“We don’t need that kind of progress. This isn’t Miami Beach. Your father would never have supported this scheme.”
His chest tightened at the mention of his father, but he kept his easy smile in place. “Times change. Magnolia Key needs to adapt or it’ll get left behind. The high-rise will blend with the town’s character while bringing in vital revenue.”
Though he actually thought his father would approve of this project. The man had always been after the dollars, and this project, if he could make it happen, was sure to bring in lots of profit.
More people gathered on the sidewalk, some not even pretending they weren’t listening. His mother’s lips pressed into a thin line as she shook her head.
“You’ve always done exactly what you wanted, haven’t you? Never mind what’s best for anyone else.” The words hit their mark, the same as they had when he was young. His stomach churned with the familiar feeling of failing to measure up.
But he wasn’t that kid anymore. He had built a successful business and made something of himself. Even if it never seemed to be enough for her.
“I know what I’m doing, Mother. This project will benefit everyone, including you, if you’d let it.”
Her gaze sharpened, her voice lowering. “You may have the council’s ear for now, but don’t think that guarantees anything. There’s mounting opposition, Cliff. Councilman Johnson—you remember George—is rallying support against the project. And Rachel Masters is convinced it’ll ruin the island’s charm.”
He fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she would have the pulse of every council member’s opinion. Her intimate knowledge of town politics was both impressive and irritating, reminding him why she still remained a force to be reckoned with.
“I’m well aware of the opposition. But I have support too. Times are changing, and this development is the future of Magnolia Key.”
“This monstrosity will destroy the very character of our town. The charm, the history. Is that really what you want your legacy to be?”
Anger flashed through him, hot and sharp. “Progress isn’t a dirty word, Mother. The island can’t stay frozen in time forever. Change is necessary for growth.”
“Growth?” she scoffed. “Is that what you call it? Paving over our heritage for a quick buck?”
He took a deep breath, trying to rein in his temper. “It’s not just about money. Think of the jobs this project will bring. Construction work, hospitality positions, and new retail spaces. Lots of guests at the hotel. It’ll be a boost to the whole economy.”
His mother waved a dismissive hand. “A few low-paying jobs are hardly worth the cost. This town has survived for generations without turning into a tourist trap. We don’t need your high-rise to save us.”
Frustration simmered through him. She’d never understood his vision, even when he was a kid with big dreams. To her, he’d always be that wild child who couldn’t do anything right.
He put on a smile, a gesture of confidence he didn’t quite feel. “The town council will decide what’s best for Magnolia Key. And I believe they’ll see the value in my proposal.”
“Oh, they’ll decide all right.” His mother’s tone held a note of warning. “But don’t assume you know which way the winds will blow. There are a lot of people who won’t take kindly to an outsider trying to change our way of life. Even if that outsider has Griffin blood.”
The word outsider stung more than he cared to admit. He’d grown up here, the same as her. But in her eyes, he’d lost the right to call Magnolia Key home the moment he left.
“I’m not an outsider, Mother. And I’m not trying to ruin anything. I’m trying to help this town grow. To give it a future.”
“The future of Magnolia Key is not yours to decide.” She clutched her clipboard tighter, as if it were a shield against his arguments. “And if you can’t see the value in preserving our heritage, then perhaps you never truly understood this town at all.”
With that, she turned on her heel and marched down the sidewalk, her head held high. The small crowd that had gathered quickly dispersed, but he could feel their stares boring into his back.
He stood there a moment, watching her retreating form. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the street in shades of gold and shadow. The same street he’d walked a thousand times as a boy, dreaming of a life beyond the island’s shores.
But now, standing here in his tailored suit with his expensive car parked behind him, those dreams felt hollow somehow. The past clung to him, chattering about all he’d left behind.
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. He couldn’t change the past, but he could shape the future. And Magnolia Key’s future was bright, whether his mother chose to see it or not.
With a deep breath, he turned toward city hall, his steps purposeful on the sun-warmed pavement. The mayor awaited, and he had a development to fight for. No matter how much opposition he faced, he wouldn’t let this town get left behind. Even if it meant becoming the villain in his mother’s eyes once again.
Chapter 3
As Beverly stepped into the town hall, the familiar faces of her neighbors divided like opposing teams at a football game. On one side sat Rachel Masters, with her group from the historical society. On the other, Tim Marshall and several business owners who supported progress and development. These people usually shared friendly waves and stopped to chat at Coastal Coffee. Now they barely looked at each other.
She scanned the crowd, searching for an empty seat, when her gaze landed on Cliff. Her heart stuttered, and her feet refused to move. He wore a dark suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly. She hated that he still affected her this way after all these years.
“We should take a seat.” Miss Eleanor’s voice broke through her paralysis. The older woman pointed toward some empty chairs near the front.
