“That remains to be seen,” Hank said. He was the general manager at Biggs and a regular at the Starlight with his kids. “It will be harder for us to maintain a larger demand. Next thing we know, you’re bringing in chain stores who will undercut our costs, and we’ll be closing our doors.”
“Hank, Hank, why so doom and gloom?” Now Harry was the snake-oil salesman. “Eventually, of course, we’ll want new business. But there will be plenty to go around.”
Luke tugged on his tie as he pointed to the new downtown. “The park with the splash pad and the additional downtown parking will go here.” He circled a pretty-looking park adjacent to an enormous condominium that would replace the Starlight and cast a shadow over the whole downtown.
“Can I bring my Bessy to the splash pad?” Fred Martin always had the oddball question. “She loves water.”
“Bessy?” Luke said. “Certainly. Children as well as adults will be welcomed.”
“Bessy is his cow, Luke.” Harry hammered the gavel. “Fred, you cannot bring your cow to the town square. Folks, let’s take this seriously, all right?”
“Let me get this straight, Murdock.” Matt stood. “You’re destroying the beautiful Starlight, the most unique and historic roller-skating rink in the country, for a run-of-the-mill condo, a parking lot, and a splash pad?”
“And apark.” Luke slapped his hand against the rendering. “Don’t forget the park.”
“Well, of course not thepark. The one right next to a gorgeous white-sand beach that already has pavilions for picnics and family gatherings.”
“Wait a minute, you look familiar,” Luke said. “Are you—”
“He is,” Harry said with a sigh. “Matt Knight. Don’t let his star power distract you.”
“Not at all, Harry. Matt Knight, everyone, the great Lieutenant Striker fromFlight Deck.” Luke started a round of rousing applause. “Harry, you never said you had a celebrity in your midst. This will maximize Sea Blue Beach’s success.” He pulled a small white card from his shirt pocket and stretched over the front row, handing it to Matt. “Let’s talk. Do you have a restaurant or any business here? We’ve got retail spaces available.”
Murdock was schmoozing her grandson. Right in front of her.Back off, Murdock. He’s here for me.
Matt took the card out of sheer courtesy, naturally, but Tuesday snatched it from him and crumpled it against her palm. She was eighty-seven. She could do what she wanted.
“I appreciate yourkindwords, Murdock.” Matt knew a thing about schmoozing too. “Except I’m here to defend the Starlight. Though youareamusing.” He turned to the room. “He’s a better actor than I am.”
Tuesday patted his back. Bravo. Then Dup leaned around and said in a hushed tone, “Sit down, Matt. Hear him out.”
She knew it. Her youngest son was for this new Sea Blue Beach and against the Starlight.
“Here’s our proposal for the town square.” Luke switched to a different drawing. “We expand Sea Blue Way to manage increased traffic.”
“You’re taking out all those old fishing shacks?” The question came from the left side of the room.
“The seller was more than happy to let them,” Harry said.
“About time. Those were an embarrassment.”
Consensus was starting to build. People liked the idea of progress, of updating the older, less appealing part of town.
Luke bragged how the Blue Plate Diner and other businesses along Sea Blue Way would be able to expand, since the new parking lot required reengineering that section of the beach. The Starlight’s parking lot would be torn up for the road improvements and public parking. The sewer system would be upgraded as well—a benefit to all. Even the quaint old Sands Motor Motel could get rid of the broken cistern and hook up to city water. And of course new residents and vacationers will fill their “big, beautiful high-rise.”
When Luke finished, folks were smiling. Whispering and nodding.
“...good for Sea Blue Beach.”
“...been wanting to expand my shop for years.”
“...tax dollars finally put to good use. More revenue for us all in the long run.”
“...high school needs a new gym.”
“. . . the condo blocks all the light. I don’t like it.”
Tuesday had heard enough. “I’d like a word.” She planted her hand on Dup’s shoulder and pushed to her feet. “Seems to me the only business that gets destroyed is mine.”
