“It does. Every place needs something a little different from the others. I still haven’t got to the heart of what Itirangi needs yet.”

She played devil’s advocate. “I wouldn’t have thought what Itirangi needs would factor into your decision-making.”

He huffed and looked at her as though she should know better. She couldn’t help noticing he was more talkative than when she’d previously interviewed him. Perhaps he trusted her more. Or perhaps, she thought wryly, it’s simply a matter of being on the front foot this time.

“Could you let me in on who you’re considering?” she asked.

“Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have both approached me,” he said slowly, as if he was uncertain how much to reveal. “As have Hannah’s Shoes, Witchery, and Forever New. I’ve also had inquiries from a couple of designer brands—Gucci and Louis Vuitton—but they’re still on the fence. You may be surprised to learn this, but a number of local businesses have also asked me about having a storefront.”

“Really?” Aria leaned forward, ignoring the aroma of the roses, which was tickling her nostrils. “That is news. Do you mind if I publish any of this?”

He shook his head. “Thank you for asking.”

“Of course.” She asked a number of follow-up questions, scrawling shorthand notes on a brightly colored piece of memo paper. Finally, she thought she had enough for another article. Maybe not the Big Story she’d hoped for, but better than what she’d had before his visit. “Thanks for holding up your end of the deal.”

“Anytime.”

Warmth flooded his voice, and she glanced up to find him watching her with the oddest expression. On anyone else, she’d call it indulgent. Affectionate. On him, she was at a loss.

“You did me a huge favor yesterday,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to pay it back. And now that we’re even, I’m hoping you’ll agree to another one.”

Butterflies invaded her stomach. What more could he want from her? Her mind fired off with dirty ideas. She tried to shake them loose. “Eli—”

“Just hear me out,” he interrupted, as if he hadn’t heard her.

Okay. She could do that.

“I’d like you to help Therese.”

“Excuse me?” Of all the favors she might have expected, this hadn’t even made the list.

He winced and ran a hand through his hair distractedly, then stood, paced away from her desk and back again. “I don’t know what to do. I’m at a loss. She responded well to you, and she needs a good female role model.”

“Me? A role model?” Every time he opened his mouth, he said something that shocked her. The idea of being a role model was totally inconceivable when one knew her past. Or at least, what others perceived to be her past.