Page 24 of On One Condition

“Enough gloating,” I say as I open my eyes and lift a hand in farewell to Hillary who’s heading out the door to meet with God knows who. Let the Cedar Falls City Council ass-kissing commence.

“Fine. But it’s such a rarity, so I have to enjoy it while I can.” He emits a satisfied sigh. “The question now is, what are we going to do about it?”

“Hillary and I brainstormed a bit. We think our best bet is to bring in local artisans. Paintings by locals. Items in the numerous gift shops devoted to the local talent.”

“Won’t that harm their sales in town? Undercut them somehow?”

“We haven’t worked the details out, but I’m sure we can come up with something to appease everyone.”

“So basically, use the resort to showcase the people of Cedar Falls?”

I nod even though he can’t see it. “Maybe a few other things. Hillary mentioned at the last city council meeting that they were trying to scrape together tax revenue to give the elementary school a new library or the assisted living facility on the outskirts of town a new HVAC system since theirs has been on the fritz for years.”

“So help the kids and the elderly. No one can bitch about that.”

“My thoughts exactly.” I blow out an exaggerated sigh. “But still . . .”

“But still . . .” Ford repeats. “Other than that shitshow today, what are your thoughts on Cedar Falls as a whole?”

Only Ford and Callahan visited the location before we purchased the old hotel here. I was tied up in another deal and couldn’t get away.

I can’t say I was exactly upset by that turn of events. For many reasons.

“You mean beyond the signs posted in every window saying shit like Big business kills small business and Take your S.I.N.s elsewhere?”

“It’s that bad?”

“There are a few that say A resort equals more jobs and Tourism means more money, so at least we have a few people on our side.”

“Where were they during the town meeting today?” he jokes.

“Exactly.” I draw in a breath and contemplate his question. “Cedar Falls. Well, it’s definitely not Manhattan, that’s for sure.”

“You mean it’s not rife with the stench of the subway or the smell of urine on exhaust-stained concrete buildings that you’re so used to?” He laughs.

“There’s definitely none of that here.” I stand up and lean my ass against my desk. “Nor are there street vendors shouting at you or crowded sidewalks to push your way through or subways to hop on or—”

“Things most people would abhor—”

“But that I love.”

“You’re going to fight this assignment kicking and screaming every step of the way, aren’t you?”

“I prefer to call it more of a silent protest.”

“Ha. Says the man who’s never bitten his tongue in his life. Don’t worry, you’ll be back in your tower in the sky in no time.”

“Fuck off.” Nothing at all wrong with my tower in the sky with the endless views of the city I love. “But as for this town . . .”

“You mean this Podunk town,” he ribs, but I don’t take the bait.

“Objectively, it’s a good location and the facility has good bones to work with.” I move to look out the window of the temporary office Hillary set up for me on-site. From this vantage point, I can’t see the resort’s trademark lake or the reflection of the mountains around us, but the serene image is burned in my mind. The same image I plan on having our marketing team use to push the hell out of this soon-to-be overhauled resort. “The additions we’re making will only make it more attractive to our preferred clientele. They’ll have luxurious lodging with a top-of-the-line spa for those who aren’t big into outdoors and all of the activities to do if they are.”

“Agreed. But that’s what we do best,” Ford says. “I’m asking about the town. You’re good at reading things, and I want your take.”

“First impressions? The town is still small but definitely scenic. It has a homey, mom-and-pop feel that will entice families as a whole, and a cool artsy vibe the childless socialites will love. Outdoor adventure outfits are everywhere so that will add to the allure.” I scrub a hand over my jaw. “It’ll more than work.”

“Glad we’re on the same page. I felt similarly. As for construction, are we still on schedule? Have we hit any hiccups?”