“Yeah, that would be a fantastic addition.”
“Agree. I’m trying to do it with local or small entrepreneurs. Our lakes don’t have sharks, so I’m trying to make sure our businesses don’t either.”
“And people are renovating houses all over Lake Manitou.”
“Yes, it’s nuts. I mean hot, hot, hot, even though the real estate market nationally has cooled down. Thanks to all the work we’re doing, Irish Hills is on the upswing.”
Siena was getting excited. “I think I know what you need to add to downtown.”
“What? I’m adding you!”
“Yeah, but a hip home décor boutique, that would be a nice complement to our clothing store.”
“What? I hadn’t even thought of that.”
“Think about it, you grab your coffee, you try on some of mom’s designs, and wander across the way for a cool painting or vase or whatever for your new lake home.”
“Do you know anyone who does that? I think you’re on to something.”
“Ha, no, just thinking out loud. I think I’m going to have my hands full getting Mom on board. I have to make it easy. She’s been through so much.” Siena needed to focus on fashion and not all the other ideas that might work here in Irish Hills.
Libby got her back on track as they moved to the back of the rental space. “Hmm. Well, some of the stuff you had shipped here has arrived already. In the back, past that door, we have storage, a space that could be an office, and even a little conference room or break room for staff. Whatever you need.”
“Great! Let’s see what’s here.” Siena had ordered the basics to start the store. Maybe if she staged it just a bit, it would be easier for her mom to get on board. She had to fire her mother’s innate creativity somehow.
Libby gave Siena the rest of the tour of the space, and as they were done, they got serious. This was serious.
“This is your space, but you know, there is one caveat to all this.”
Siena did know. She’d agree to it. “Your deadline.”
“Right, I get that your mom is an obstacle, sort of, that you didn’t anticipate.” Siena had agreed to get the store open by June 15th, right before the start of the big summer rush. She didn’t think it would be a problem, but now, with her mother’s rejection of the idea, it seemed like a major problem.
“I have enough inventory to start the store, even if she is slow to warm up.”
“You’re not dealing with a cold corporate robot. First and foremost, I love your mom and want what’s best for her and you. But I made promises here, to thousands of people in this town, to the people that own businesses too, that I’d make Irish Hills a success. It’s their livelihood. Do you see?”
“I do.”
“If you can’t do this, really can’t, or it’s not the right time, I need to find something else. Fast.” Libby was in the same position as Siena, really. She’d made promises. People depended on her. And she was depending on Siena for this piece of the puzzle.
Siena wasn’t going to let this idea fail. She’d promised Aunt Libby, and she knew her mother would rally. A store here was going to work. She’d make sure of it.
“Vivian Blackwood Designs will not let you down. I promise.”
Libby hugged her and then left her with the keys. They made plans to meet at Hope’s for lunch.
Siena would figure this out. Her mom would snap out of it. And this would be a success. It just had to be.
ChapterTen
Viv
Viv had slept well.
She woke up late. She felt rested, not drugged. The haze of the last few months often meant she slept only to awaken and feel worse.
She inhaled deeply. The white curtains with scalloped edges fluttered in the window. The sun streaming in put her in a different place, a different time.
