AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“When I called you, I wanted to discuss the Legendary. I wanted to discuss coming back and taking over the operations. I’ve grown since I’ve left here. Learned so much. I understand why you didn’t choose me to run the Legendary when you retired. You had to choose your son, he’s your people. Your flesh and blood. I get it.”
The corner of his lip ticks up. “So you want to come back and work here. Help Junior get this place back on track?”
I shake my head. “No. Like I said, I’ve grown. I do want to help the Legendary get back on track, but I couldn’t return as a worker. Those days are behind me.”
“What are you saying then Catherine? Do you want me to fire my own son?” If I’ve offended him he doesn’t show it. “Not that he wouldn’t deserve it. But it might upset his mother.” He laughs to let me know he knows the truth. Candice was right again; owners know when things are going sideways. Franklin knows his son is the cause of most of the issues at the hall.
My hand lands on my bag, all my numbers are on a spreadsheet. It would be so easy to pull it up. I see the hope on Franklin’s face. An arched brow. “Are you about to make me an offer, Catherine? Are you in a position to purchase a place such as this? You really have grown up. What have you got?”
My pulse races, and I hold my breath. This is the moment of truth.
I let the bag sag back to my lap. “It’s been a crazy few hours Mr. Franklin. There are a set of people who have stepped forward sight unseen to invest in my dream. Some of them know me, some have never met me. None of them know about your business or this industry. I could make you an offer, as incredible as it sounds. Twenty-four hours ago, all I had were a few dollars and a dream. People that care about me rallied around me to help me achieve a shot at my dream.
All my life I’ve fought against that. Thought I had to earn, scrape, and build my dream by myself. That the only way to achieve a dream was to build it by yourself one lonely brick at a time.
Over the last few days, I’ve discovered that is not the only way. That you can achieve your dreams by working together with people you care about and who care about you.”
I feel the moisture in the back of my eye, and I blink it away. “But this isn’t just my dream, this is your dream, this is Hunter’s dream too.”
“Hunter? What exactly are you saying?”
I adjust my bag on my lap, blink away the tears and straighten my back. “I’m not going to make an offer today. You should take Hunter’s offer. He’s a good man who understands the history and the meaning of the Legendary to this community. He’ll do right by you. He not only has the money, but he also has the expertise. He’s done this kind of thing before, and he understands the industry. I shouldn’t tell you this, but he’s been working undercover here at the Legendary as a maintenance man to see with his own eyes the real issues with the property. He’s a brilliant strategist and I’m confident he’ll get this place back in shape and you can enjoy the rest of your retirement.”
I fold, never making an offer. Losing has never felt better.
My friends did everything in their power to give me everything I needed to succeed based on a lifetime of trusting who I am. It always comes down to people. And if I undercut Hunter without giving him the courtesy he gave me, what would that say about me and my character? I rise, not wanting to hear a rebuttal from Mr. Franklin.
“As for me, I’m always a phone call away. I’d be happy to consult and pitch in for free. You know I will do anything for the Legendary.” I search my words for regret and don’t find any. I can’t start the next phase of my life by blocking the dreams of Hunter. He’s a good man. And with the pep talk from my girls and knowing I have the financial backing of a community of investors, the world of possibilities is open wide for me. As special as the Legendary is to me it isn’t the only place in Mesa that could use a reboot.
Franklin stands. “Well Catherine I’m sorry to hear that this is your decision.”
I attempt a warm smile expecting the kind words. They’re not necessary. He’ll be in fine hands with Hunter and I’m excited to see what changes he brings.
“But I no longer have another offer in hand.”
A jolt of shock races through my body. This can’t be true.
“As of thirty minutes ago Hunter Farro withdrew his offer.”
