Chapter Twenty-Seven
ELI
The conference roomhadn’t changed much. I thought back to all those meetings when Jules and I sniped and sparred with each other in this room. Back when we had been enemies instead of whatever we were now. Same scratched oak table, same faded nautical prints on the walls. Yet we had gone from adversaries to lovers to… ex-lovers?
I shifted in my seat, trying to channel my usual easygoing vibe, but my leg wouldn’t stop bouncing under the table. The air crackled with a mix of hope and nerves as my family filed in. Harper’s lips were pressed into a thin line, all business. Braden’s eyes held that familiar glint of hopeful ambition. And Mom looked… wary.
When Jules walked in, my heart did its usual flip-flop. Her bun was extra severe today, not a hair out of place. Desperate for some connection with her, I caught her eye and winked. “Looking sharp, Verne. Did you iron your pencil this morning too?” Yeah, that damn mouth of mine.
But I caught the hint of a smile as she slapped back without missing a beat. “I see you’ve combed your hair for once, Coleridge. Special occasion?”
Since my heartfelt confession last week about my misery, we hadn’t talked again. I knew how she felt—the only way forward was for us to be accepted as a couple. Except I couldn’t figure out how to make that happen. So I played the part that was expected of me, clutching my chest in mock offense. “You wound me. I’ll have you know I run my fingers through it at least twice a day.”
Chase was the last to arrive, dropping into the seat next to me with a nod, and once again dressed in a suit and tie. The room fell silent, that moment before the plunge.
I cleared my throat. “Well, gang’s all here. Shall we get this party started?”
Harper shot me a look from Chase’s other side. “This isn’t a party, Eli.”
I pointed to the sheet cake in the middle of the table. I hadn’t liked that idea, afraid of jinxing our decision, but Harper had overruled me. We’d met as a family two days ago and come to our decision. Very democratically, very un-Coleridge-like. I smirked back at her, indicating the cake. “Could’ve fooled me. We’ve got cake, right?”
Braden snorted. “I could get beer if anyone’s thirsty.”
Mom sighed. “Children, please. This is serious.”
The laughter died away, leaving that prickly anticipation. My stomach churned. We’d made our decision but now came the hard part—actually following through. I glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces. My tribe. The people I’d do anything for, even if it meant embracing change that scared the hell out of me.
Chase cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the room. “Well, I suppose we should get down to business. What’s the verdict on the renovations?” In keeping with familysolidarity, I hadn’t said anything to him about what we’d come up with, but I hoped he’d be pleased.
The air in the conference room seemed to thicken. I held my breath, waiting for Harper to speak. As general manager, it was on her to make the announcement. She straightened in her chair, her usually warm eyes now reflecting determination and caution. “After careful consideration, we’ve decided to proceed with a limited renovation through your firm, Chase. We’ll focus on essential repairs and upgrades—the roofs, HVAC systems, and guest room beds and linens. To finance this, we’ll secure the necessary loan.”
Chase nodded, his expression professional. “That’s a solid plan. It addresses the most pressing issues while keeping costs manageable.”
“Exactly,” Harper agreed. “We’re balancing the need for improvements with our financial constraints.”
I caught Braden shifting in his seat, his blue eyes sparking with that familiar determination.
Here we go.
“I hear you,” Braden started, his voice casual but firm. “But I just want to reiterate what I said before. Sometimes, a bigger risk can lead to bigger rewards.”
I couldn’t help but nod. He had a point.
Braden continued, gesturing animatedly. “Look at Tidal Hops. When I started, everyone thought I was crazy to take out such a big loan. But now? We’re thriving and I’ve already paid it back. If I’d played it safe, who knows where we’d be.”
The room fell silent, considering his words. I found myself torn, caught between our cautious plan and the allure of a bolder strategy.
“Braden’s got a point,” I heard myself say. “A more comprehensive renovation could really put us on themap. Give us that competitive edge we’ve been talking about.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed slightly, and the worry lines deepened around her mouth. But before she could speak, Harper jumped in. “I understand where you’re coming from, guys. Really, I do. But we have to consider the financial implications first. This isn’t just about the next few months. We need to think long-term stability. We already made the decision, remember?”
Mom leaned forward, her silver-brown braid falling over her shoulder. “Braden, honey, I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished with Tidal Hops.” Her smile was warm and proud, but I noticed a slight tremor in her hand as she reached for her glass of water.
“But?” Braden prompted gently.
Mom cleared her throat and set her glass back down firmly. “No more buts, just a push for caution. I know you’ve all wanted to strangle me at points for the last few months, but I’ve come around. I’m still not thrilled with getting a loan, but… I’m sure I’ll get used to the idea. As long as the loan is for the smallest amount possible.”
My chest tightened. I’d never seen Mom look so vulnerable, so unsure. She’d always been our rock, the one with all the answers. Now, seeing her struggle, I felt a rush of empathy. This wasn’t just about business for her. It was about protecting the very heart of who we were.
