“Surely you can see that this isn’t fair,” Mia said, her face on fire.

“Well, don’t worry because I have absolutely no intention of staying here in Hooterville or running that podunk B&B of yours. This trip was a big waste of time.”

“Excuse me? Hooterville?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It was Hooter’s Hollow, right?”

“You know dang well it’s Carter’s Hollow!” Mia said, Carl running out from around the desk to hold her back.

“Ladies, this is unbecoming!” he said, loudly, as the two women snarled at each other like caged cheetahs.

“What is going on in here?” a teenage girl asked from the doorway. Everyone froze in place.

“Who are you?” Mia asked.

The girl grinned. “I guess I’m you’re niece.”

Chapter Four

Kate couldn’t believe how angry her pixie of a little sister could get. She looked like a freaking preschool teacher, but she was behaving like a professional wrestler. At least she was until Evie showed up in the doorway. Something about seeing her new niece calmed her down enough that Carl could finally put her on the ground, which was a good thing because he looked like he needed a heart pill with his red, ruddy face.

“Niece?”

“Hi. I’m Evie,” she said, walking over and holding out her hand. Kate didn’t know what game her daughter was playing, but she knew she was up to something. She always was.

Mia smiled slightly. “I didn’t know I had a niece. How old are you, sweetie?”

“Fifteen.”

“Well, you’re just beautiful. I’m Mia.”

“Nice to meet you.” Oh yeah, Evie was suddenly on her best behavior.

“Evie, we’re leaving,” Kate said, grabbing her daughter’s arm and pulling her toward the door.

“Leaving? We just got here!”

“And now we’re leaving,” Kate repeated, trying in vain to pull her daughter out of the conference room.

“Mom, I’m tired. That was a long drive. Can’t we just stay tonight, at least?”

“No.

“Please?”

“Fine. Where’s the closest hotel?” she asked, looking at Carl.

“Darlin’, we don’t have hotels around these parts. Just farms, mostly. And, of course, the B&B.” She looked at Mia.

“Oh, no thanks. We’ll drive to Atlanta and stay there then.”

“Mom, come on. I’m so tired.”

“You’re a kid. You don’t get to be tired.”

“Please, stay with me tonight,” Mia suddenly piped up, her eyes wide like she was surprised at what she’d just said.

“What?”

“Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’d really like to get to know my niece… and you. One night won’t kill you.”

Kate wondered if the little elf that was her sister could be homicidal, but she was too tired to care. She honestly just wanted a place to lay her weary head.