“Yes,” I practically shout. “That’sexactlywhat I was thinking. We could increase the space where the Farmers’Market is hosted on weekends, and make space available for other vendors.”
“Yeah, I mean, if we’re drawing people to the marina, we need to give them a reason to stay and explore. Maybe there’s a way to widen the boardwalk enough for there to be pop-up shops set up, food trucks, and festivals, until more permanent structures could be put in place? It’d be a great way for businesses to test out how successful they would be with a bricks-and-mortar place without spending much, and then you’d have guaranteed interest when the time came.” Peter’s excitement is palpable, and I find myself smiling so wide my cheeks ache.
“Exactly, P—uh, pal.” Oh my fuck. What? Pal? My cheeks are on fire, but I stop caring the moment Peter’s laughter fills the air.
“You two certainly seem to be on the same page,” my dad intervenes. I honestly forgot he was here. “And what about the Main Street area itself? What about businesses that need more than the seasonal boost?”
“Well, that’s going to take much more time, given the amount of red tape we’re going to have to get through. The heritage buildings will be tricky. We’ll have to consider how difficult it is to make the street modifications happen.” I feel like I’m bringing the energy down, but it is the reality of the situation.
“Right,” Peter begins, “but I also think the preservation of these historical buildings is something we can get people excited about. Some of them have been vacant for years, so to be able to fill them without diminishing any of their character will be great. It’ll lead to diversifying the business structure from seasonal in the warm months to year-round, serving the community as a whole. We have to start small but think big.”
My father’s loud chuckle is followed by a clap. “That’s right, Darcy. I like your thinking—big.”
Did he even hear the part when he said we have to start small first?
“I agree,” I say plainly. “If we keep this community-focused and plan these phases to start with the least expensive, most immediately impactful areas first, it’ll be much easier to expand on that.”
“And,” Peter adds, “we can get community input during the process, focus on long-term sustainability over quick profits to make sure this makes a lasting impact.”
God, I could kiss him right now. He’s so hot when he says shit like this. Who would have thought?
My dad once again—and maybe even thankfully—snatches me out of my lust-fueled daydreams. “Right. Well, we can discuss those things along the way. How would you two like to work together on this and come up with something we can bring to the powers that be?”
I thoughthewas the power, given his presidency, which he never lets anyone forget about. I’m about to ask him why he’s not the one putting the work into this when I’m interrupted.
“I’m in,” Peter says, and I immediately start to scour my brain for a reason—anyreason—why I can say no.
“Perfect. Well, that was efficient.” Dad stands, clapping his hands together once again as he ends our meeting. “I’m sure you’ll come up with a solution to bring some much-needed new business into the town.” He and the person taking notes—I don’t remember what her name is—make their way out the large wooden door.
Peter leans in, clicking his tongue. “Looks like you and me are gonna be spending some time together this summer, Beth.”
CHAPTER 15
THAT’S RIGHT. NONE OF THIS DARCY BULLSHIT.
DARCY
Could that meeting have gone any better? I think the fuck not.
I got there, thinking I’d be working with Tim, and left knowing I’d be working with the woman of my fucking dreams instead.AndI have her phone number now.
I might as well be a pimply sixteen-year-old again, because I am fucking giddy. I’d already done some research to prep for this meeting, but now? Now I’m ready to go all in. I want to impress the fuck out of her.
Literally.
I’d love to impress her so much she wants to fuck me again.
But is that the only reason I’m doing this? Definitely not. Yes, the distraction is nice, but having a sense of purpose while I’m here for the next several weeks is what matters now. I can’t sit by idly and do nothing. That’s when the panic digs its sharp claws in, and I’m sick and tired of letting it win.
Not that I’ve been all that idle. Between the research, driving out to different beaches, and therapy, I’ve kept myself busy enough. It made sense to start therapy locally since I’m going to be here for a while. It gives me one more reason to leave thehouse. Then we can switch to virtual appointments once I go back to Toronto. No doubt Gordon will be pleased to hear I’m busying myself. I’m glad to have one more reason to be around Elizabeth.
As I’m pulling into my driveway, the screen in the car lights up with my best friend’s name. “Hey, buddy,” I say when I pick up.
“Hey, Darce. How’re you doing, man?”
My grin widens at the sound of his voice. Until a few weeks ago, he was pretty miserable, trying to figure out whether this thing with him and Neve would work out, and then freaking the fuck out because he convinced himself it wouldn’t. He’s on the other side of it all now, happier than ever. It’s awesome to witness it firsthand now that I’m close by.
“Great. Just getting home from my surfing lesson. You good?” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I’m not ready to come clean about why I’m here and the whole therapy bit. Not yet, anyway. I know he would support me. I mean, Leo’s been a huge advocate for therapy for years, but I’m not ready to get into it with anyone other than the person I pay to listen to me.
