Two Bar Mitzvahs (No Weddings #3)(39)

“No. She remained anonymous. But by law, we have to respond to all complaints.”

“Thanks. Just curious. We have a puzzle we’re trying to solve and think it might be the same person who’s doing everything possible to make life difficult for us.”

Spence nodded. “We’ve seen it before. Competition. Angry employees. Just keep up the good work, and their efforts will be nothing but a waste of their time.”

When Spence stepped out the front door, I shot a glance at Ben.

Ben shook his head. “Knew from the start something was up. I’m not even going there with the bartenders, other than to say the inspector came by and someone is gunning for us. Warn them all to stay on their toes.”

I gave a short nod. “Good.”

“You heading out?”

“Yeah. Just dropped the draft off on your desk. I emailed it too, but wanted to be sure you had my notes before the weekend. Is Lisa all set for tomorrow night at my parents’ place? Everything covered here?”

Ben pushed away from the bar. “Yep. We’re good. Get outta here and have a great time.”

***

The fifteen minute drive to Hannah’s flew by. I vibrated more than the dog. Having Hannah all weekend at my parents’, even though we had a party to run, seemed like a rare getaway—an unplugging we both desperately needed.

Before I pulled to the end of her driveway, she stepped out with a bag on her shoulder, waved, then turned to lock her front door. I jumped out, careful to close the door behind me, corralling Ava in and jogged over to Hannah. “Let me get that.”

I took her bag with one hand and pressed the other into her lower back before bending down and kissing her. Then I dropped her bag onto the grass and deepened the contact. Wrapping both arms around her, I pressed small kisses in a line down her neck, inhaling her tropical scent. “Damn, I’ve missed you.”

She leaned back in my arms, a pink blush coloring her cheeks. “Wow. What did I do to deserve such an amazing greeting?”

“You being here with a packed bag. Works for me.”

Ready to head out, I picked up her bag again and held her hand as we walked toward the Jeep. Ava barked, front paws resting on the driver’s door window frame.

I secured Hannah’s bag in the backseat while she climbed into the passenger side. Wasting no time, I got in, started up the Jeep, and backed out of her driveway and onto the road.

Seconds later, laughter and commotion drew my attention to the right. I snorted, laughing.

Ava had overtaken her lap, and then some. “Look how big you’ve gotten. And such a good girl. Yes, you are.” Hannah rubbed her ears, cooing and baby talking. Ava ate up the attention. Mase had been replaced.

Hannah hummed a relaxed tone. “How long of a drive is it?”

I glanced over at her again. Ava had settled down, resting her head into the cushion of Hannah’s chest—a favorite place of mine too. Yanking my thoughts from the gutter, I blinked. “Ninety minutes, give or take traffic getting out of Philly. Maybe less today.”

“And this is the house you grew up in?”

I nodded. “Mostly. Mom and Dad had both places by the time I was born. But although the apartment on Fifth had enough bedrooms, space was cramped for entertaining my parents’ friends and clients while raising four kids.”

“Sounds ritzy.”

I smiled, remembering the humble upbringing Hannah had. Lack of normal family structure or wealth didn’t mean she hadn’t had a loving home. Both of us had been lucky compared to many less-fortunate children. “Only different scenery from yours. My parents were born into money, but they had generous hearts. So they made sure to leverage their money to help others along the way.”

She sighed, nestling her head against the headrest. “I think Gran and Granpop would’ve liked your parents.”

Hannah had said her grandparents raised her after her mom died. But she didn’t talk often about her mom. Her tone seemed heavy when she did, and she usually changed the subject quickly. My curiosity wasn’t a good enough excuse to bring up the topic though. When and if she wanted to share, I would be there for her.

I recalled what little I knew about her grandparents. “They loved chess and he loved old cars? They would’ve hit it off immediately. Too bad we couldn’t have brought along Josephine. My dad would’ve loved to see her.”

“Yeah?”

“A pristine black ’67 Mustang Fastback? Oh yeah, no doubt. Wait until you see the surprise I’ve been dying to show you.”

“Looking forward to it. By the way, I had an interesting morning. Got a phone call from Chloe at the bakery. There was a food and safety inspection prompted by a complaint. A lady said she got sick at the bakery. The inspector was there and wrapped up by the time Chloe called, or I would’ve gone in. The only ding on today’s report was because Daniel wasn’t wearing a hairnet or hat over his Mohawk while preparing food in the kitchen. Otherwise, we got a great score.”

I blinked hard and glanced at her. “You’re f*cking kidding. Me too. A woman called in a complaint on us. Anonymously. Ours was some bullshit about no gloves with the fruit. All of our bartenders are religious about that.”

“Really? Wait a minute…Selfish Bitch?”

I blew out a heavy breath. Hard to deny Hannah’s theory with all signs pointing there.