“We’re going to have to split it over two days, I think at this point. Would you recommend I stay in Owen Sound or Port Elgin?”
She laughed. “Are you looking at a hotel map on Expedia or something?”
He snorted. “Maybe.”
“They’re both kind of far. Why don’t you stay at one of the cottages? They’re all winterized. And normally they do week-long rentals, but I’m sure the Fenichs would make an exception for you.”
“And bring my own linens and food? No thanks.”
“You’re forgetting that hospitality and service is my business,” she teased. “I’ll coordinate with Gloria Fenich. It’ll be just like a hotel, I promise. And right where you need to be.”
“Sounds good. Two rooms. Ashley is coming with me this time.”
“No Trey?”
“Not for this. He’ll probably have a couple of trips of his own between now and the start of filming, though. These poor people have no idea what they’re signing up for.”
Olivia was pretty sure the entire town would bend over backwards to accommodate a film shoot. “Speaking of that…I have another idea.” She pulled up in front of her house. “I’m home now, I’m going to head inside, upload these pictures, and when you’ve got some time later today or tomorrow, can we have a video conference? Maybe bring Ashley in on it as well.”
“We’ve got time in an hour, sound good?”
“Great. See you then.”
As the photos downloaded, heavier thoughts started to land in Olivia’s head. She was worried about Lynn, but they weren’t close enough for her to push any harder than she already had. Maybe she should foster more of a relationship with the other woman. But wouldn’t that have happened organically if they were meant to be close?
Is that why she walked away from her marriage? Because it didn’t just work out on its own?
Relationships took work. Olivia had always prided herself on being a good wife to Rafe—supportive, understanding, ready with a back rub or dinner whenever needed. But what if he’d needed something else entirely? He’d called her needy. Maybe she hadn’t been as giving as she thought. Superficially in it for him, but underneath that…had she undermined the foundation of their marriage?
She puffed out her cheeks and turned back to work. This was something that made her happy, that shecouldbe selfish about.
A few clicks of the mouse and the photos were copied into the shared folder. She fired off an email to Greg letting him know they were there, and then she started sketching out her ideas for a town meeting.
A half hour later, she had a poster design, an agenda, and a list of benefits for Dancelight. She pushed away from her computer. There was time to make a cup of tea and practice what she wanted to say a few times before they called her.
A knock at the door surprised her. It was a Thursday afternoon, and Rafe was working. She blushed to herself that she’d ferreted out that information from Dean the day before—although it made the note that much more of a mystery, because he would have been at work while she was at the diner. Maybe he was in the cruiser today, patrolling the north end of the peninsula.
On the other side of the door stood her second favourite Minelli. Genuine pleasure filled her chest. She hadn’t had enough time for any of her friends lately. “Dani, this is a surprise!”
“Is it okay that I popped by? It’s been a while.” Her friend offered a hopeful smile. The last few times they’d tried to meet up for coffee, one of them had been working. “I’ve missed you.”
Olivia waved her friend inside. “I actually have a video call in a few minutes, but it shouldn’t take long. I put a pot of tea on, come have a cup. And no heckling when I embarrass myself, okay?”
Dani asked a few questions about how the location scouting was going and Olivia told her about her visit to the Fenich properties. After hesitating a beat, she also told her about Lynn’s strange behaviour.
“That’s rough. Do you think she might be suicidal?” Dani’s voice shifted to medical professional mode. Olivia remembered that Dani had volunteered at a distress centre throughout college, but that was a serious over-reaction—wasn’t it?
“God, I hope not.” She thought back over their conversations. “No. I think she wants…to start over, maybe. Be young and fancy-free again.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “As someone who is still young and very much single, I’m happy to tell her how awful it is.”
Olivia held her hand up as her laptop lit up and started ringing and she scooted over to the desk. “Hold that thought, my call’s about to begin.”
“Twice in one day, Olivia, you’re earning your keep for us.” Greg’s face popped into view.
“Thanks for fitting me in at the end of your day.” She took a deep breath. “I was thinking that if you come up for two days, we should hold a public information night to explain the impact and benefits of the project to the town.” On the screen, her boss didn’t say anything, he just pinched his brows together and made a note on the paper in front of him. In for a penny…she ploughed ahead. “I imagine that in larger urban areas, a film shoot just happens and is a matter of some curiosity, but you don’t need anything from the surrounding community. Here it’s a little different. In a good way,” she rushed to add when Greg looked concerned. “In alet’s get them on our sidekind of way.”
He leaned back in his chair, then turned and spoke to Ashley who was halfway out of the shot because they were in his office, not the boardroom. Olivia couldn’t hear what he was saying, and prepared herself for a gentle—or not so gentle—letdown.
