Like his father's.
No, not the color. The look in them. Goes a lot deeper than brown or blue. How much have you told him?
I
She brought herself back, angled her chin.
I didn't come here to discuss my
personal life with you.
What did you come here to discuss?
I came to get the children, and to go over your books.
Nathaniel nodded at her briefcase.
Got them in there?
Yes.
She retrieved it, then, because she saw little choice, sat on the deck facing him.
I've finished the first quarter that's January, February, March. Your outlay exceeded your income during that period, though you did have some cash flow through boat repairs. There is an outstanding account payable from February.
She
took out files, flipped through the neatly computer-generated sheets.
A Mr. Jacques
LaRue, in the amount of twelve hundred and thirty-two dollars and thirty-six cents.
LaRue's had a tough year.
Nathaniel poured more lemonade.
Holt and I agreed to
give him some more time.
That's your business, of course. Traditionally there would be late charges on any outstanding account after thirty days.
Traditionally, on the island, we're a little friendlier.
Your choice.
She adjusted her glasses.
Now, as you can see, I've arranged the books into logical columns. Expenses rent, utilities, office supplies, advertising and so forth. Then we have wages and withholding.
New perfume.
She glanced over.
What?
You're wearing a new perfume. There's a hint of jasmine in it.
Distracted, she stared at him.
Coco gave it to me.
I like it.
He leaned closer.
A lot.
Well.
She cleared her throat, flipped a page.
And here we have income. I've
added the weekly ticket sales from the tours to give you a month-by-month total, and a year-to-date. I see that you run a package deal with The Retreat, discounting your tour for hotel guests.
Seemed friendly and like good business.
Yes, it's very smart business. On the average, eighty percent of the hotel guests take advantage of the package. I... Do you have to sit so close?
Yeah. Have dinner with me tonight, Meg.
No.
Afraid to be alone with me?
Yes. Now, as you can see, in March your income began an upswing Bring the boy.
What?
Am I mumbling?
He smiled at her and slipped her glasses off her nose.
I said