While I’m waiting for the coffee, I take the pastry boxes out to the car, carefully setting them in the back. Upon my return, the two carafes are on the counter waiting for me.
“How much do I owe you, Julie?”
“Not a thing. You’d do the same for me.”
“You bet I would.”
She reaches up and gives me a hug. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”
Once I get back to the boutique, I pass out coffee and open up the boxes of sweets. I hand Stone a steamy cup.
“I wasn’t sure what you like in your coffee, but the sweetener’s over there if you need it.”
“Black is fine unless you have some milk?”
“I believe I do.” I go to the mini fridge and pull out a small carton. “Here you go.”
He takes it from me, but doesn’t let go of my hand. Our eyes lock and I can’t look away. I can feel my own heart beating, as my body floods with an emotion I can’t name.Gratitude? Desire?
“Thank you.”
“Thankyou, Stone. For being here. I’m not sure I could do this by myself,” I confess.
Just as Stone is about to lower his lips to mine, one of the workers walks in.
“Excuse me, Mr. Anginelli.”
Stone sighs, but doesn’t take his eyes off of me. “Yes?”
“I want to show you something. Where we pulled up the carpet.”
“Perhaps you should show Ms. Russell. It’s her building.”
The worker sounds contrite. “Oh, yes. Sorry. Come with me, please.”
We head out front and the worker points to the floor. It appears to be the original hardwood floor.
“It’s in surprisingly good shape, considering it's been covered up for so long and sustained water damage. But I believe it could be refurbished quite easily.”
A rush of adrenaline shoots through me, wiping away the fatigue I was starting to feel from being up all night. “Stone! Did you hear that? Something good may have come from all of this. I can restore the original floor to its previous splendor!” I’m so excited, I practically leap into his arms.
CHAPTER 18
STONE
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been spending most of my time in Pelican Point, helping Desirae with the repairs to her boutique. She’s anxious to reopen as soon as possible, and I’ve been pushing the crews to work overtime to get it done. At the same time, I’ve been working on a plan for Pelican Point that will truly leave a legacy.
Today, I called a special meeting of the Board of Directors. I want the Pelican Point project resolved before Christmas. I’m doing this for Desirae. And for me.
As I present the revised project plan to the Board, my voice remains steady, outwardly confident, despite my racing heart. Everything is on the line as I detail the plans to preserve the historic downtown district.
The boardroom remains silent as I relate Desirae’s boutique’s impact on the community, as well as other examples—the Reilly building’s history, the florist shop, the bakery, the revitalization of the harbor area bySapphire Development, a fierce competitor of my company. Using hard data, but also speaking from my heart, I talk about the value of preservation and family businesses in small towns. For the first time in my career, doing the right thing matters more than doing the profitable thing.
Despite my impassioned presentation, the board’s ultimatum lands hard: stick with the original plan or step down as CEO.
After the last board member departs, Kyle and I sit back down at the conference table.
“Well, that was fun. What now?” he asks.
