“Based on the capacity of Crystal Light,” I interrupted, “Lexington needs approximately 25,000 rooms. Currently, we’re at a deficit of 13,000 rooms.”
Uncle Darin nodded.
“The JW Marriott in Indianapolis was built for their hosting of the Super Bowl and has over a thousand rooms. It doesn’t seem as though Dad would have facilitated a bidding war. He wanted broad support. Lexington needs all the hotel chains to invest in Lexington.” I nodded. “And showing them the success of not only the Coopers, but events like the WWE PLE will help our cause.”
“And we’re going to carry on Reid’s quest,” Aunt Rachel said. She turned to Uncle Darin. “We’d like your help if you have more information.”
Uncle Darin glanced at Grant and nodded. “We can all have a common goal.”
An unfamiliar sense of commonality filled me with hope. As soon as that emotion washed through my circulation, I remembered Fin’s story from last night, about the reason Aunt Rachel was cut out of the Coopers.
Could we work together to bring Dad’s dream to fruition or was there a more sinister reason to give me a false sense of security?
“One last thing,” I said. “The Gulfstream is leaving Saturday morning at ten a.m. for Jacksonville. I’ve already contacted Tony. He’s getting the crew set. We’ll return Sunday night after the game.”
There were nods all around the table.
“That seemed too easy,” I said under my breath. Speaking louder, I asked, “Is there anything else before we adjourn?”
Lip raised his hand. “Interestingly, Simpson jerseys were hot after yesterday’s game. They increased in sales over three hundred percent.”
“That’s good,” I replied.
“Dennison is still our best seller,” he said, “but I thought that was an interesting bump.”
I looked at all the faces. “You probably already know, Simpson is out for the season. I spoke with Don this morning. He told me that they’re moving Joshua Jackson up from the practice squad.”
“We’ll need another QB for the practice squad,” Uncle Darin said.
I turned to Royce Beasley. “Let us know who’s available to pick up and for how much.”
Grant shook his head. “This QB situation is costing us a fortune already.”
“Don said today that Dad liked depth on the bench. I agree with that.” I turned to Royce. “Get Aunt Rachel and I a list of names with stats and we can talk about appropriate offers.”
Royce nodded.
“If that’s all…” I stood.
Everyone else worked to collect their things. I looked at my cousin who was standing, dressed in his usual designer suit. “Grant, if you have a minute…?”
Clearing his throat, he stepped closer, laying his tablet on the table at the seat next to mine. We waited as the room cleared.
Finally, I asked, “What did you think we should talk about yesterday?”
He pressed his lips together. “Nothing.”
“You mentioned a note. What note?”
“Fuck, Vee. I don’t remember.”
I tilted my head. “Was it that upsetting to you that Daphne brought Joe to the game?”
Gripping the back of the chair in front of him, his shoulders slouched. “I don’t give a fuck.”
I widened my eyes. “Okay. Good talk.” I reached for my things.
“Wait.”
