AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Fred Frederickson throwing me off-balance is torturous.
“You know more about my house than I do?” he asks, craning his chin upward.
I don’t outright say “yes” but the truth is, I do. “When I was a child, the residents of the house were two older women who would open the house a few times a year for various events. I went there many times, learned a lot about it. And now, due to my profession, I have to say I’m even more of an expert than they ever could have been.”
“That’s a bold claim.”
“It’s not bold, it’s fact,” I say in an even tone.
Fred considers me, lips curling into a curious smile. “I like you, Constance.”
“Thank you, Fred.”
“You’re, uh–unique.”
I might be odd, but I’m not stupid. I know that’s not a compliment.
He flashes a too-white smile to compensate.
“I would like to say you’re a great addition to the town, Fred,” That is not a lie. I would like to say it but can’t because it would be a lie. “I also would like to say that I know so many people are happy to know you and have you as a part of our community. But you have to realize, we don’t like change and… it would behoove you to reconsider the plan. That’s all.”
“Behoove, huh?” Fred asks as if I’m a child who has impressed him with a big word.
“It’s an appropriate word, I think.”
His teeth settle onto his lower lip for a moment, head falling to the side. Sizing me up. “I have to say, you do carry yourself with a level of confidence and surety that I don’t see often. Especially since leaving the city…” He crosses his arms over his chest. “My family and I aren’t bad people, Constance.”
I shake my head. “Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of suggesting that.”
“We came out here to find a new home and give our kids more room to grow, you understand…”
“Then why not allow to grow with our town? Instead of laying down roots like… invasive plants,” I offer. It was a stretch, but I’ll stick with it. “Not to say you all are invasive. Not at all. Anyway. I’m getting off the point.”
Fred doesn’t seem to follow, but that doesn’t stop him. “Tell you what?—”
Yes.
“I’ll take you up on your plight. Come over to the house for dinner, say Friday. You can meet my family and you can show us what’s so special about the house and the property.”
“Are you serious?” I ask.
“I’m not making any promises on what the outcome will be, but…” Fred shrugs, lips bending downward like a fish on a hook. “I’ll consider it.”
I smile. One more. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that, as much as it makes my insides curdle. “Thank you. You have no idea what this opportunity would mean to me.”
“Well, that’s… you are very passionate about this town, aren’t you?”
“Is that even a question?”
Fred laughs through his nostrils, then swipes a box of cereal off the shelf. “Friday night. Let’s say six.”
All of my “chutzpah,” as he put it, drains. This is real. An opportunity to protect the Wilhelm House, an opportunity to protect Horace. What if I screw it up? I’m no stranger to presentations, but there’s never been so much on the line. Usually I’m just trying to get people to stay in the museum a little bit longer and consider making a donation.
This is make or break it.
“Does that work for you?”
I focus in on Fred’s face again and nod. “Oh, that’s perfect. That’s just… perfect.”
