AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I said, I'm so pleased to see you and Harper getting along so well," she repeats. "It's such a relief for both Dad and me, not having to worry about trying to referee your working relationship. She's lovely, isn't she?"
I nod while swallowing a mouthful of cheesecake. "She is. I suppose I'm starting to see that instead of competing with her, I should consider her advice, and put her talents to the best use I can. She is an incredible asset to the resort, that's for sure."
I don't add the fact that the tension between us seems less contentious these days because we're romantically involved. Something about the way she looks at me makes me suspicious that she already has that idea.
"Where's Sasha tonight?" Harper asks from across the table.
"I’m trying out a new babysitter," I explain. "A young girl from the high school. Sasha seemed excited about the prospect of hanging out with a real life teenager. You know how little kids idolize older ones, right?"
Harper laughs as Mom takes another bite of her dessert, smiling and nodding. "Well, she's a good kid, so I'm sure she won't give the sitter too much trouble. Your plate's empty, Deacon, would you care for more?"
Her attentiveness isn't lost on me. We may have started as a rather sour twosome, but we quickly moved past that stage and into one that revolves around gentle affection and sweet romance. I'm almost afraid to admit that I've found myself falling hard for Harper.
She's fantastic with my daughter, her sweetness tempered by her passion for family and fierce loyalty to those she holds dear. I suppose when I was fighting with her before, I didn't recognize the kind, optimistic, dedicated spirit she has because I wasn't looking for it.
"Please," I respond, sweeping my napkin off my lap and dabbing my lips. "Wasn't the meal amazing? I think everyone is out there having the time of their lives, thanks to your effort."
She gives me a somewhat coy smile. "Thanks, but as I said, you had a hand in all this."
When the music draws Dad to the dance floor, Mom follows. I just sit back and admire the incredible woman with whom I have the good fortune to be acquainted. We remain at the table long after we've consumed every bit of the feast. Just when I'm about to move to a chair closer to her, a gentleman I don't know approaches our table and extends his hand for me to take.
"Excuse me, sir, are you Mr. Reynolds?" he inquires politely. "My name is Jon Pritchard. I'm the Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Developments."
I nod, gripping his palm firmly. "A developer crashing our party? To what do I owe the honor?"
His demeanor is neutral, although certainly well-guarded, and he has a firm yet friendly handshake. He takes his time assessing the view and revelers as he speaks. "To business. I understand your folks are retiring and you're the man in charge?"
"That's right."
"Well then, I think it would be appropriate to discuss an investment opportunity."
"By all means. Have a seat, Mr. Pritchard.” I offer.
"Please, call me Jon.”
He pulls up a chair beside me, and Harper immediately moves to sit on my other side. Jon leans closer, his body facing mine, like this is a closed conversation and not a social event.
He is quick to the point. "What do you think about selling your beautiful resort? Palmetto has plans to develop the area into a posh entertainment hub. More and more young people are moving to the area and demanding top of the line experiences. They want glamor and glitz, refined taste.”
“Small town southern charm just doesn't cut it for this new generation. They want everything larger than life, ultra-exquisite. Palmetto has the money and expertise to make that a reality for your resort."
"There's prime real estate throughout Greenwood that hasn't been developed. What makes you so interested in our land, Jon?" I ask, clasping my hands together.
"You know that location is key, Mr. Reynolds. We’ve analyzed the surrounding areas to determine the best place to build. Then we can dig in, knock down, and rebuild. Construction will take some time, but once we're done we'll have built something that rivals the best resorts in Atlanta."
Harper grabs my leg under the table, fingernails digging into my pants. She’s clearly unhappy with how much time I’ve given him to drag on about this proposition. I know she’s trying to distract me from him and it’s working. I’m now focused on the electric shock she just sent through my body.
My head snaps to her, locked in on her intense gaze. Jon is instantly forgotten with one touch from Harper. She doesn’t have to say a word, I know what she’s thinking.
Jon clears his throat, realizing he’s lost my attention. I put my hand on top of hers under the table and give it a reassuring squeeze to let her know I’m not really considering this, just being polite. I see her body relax as she takes a small breath of relief. I turn back to him. “Sorry, go on.”
“This will bring lots of business to the area, along with a boost to the local economy. Tax revenue will of course increase. Lots of workers are needed for the project. It would mean more full-time work for residents. Good news for them and for you, given what we're willing to pay you for it."
He makes some really great points. I consider his suggestions as any businessman should as I sip my drink. As much as I hate the thought of just selling and watching the developers put a giant eyesore in our place, not to mention how furious it would make Harper, I do see the benefit for the town. So out of curiosity I ask, "What are you offering me then, Jon?"
Harper gasps softly at my question, but the gentlemen doesn't notice. "We're prepared to offer eight and a half million for the place. I think it's a fair price. You could roll that money over into the purchase of some other vacation destination or start a new business venture. Or, you could just sit on it and enjoy some time with that sweet little daughter of yours."
"How do you know he has a child?" Harper demands, and there's a hint of protectiveness in her voice. Jon gives her a brief glance but doesn't answer her. His eyes turn back to me. He clearly has no interest in discussing my personal life with Harper. But he's at least done his research, and though it makes me uncomfortable, I'm not really surprised. This is just how business is done. You've got to make sure you have emotional ammunition.
