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“Clearly, it does,” he insists. “I do not wish to be rude, but you have me worried, and with Lily, I’m already worry.”
Mom sighs, and Dad says, “Well, you should be. Or feel guilty, at least.”
“Dad!”
“He should,” he says firmly.
“Why is that, exactly?” Cormac asks.
“Because you’re going to put her parents in the poorhouse.”
“I don’t follow you.”
“Your resort is going to destroy us, Cormac. Pure and simple.”
My heart sinks, and Cormac takes a beat. “I thought this was settled when you spoke your piece at the county commissioner meeting.”
This is news to me. “What?”
“They lodged a protest when we applied for permits. But I thought that was water under the bridge. I thought you had gotten past that, and that’s why you wanted to have us here tonight.”
“How do I not know about this?” I ask the three of them.
Cormac says, “My father was at the meeting. I heard about it through him, months ago. Thought this was old news.”
Mom explains, “We didn’t know who you were working for—and dating—until you mentioned it last week, Lily.”
“Maybe it’s old news to you, Cormac, because you won’t be out on the street when all is said and done,” Dad snaps bitterly.
“Dad!” I bite back. Though I don’t have an argument to go with it. I just want him to be nicer. At least for the first night Cormac is around.
“It’s fine, Lily,” Cormac says, trying to soothe me. “He has every right to his opinions, and we’re in his house.”
“Won’t be mine for long,” Dad mumbles.
“Geoffrey,” Mom says quietly to calm him.
Cormac notes, “The thing is, Geoffrey, we’re in two different markets. Our research shows that the people who look for a resort experience aren’t going to a bed-and-breakfast, and the inverse is true, as well. Lily was right when she said your place is cozy. It’s also charming and has a ton of local history and character. All things my resort will never have. We are not catering to the same clientele. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Are you telling me about my business?” Dad snarls. Mom gives his hand a squeeze, but I can see by the look in his eyes, he’s not over it yet. I doubt he even feels her hand on his. I haven’t seen him this angry since the Somerset Harbor Hotel opened when I was a kid.
Cormac shakes his head. “No, sir, not at all. Only what the market research indicates. Additionally, while the resort’s guests will stay with us, they’ll spend a ton of money downtown and bring people with them. People who want to see Somerset Harbor, people who want a warmer experience than what we offer. We are going to benefit the entire town and bring jobs, too.”
But Dad shakes his head. “That’s what all you types always say. That you’ll bring jobs. And those jobs are always bad paying, long hours—
“We don’t skimp on our employees, Geoffrey. I’m sorry to cut you off there, but I know the reputation of big business in small towns. That we pay peanuts after running everyone else out of town, right?”
Dad folds his arms. “If a small town hardware shop hears that Home Depot is coming to town, do you think they roll out the red carpet for them? Or do you think they see the writing on the wall? Minimum wage, maximum hours, no benefits. You’re all alike.”
To my surprise, Cormac remains cool, but not cold. “I understand the comparison, but that is apples to oranges. What I’m hearing is that you’re scared and worried about your future, and no amount of market research is going to make you feel better about that. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“I may be wrong about this, but the way I see it is that we have two different customer bases we are looking to attract and there’s no reason we can’t help each other out.”
“How’s that?”
Cormac sits up, but doesn’t crowd forward, and he’s giving Dad a look of respect. Whoever taught him how to negotiate did a good job. “We can feature a link to your website on ours for guests who want a personalized Somerset Harbor experience. We will highlight your history, your expertise on all things local. You two are a valuable resource for anyone who wants something more authentic, and this place is great. The rooms are the opposite of what the resort will offer.”
