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But it’s Candice who responds, “Well, first you buried the fact that you and Hunter kissed when clearly that’s what really has you flustered and the true reason for your call. You don’t have to tell us we’re right, the blush on your cheeks already has.”
“And then,” Mia adds, “you bury the fact that your offer comes with something no other offer could stand a chance against. You. Everyone knows the Crystal Palace is a success because of you. You are the X Factor here. Money won’t be an obstacle.”
“Wait, what?”
Candice’s smile broadens. “Mia’s right. Haven’t you been taking notes when I’ve told you about investing? People don’t invest in properties and spreadsheets. They invest in people. I’ll get you the info on a credit line, but I think we both know it won’t be enough. You’ll need to find an investor to cover what I imagine will be a significant gap.”
Just when the thought of finding an eleventh-hour investor feels like another boulder being placed on my shoulder.
“Which is where I come in. I have friends in high places,” Mia half-jokes. “Between Candice’s network of local people familiar with you here in Indiana and my network, we’ll be able to close the gap.” I shake my head forgetting that Mia operates the Lake Hope property which is world famous. The international Hollywood blockbuster movie Forever was filmed on the facility which has led Mia to interact with Hollywood power brokers, none bigger than the star of the movie Trace Edwards. Trace has fallen in love with the community and has invested in many local businesses, including Ryan’s summer volleyball camp for kids, Jackson’s restaurant, and a host of charities. If Mia can convince Trace to invest, money would no longer be a challenge.
“I’d hate to have you call in a favor Mia. Especially on such short notice.”
“Don’t worry about it. Trace loves me. Everyone does. Once I have a number from Candice, I’ll close the gap and you’ll have what you need before you step into the room in the morning.” Mia beams.
“Thank you.”
“Not yet,” Candice warns. “Take the night and think about what you really want Catherine. Hunter came clean to you when he didn’t have to. Shouldn’t you give him the same courtesy?”
Her words are like a bucket of cold water across my face. One minute they’ve solved my financial issue only to remind me of another challenge. I don’t provide a knee jerk reaction, sensing I will need to be careful with my contemplation. For days I’ve been running on impulse, spur of the moment decisions that have turned my life into a rollercoaster. It’s been exhausting. I need to take a breath and think through my next step.
“We’ll text you with the info as soon as we have it,” Mia says.
“I can’t thank you two enough. I’ll let you know how things go in the morning.”
“You got this!” Mia shouts like a head cheerleader and it brings a smile back to my face.
Candice twists the phone and presses her face close to the screen. “I’ve never met anyone with the instincts you have Catherine. There’s a lot here. There are the finances, the thoughts of returning to your hometown, I’m sure the protective nature you must feel about the Legendary, becoming a business owner and then, of course, Hunter.
Don’t over think it. Follow your instinct. Let it serve as your north star.” I feel the moisture rushing to my eyes, the love and support from my friends overwhelming. “We love you and we got you. Good night.”
I wave, not trusting my voice. The call much more emotional than I had prepared myself for. I expected a financial analysis session with Candice, and I ended up with a tag-team of two of my closest friends in Indiana reminding me of things I hadn’t considered.
I don’t look forward to what I know will be a fitful night of sleep. I’m going to toss and turn all night regardless of what Candice has advised. Because this decision will shape my future.
That part isn’t what has me concerned, it’s the second part. Every action has an impact. What if Hunter is telling the truth? Do I want to chase my dream and destroy Hunter’s at the same time? Whether we want to or not, we’re set up as rivals and he’s shown me his hand. Do I use that knowledge to close a deal, or do I expose my cards to him and risk losing?
No pressure.
