“I taunted Jack about me running the camp. I know it was stupid, but I couldn’t help myself. I hope you’re not angry.”
He chuckled. “Angry? On the contrary, your timing is excellent. You inserted the knife, and Chip will twist it.”
“One more thing. Nicole’s flooded with phone calls from parents who witnessed Jack’s behavior. There may not be any returning campers next summer.”
“I told them broadcasting live was a stupid idea.”
“But you know, I think it may work to our advantage,” I said.
“How?”
“Chip was talking about us being interim directors, but after what happened today, he’ll be begging us to buy the camp. No outsider will want to touch it. My only concern is, do we want to own a disgraced camp?”
“It won’t be easy, but I think the two of us together can turn this around. I have the utmost confidence in your abilities to succeed at anything you set your mind to.”
41Banquet
Maggie had turned the dining hall into a winter wonderland. There was a five-foot-tall snowman made from wire and papier-mâché, complete with a corncob pipe and two eyes made of coal, greeting us as we walked through the door. The buffet tables were covered in cotton snow and glittering snowflakes hung from the ceiling. Cardboard cutouts of pine trees surrounded by candy canes and red, green, and silver-foiled chocolate kisses stood on each lazy Susan. Maggie was dressed in a white fur boa and tiara and held a wand topped with icicles. It was still as hot as blazes outside, but with the air conditioner blowing, you could almost pretend to feel the cold emanating from the decorations.
Chip appeared at my table. “Sorry ladies, I need to borrow Lori.”
As I stepped away, I caught the confused looks passing between Bethany and Mindy.
Teddy was already outside leaning against a golf cart, his arms crossed and a wry smile on his face. I admired how comfortable and confident he looked.
“Where’re we going?” I asked.
“To the lake house,” Chip said.
I saw Teddy momentarily squirm.
“Why?” I asked.
“To discuss the transition,” Chip said.“What Jack did today, well, there’s just no way to salvage it. We had to stop answering the phones, or we would’ve lost a good chunk of next season’s tuition. We’re in damage control right now.”
“Will naming new directors be enough?” I asked.
“Bob and Mindy are working on a letter to put up on the website, apologizing for Jack’s behavior and letting parents know that someone will be in touch with them before the end of the day tomorrow.”
When Chip opened the lake house door, there was one majestic sunflower sitting on the kitchen counter next to a bowl of cherries and a bottle of champagne. I smiled.
“Huh, someone’s been here, using the house,” Chip said.
“I must confess, it’s me. Herman and Estelle allowed me to use their digs while on vacation.” Teddy’s cheeks had a slight blush.
Chip slapped Teddy on the back and said, “Glad to see you back in the saddle, my friend.” I couldn’t see Chip’s face, but I assumed he threw in a wink.
I whispered in Teddy’s ear, “Giddy up,” as we walked into the dining room, and he blushed more deeply.
Chip was at the head of the table, and Teddy sat across from me.
“My partners are invoking a stipulation in Jack’s contract, which states that if either party is not happy or has just cause to step away from the contract, they can do so. We probably had enough reasons to enforce the clause before today’s fiasco,” Chip said. “We intend to name the two of you as interim directors.”
“Interim directors is bollocks—Lori and I want to own the camp.” Teddy’s arms were crossed.
Chip smiled. “I was hoping that’s where this conversation might go.”
“We’ll need to review the financials,” Teddy said. “We can draw up an agreement stating we’ll be running Woodlands with the intention of buying it when it’s free and clear to be sold.”
