He took a bite, and his eyes widened instantly.
“Wes, this is?—”
“I know. I had the same reaction. Samantha Hollis brought me this box of pastries.”
“Why?”
“They’re from Avila’s.”
“Shit. The man we evicted?”
“Evicted? It’s already done?”
“Yeah. He was told about three hours ago, and the notice was put on the door. He has to be out within thirty days.”
“He gives children free cookies, and he sponsors Little League teams.”
“And?” Finn asked.
“He remembers people’s birthdays and consoles them when they’re upset.”
“Wes, what is wrong with you?”
“He’s just not part of the community. He is the community. I’m leaving for the day.” I stood up, grabbed my suitcoat and my briefcase, and walked out of my office.
When I reached the car, I had Ben drive me to Avila’s. I approached the door, and the only thing my eyes saw was the eviction notice plastered front and center for the entire community to see. I opened the door, stepped inside, and instantly, Mr. Avila tried to kick me out.
“I have thirty days, Mr. Castile. You are not welcome in my bakery. You may leave.”
I stared at the little old man as he stood behind the counter, sliding a tray of freshly baked cookies into the glass case. The thought of never eating one of his cinnamon rolls again upset me. They were the type of rolls that would get anyone through a bad day.
I reached over and ripped the eviction sign from the door.
“What are you doing?” Mr. Avila asked.
“I’m having a new lease drawn up. A five-year lease with rent that stays the same. But only on one condition,” I said.
“What’s your condition?” he asked.
“I want a dozen of those cinnamon rolls boxed up and sent to my office Monday through Friday.”
“You have yourself a deal, Mr. Castile.” He grinned. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” He stepped out from behind the counter and hugged me, totally catching me off guard.
“You’re welcome. You’re a pillar in this community, and you will remain as such,” I said. “Besides, you can thank a friend of yours.”
“A friend? Who?”
“Samantha Hollis.”
“Oh, Samantha is a beautiful person inside and out. She has the soul of an angel. And that daughter of hers, Zoey, is a real gem. I don’t understand, though.”
“She cares, Mr. Avila. And I believe I just found out the lengths she’d go to when she’s passionate about something. Do you, by chance, have any cinnamon rolls left?”
“I have three left in the back.”
“I’ll take them.” I smiled.
Chapter Fifteen