I’d been at my desk in the new sales office in the middle of the plaza, with all my files spread out in front of me. The evening sun was still streaming in from the huge window at the front of the mostly empty sales office. It was a beautiful day outside, and with the days getting longer and longer, it would have been a perfect evening to go for a hike. Or even a mountain bike ride.
When was the last time I went for a bike ride?
I couldn’t even remember. My bike was probably covered in dust or, more likely, seized up from lack of use. Because all I did was work.
With a sigh, I leaned back in my chair and let my eyes scan over the stacks of papers again—the blueprints, the plans for the entire development. I flipped through the proposal again and forced myself to focus and really look at it.
I unfolded the map. It took over my entire desk. My gaze followed the colored lines that marked the existing trail system.I let my finger run along them, up until the spot where the new, red line crossed it.
The reroute.
My finger drew an X over the existing access point that would be removed.
On paper, it all looked good. Clean and efficient. But the longer I looked at it, the more uncomfortable I felt.
I couldn’t help but hear Preston’s voice in my head explaining how the new trail would be in the backyards of the new units.
I could already imagine the No Trespassing signs. The hikers bursting up against fences where there should have been trees. The animosity that would brew between the tourists, locals, and new residents.
It wasn’t right, and Preston had a point. It could be done better.
I pulled out the napkin that Preston had used to sketch out, grabbed a pencil, and started drawing out the changes in front of me.
It could work. The service road would have to be shifted a little bit, and we’d have to give up a few lots closest to the ridge.
I exhaled slowly. It would never fly with Trevor or the investors.
And yet, thinking about the trails I’d just been hiking with Preston and the others, I knew I’d have to at least try.
Maybe losing a few lots wouldn’t matter too much to the bottom line. The numbers were solid.
Better than solid. They were good. Really good.
The new development made sense, and not just because of the booming tourism industry in Trickle Creek. This was more than that. This development would bring affordable housing to the people who already lived here and those who couldn’t afford the increasing house prices in what used to be an affordable little mountain town.
It would be good for business. It would be good for the whole town.
It would be good for me.
I’d be lying to pretend otherwise. The commission on this project would change things for me financially in a big way. Never mind what they’d do for Trevor.
Of course, we hadn’t really discussed money and what our finances would look like after we got married. There was a lot we hadn’t discussed yet.
With a sigh, I closed the map and reached for the folder that contained my wedding details and growing to-do list.
I regretted it the moment I flipped it open.
~ Flowers
~ Music list
~ Guest List follow-up
~ Catering confirmation
My chest tightened.
Maybe it’s worth slowing down. Onallof it.
