“We’re sorry we’ve imposed on you for so long though,” Elise continues, when it becomes clear after a stretch of a silence that I’m not going to say anything else. “And we’d be more than happy to pay for our room here. We don’t want you to lose business.”

I shake my complicated thoughts aside to process at another time. “That’s not necessary. You’re welcome to stay here. I just thought you’d be eager to get home.”

As Grant picks his fork back up and resumes eating, Elise says, “This town is a nice change of pace from the city. But if you won’t let us reimburse you for the room, May gave us a great idea for how we could show our appreciation.”

Wait, what? May shouldn’t be giving them any ideas on anything involving me.

“We made a reservation for you and Travis this Friday night at a great restaurant we found in Stoneridge. The two of you can relax and enjoy a nice private dinner without us being in your way or Travis having to cook. It’s all on us.”

“Well, uh, that’s very nice of you, but it’s totally not necessary,” I tell her. Because there’s no reason for me and Travis to go on a private date. Since we’re not really dating, obviously, though they don’t know that. But also, I don’t like the idea of them thinking they need to give me money for stuff.

I asked them for a loan to buy the inn so I wouldn’t end up paying a bank out the ass in interest. That doesn’t mean I need them to buy me dinner. I do like the idea of Travis not having to cook though. He deserves that.

“I’ve already left my credit card information with them,” Grant says.

“We want to do something nice for you,” Elise adds. “And May mentioned how she thought you and Travis would enjoy a night out together since you’ve been so busy lately.”

“Oh, did she?” I try my best not to let my annoyance show as I glance around the dining room for an excuse to walk away. But there’s only a few other guests in here at the moment, and they all look perfectly taken care of. Damn my staff for doing their jobs well.

“If you need to get back to work, that’s fine, dear,” Elise says. “We’ll text you the name of the restaurant and reservation time later. And we’d be happy to go over to the house that evening and stay with May so she’s not alone.”