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CATHERINE
My dad’swords of advice from years ago when he drove me to the airport on my way to Indiana for the very first-time ricochet in my head this morning. An educated, determined woman with a good heart will always triumph. Don’t take any shit from anyone. I snicker at the advice that I’ve played on repeat anytime I’ve faced adversity.
At the time, Dad was hyping me up to take on the world. His belief in me greater than Mr. Franklin’s whose decision to retire and turn over the Legendary to his son the final sign I needed to know it was time to leave Mesa and create my own path.
I lean forward in the back seat of my Uber as it pulls up to the Legendary Hall. My second visit in less than a day. So much has changed in that time.
Here I am three years later, back on the steps of a place I once considered a second home. Older, wiser, educated on the ways of the world and more determined than ever. And thanks to my incredible friends, more prepared than ever.
Candice sent over an update on my financial position this morning. All my savings even if I wiped out my retirement, which she strongly suggests I don’t, barely cracked a hundred thousand dollars. I’m still not sure how she did this on a weekend, but Candice got me a credit line of another one hundred thousand dollars. It’s more than I ever thought I would get approved for but still worlds away from what it will take to put a bid on the Legendary.
Mia has assessed the building and property alone at two point six million dollars. That’s with taking a healthy hometown discount. The business she ball-parked at two million, including all the equipment, trucks, furnishings, etc. It was a shot in the dark as she lacked any insight into their financials or the state of future bookings on the property.
So, I only needed to find four and a half million dollars. Easy peasy. Like I said, my friends are miracle workers.
One phone call.
It took Mia only one early morning phone call to Trace Edwards. Sight unseen, she described the conversation to me attempting to tamper down the pride she felt in being able to pull off such a ridiculous request.
I know nothing about catering halls, Mia relayed the conversation from Trace, but I do know you Mia. If you say Catherine is brilliant, sign me up. Whatever gap you have after local investors I will close.
I nearly cried on the phone when Mia told me the news. I’ll never forget her words. People. Forget the numbers, forget the hurdles. Everything important in life is about people. People you love. People you trust. If you invest in them, you will never go wrong.
After the call I was floating on air. I stuffed my laptop in my bag, ordered the Uber, and flipped through my talking points on the ride over. However, standing on the steps of the Legendary, I think back to my sleepless night, tossing and turning.
Hunter.
What do I do about Hunter?
I’m still confused. He’s a puzzle I can’t solve. My heart pounds out an answer that my head won’t allow me to hear. All I know for sure is I’ve never felt this way before, and it scares me.
I push open the door to the Legendary and Mr. Franklin stands in the center of the lobby beaming in my direction.
“There she is, right on time.” He’s dressed in a tan cotton blazer, comfortable golf shorts, and a polo t-shirt looking nothing like the boss I worked for. He sports a tan instead of his normally pale skin. He tips his head at me with a relaxed smile that tells me retirement agrees with him. I approach, shifting my bag on my shoulder, and extend my hand toward him.
“Actually I’m a few minutes early,” I say as he surprises me and pulls me into a hug.
“Five to be exact. Which has always been on time for you. Happy to see that hasn’t changed.”
He swings his arm and leads the way back to the office. “You are looking fit and happy. Retirement agrees with you.”
He chuckles as we reach the office, and he holds the door open. I walk in and he closes it shut behind us. “Let’s see if I can remain retired.”
I school my face from reacting and take a seat in front of the desk. He surprises me and takes the seat next to mine as opposed to the high-back chair behind the desk.
“Fingers crossed,” I whisper still not sure how I will start.
He leans back in his chair, lifts his chin to the ceiling, and takes a long inhale. It’s something I’ve seen him do on stressful days at the hall. “I was happy to hear you wanted to talk. If you don’t mind , I’d like to jump right to it. I’m hoping it's what I think it is.”
My mind jumps to the first talking point from my presentation, but a sense of panic runs through my skin. This doesn’t feel right, and I know why. I decide not to launch into my presentation. “You know how much I love the Legendary, right? I practically grew up here. Hell, half the town has.” Mr. Franklin’s eyes glaze over with warmth as he pushes back into the chair.
“Everyone is heartbroken to see it struggle. For it to deteriorate right in front of us.” I try to couch my words, not wanting to inflict pain but also no longer looking to run away from the hard truths. No parent wants to hear their baby is ugly.
He leans forward, elbow on knees, index fingers on his chin with a slow nod. Gaze locked on the stained floor below.
“I know you have an offer on the table from Hunter Farro.” I say the name that causes my stomach to flip. Butterflies swirling in my chest. Just saying the name conjures up a reaction in me that tells me my truth. He’s in my soul.
Mr. Franklin twists his neck to face me, his eyes flash wide for a split second before nodding with a hum rumbling from his chest.
