A Decent Proposal Read Online Free PDF Page A

from noticing that Violet’s thick brunette hair was shorter, cut in an edgy bob that was very flattering.
    â€œYou look great, Syd.”
    â€œSo do you.”
    That was no automatic response. Violet was curvier and it looked good on her. She’d always been too thin. If anything she was even prettier now than when she’d begged forgiveness for falling in love with Sydney’s boyfriend.
    Violet looked at the man still holding Syd’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Holden.”
    â€œIt’s Burke, remember?” His tone hinted that he’d said it more than once. But he’d said he knew the place, which probably meant he’d been here a few times.
    â€œRight. You’ve been in here enough to know everyone’s name.” The other woman’s smile was strained. “Two for dinner?”
    â€œYes. A booth in the back if you have it.”
    â€œRight this way.”
    There weren’t many people in the place, but all of them were long-time residents of Blackwater Lake who knew what had happened between the former best friends. As they walked clear to the back of the diner, Syd felt all of them looking, wondering, and decided a slow night had been a blessing in disguise. Not that news of her and Burke wouldn’t spread, but it was easier to see Violet again in front of a smaller crowd.
    Violet stopped at an empty booth. “How’s this?”
    â€œPerfect,” Burke responded.
    â€œEnjoy your dinner.” The words were professional and matched the smile on her face.
    When she was gone and they were seated across the table from each other, Burke asked, “So, want to tell me what that was all about?”
    â€œNot really, no.”
    He opened his mouth to ask more, but the diner owner walked over. Michelle Crawford, a brunette whose hair was streaked with silver, was somewhere in her fifties. Her brown eyes were filled with concern.
    â€œHi, Syd. Burke, it’s good to see you again.” She settled a look on Syd. “You didn’t know Violet and Charlie moved back, did you? And this is the first time you’ve seen her since...” She lowered her voice. “You know. I could tell by the expression on your face.”
    Any hope that no one had noticed her reaction went right out the window. “No,” she said, “I didn’t know they were back.”
    â€œOh, honey—” Michelle touched her shoulder. “Your dad should have warned you.”
    â€œHe knows?” The words were automatic, but obviously he did. “Probably a heads-up slipped his mind. But it’s fine, Michelle. Been a long time. Don’t give it another thought.”
    â€œAll right, honey. Glad you’re okay.” She smiled, then pointed to the menus stacked behind the napkin holder. “I’ll let you look over the choices and be back in a few minutes to take your orders.”
    When she was gone, Burke’s eyebrows drew together. “Whether you want to or not, it’s probably best that you bring me up to speed on your ancient history.”
    â€œAre you going to tell me about yours?” He was divorced and had a son. She was curious about that.
    â€œAs it pertains to our agreement, yes. Like you said—need-to-know basis. But Blackwater Lake is your turf. And what happened to you is probably something you would tell a boyfriend.”
    Before Syd could respond, an older couple walked over to the table. Tillie Newman and her husband, Pete, were friends of her father and brought their Ford F-150 truck in for an oil change every six months, like clockwork.
    â€œHi, you two.” Syd looked at them, trying to figure out how to deflect what she knew was coming. “Mr. and Mrs. Newman, have you met Burke Holden? His company is building the resort we’ve heard so much about.” She glanced at him. “Burke, this is Tillie and Pete Newman.”
    â€œNice to meet you.” He stood and