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“I don’t mind it. I certainly don’t hate it. But I’m not paying for it, so I say let ’em build what they want.”
“Pops! How can you say that?”
“Siena, look . . . regardless of what they build, having a hotel here will bring in more clientele to the area. And that’s good for business. It’s good for all of us.”
“Yes, Sal. That’s the point. A name like Blaire—an E Hotel—will generate more business for you, for us, for the entire community. We hope to put this city on the map, so to speak. From what our research and development team has studied, Monarch is proposed to be the new up-and-coming city just north of San Diego.” His smile was broad and genuine as he finished his spiel.
I was still not buying it. Not with all his well-rehearsed lines. “I get your point, Michael. I do. I just think you should try for a more natural look. A different feel.”
“It’s not up to me.”
“How is itnotup to you?”
“Again, these aren’tmydesigns. They’re Mosby’s and were designed with other Blaire hotels in mind. Her designs are based on my father’s request. He wants to move forward with them.”
“He won’t consider other options?”
“Not that I’ve ever witnessed. Once he’s made up his mind, there’s no changing it.” Michael’s shoulders seemed to sag with resignation.
“Why not? People change designs all the time. That’s why they’re called ‘plans.’” I air quoted the word for effect. “It’s not set in stone yet.”
“Maybe not for you, but for Allan Blaire, his decisions are pretty much final.”
“Ah-ha!” I shook my finger at him, grinning. “See, you justsaid pretty much.”
A smile slowly crept across his beautiful face. “I just don’t think he’d reconsider.”
“Well, I think you should try. There must be something you can do. I can’t imagine you became the successful businessman you are by doing what everyone else tells you.” I aimed to boost his ego a little. I needed Michael to talk to his father. For Grams and Pops. For me.
He gasped and clutched his hand to his heart. “A compliment? From you? I’m speechless.”
“I’m serious.”
He chuckled. “So am I. I don’t think there’s anything I can do.”
On some level, I felt sorry for him, laying all this out like this. But he had asked for my opinion. I couldn’t help that he didn’t like my answer, and I couldn’t help it if his father didn’t want to hear it either. I needed to try to do something, though. If Michael understood my feelings, why couldn’t he try?
Grams interrupted my thoughts. “Maybe we should call it a night. Get some sleep. Think about things. Siena, you’ve got a lot to figure out and plan for San Francisco. You’ve got enough on your plate right now. And it sounds like there’s not a lot any of us can do about this,” she pointed to the sheets on the table, “tonight.”
“Did I hear something about San Francisco?” He had been bent over the plans, rifling through them, obviously lost in his thoughts.
“A new job. Just a couple of interviews,” I told him.
“In San Francisco? I thought you were staying here.” What was that shift in his voice?
“I am. Well, for right now, anyway. Until I can fix things and get everything back on track up there.”
Michael didn’t say a word, just stood looking down at the plans, fiddling with one of the corners of the paper in between his fingers. “What does that mean?” he whispered.
“It’s kind of a long story.”
“Huh? Oh, I didn’t realize I’d said that out loud?” He looked around the room at us in turn. “Well, I’ve got all night.” He walked over and dumped his cold coffee out and poured a fresh mug. “Refill, anyone?” We shook our heads. “So, what’s the story?” he asked, taking a sip, leaning back against the counter.
I don’t know why I felt compelled to answer him, but I did. Was that how he got business done? Was this why he was so successful? He just waited out his opponent until they caved. “I’m down here until . . . well, until I get a new job up there.” Michael’s eyes bored into mine, waiting for answers he seemed to know I was evading. I didnotwant to bring up Tim. Not only was it none of his business, but I didn’t want my grandparents to ask why I was planning on meeting up with him. I certainly didn’t want them to find out about the money. “I came down here temporarily. I got a call back from two places back home.”
“Wait.” He shook his head. “I thoughtthiswas your home.”
“Yes. This is myhome, home. It’s always been home.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But I’ve lived in San Francisco for the past six years. I created a life there. My job, my future...are all up there. Everything.”
