due respect, Eliza, I always do.”

“You should run another article along with it,” Eliza said. “Look into Mr. Lockwood’s personal background. Every well-off man has skeletons in the closet.”

Aria resisted the idea, even though she knew Eliza was speaking sense. She needed a sensational story, and scandals involving handsome, successful men always rocked the boat. She knew this personally, and it was on that personal level that the thought of spreading gossip revolted her.

Aria rose to her feet to dispose of her hot chocolate cup in the bin at the end of the bench. “I’m not a gossip columnist. I don’t write that sort of news. It ruins people’s lives, and I won’t take part in it. I’d expect you to know that.”

The older woman sighed. “I do, Miss Simons. But it never hurts to try. I don’t suppose you’d be open to flirting with him?”

Aria chuckled, dismissing the idea instantly. It was a ludicrous suggestion, and she preferred not to take it seriously. Although Eli Lockwood appealed to her on many levels, she couldn’t give in to the attraction. He was too powerful. There were too many ways it could go wrong.

“Nice try,” she said. “But I doubt Mr. Lockwood’s mind can be changed by a little flirtation. He’s a rich, good-looking man from the city. I doubt he has any problems with women. What would he want with little old me?”

“Word is, he bought you a drink the other night.”

All of a sudden, Aria felt sick. If rumors were spreading already, then it would only be a matter of time before they were blown out of proportion.

“He did,” Aria said. “I didn’t accept it.”

“Silly girl,” Eliza murmured.

“That’s your opinion.” Nodding to the other woman, Aria slung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll see you later.” Then she began the trek across the lake front, back to her car.

CHAPTER 7

On Tuesday nights, Aria volunteered at the local animal shelter, Hayley’s Haven. She’d started as a volunteer when she was fourteen, and a couple of years later, they’d offered her paid work. Working there had paid for her first car, first guitar and first date. The guitar had never been played and the date was over in fifteen minutes, but the car lasted for five years, so she considered it a good deal. Since she’d returned to town, she’d resumed her volunteer work.