MARCUS: All good. See you tomorrow.
I put my phone down with a smile. If Marcus and I could work out a deal, things would really start looking up.
As I sit in a booth at the diner early the next day, waiting for Marcus, I absentmindedly wipe the fingerprints off the laptop that holds my digital portfolio.
I’ve been busy this morning. I’ve got interviews set up with my top three picks for the foreman position lined up for tomorrow over video chat and I’m feeling good. My future with Tawny is starting to take shape.
A few minutes past noon, the door opens and the man I’ve seen walking in and out of Ella’s cottage comes striding over. He’s got an air of confidence that I admire, even as he’s dressed casually in jeans and a tee shirt. I can see the intelligence in his eyes and his grip when he shakes my hand is strong.
“You must be Marcus, glad to officially meet you.”
“Mac, nice to meet you, too. I’ve heard a lot.”
Marcus smiles, but I can tell he’s all business right now. I took some time to look him up and Marcus Ryder is not a man to mess with. His investment firm is extremely successful and he’s made a name for himself by investing only in projects he feels passionate about.
I’ve heard of a few start-ups that he’s refused to help and that makes my request that much more daunting. I don’t want to use the sister angle, but at the same time I’m hoping he’s motivated to keep Ella happy, and a happy Tawny would lead to a happy Ella. And me being on Westmount Island is critical to a happy Tawny, at least I think it is. Marcus is the key to make all of that happen.
We order food and while we wait, Marcus leans forward and places his forearms on the table.
“Alright, you got me here, what’s on your mind?”
I take a steadying breath, then open my laptop to my website.
“Rumor has it your project on the north end of the island is stalled because you’re having a hard time finding competent construction crews.”
He nods, but doesn’t reveal anything else, so I carry on.
“I’ve run a successful, high-end contracting company for almost a decade. You can see our work here on our website and I’ve got a list of past clients willing to give testimonials. My focus has always been on home renovations, but we’ve done new builds as well. Here’s what I propose. Hire my company to do your construction work. I’ve got contacts for every trade you’ll need, from an architect who specializes in green homes all the way to the painters and landscapers. I’m confident I can get a crew of guys out here to start as soon as we have the machinery in place. You’ll get your community built and I’ll get enough work to keep me on the island.”
When I finish, I try not to squirm under Marcus’s steely stare. He holds my gaze and holy shit, I can see why this guy is so successful in business. I’m not easily intimidated, but he’s got me shuffling my feet. Trying to keep calm, I keep my eyes on his. He pulls the laptop over and finally breaks eye contact long enough to look through my portfolio. When he still doesn’t say anything, I start filling the silence.
“I can get a physical portfolio couriered over by morning if that works better for you,” I say, hoping my nerves don’t show. Marcus is critical to my plan. Not only as a potential client, but also as a potential family member if everything goes the way I want it to.
“I don’t need to see anything else.” He leans back and finally smiles. “I’ve been talking with your dad for weeks. He’s been trying to convince me to reach out to you, but Ella said she didn’t think you’d ever come back. Honestly Mac? As soon as I found out you were here, I’ve been itching to set up a meeting. Consider yourself hired.”
I sag back against the booth with a laugh. “Seriously?”
“Seriously, man,” he replies with a grin. He reaches his hand over the table and we shake. “Welcome to the family might be a bit premature, but welcome back to the island seems appropriate.”
We both laugh and proceed to eat our lunches. Conversation shifts easily to the project, with Marcus outlining his plan for the new community and me chiming in with advice. After an hour, he promises to have contracts ready for me to sign by the end of the week and I leave the diner, walking on air.
All I need now is a foreman, a crew willing to work on the island, and a way to convince Tawny I’m back for good.
Chapter ten
Tawny
Hangovers suck. Especially when you’re a lightweight that doesn’t drink often. And working with a hangover? Even worse. But here I am, entering purchase orders for cleaning supplies with a pounding head and a swimming stomach.
Even my hangover isn’t quite enough to erase my memory of last night and the memory of how sweet Mac was to me. I’m a bit fuzzy on how he found me, but I do remember him driving me home, carrying me inside, and tucking me in.
This wasn’t the first time he’s had to look out for me while drinking. Our graduating class held a big bonfire at the base of West Mountain and that was the night I learned just how low my alcohol tolerance is. Mac took care of me, making sure I made it home okay, and even slept on the couch so he could check on me. His love was strong, even as a teenager, and despite our years apart it seems it’s only grown.
My phone beeps with a new text message and I pick it up, welcoming the break from the mind-numbing tasks I’m dealing with today.
MAC: How’s the hangover?
TAWNY: *grumble grumble*
