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“Eric’s support may help during construction,” I say. “But what happens after the hotel opens? Hartwell Boulevard already has one hotel. We need to ask whether this street can support another.”
“Another hotel could also bring healthy competition to the area. Are you worried about what that could mean for the Hartwell?”
Of course I’m worried about what his hotel will do to the Hartwell. That doesn’t make me wrong about the traffic, construction, or damage to the street.
“Rachel cares deeply about the Hartwell,” Eric says. “I’d expect her to. She’s protecting her family’s business, and I respect that. But the city has to consider the wider benefits,” he continues. “This project brings four hundred million dollars in private investment, new jobs, and more visitors spending money at local businesses. Those benefits deserve a fair hearing.”
“Of course they do.” The host gives him another warm smile. “And you’re clearly going out of your way to support Hartwell Boulevard. I’m sure the local businesses appreciate everything Voss is offering.”
She looks at me as though I should thank him. I glance at my notes. I haven’t even mentioned the Heritage Commission.
“The Heritage Commission has raised concerns about—”
“I’m sorry, Rachel, but we’re almost out of time. Could we have one brief closing thought from each of you?”
I lower the pages to my lap. There’s no time to explain the commission’s findings, so I look at the camera and try to make this count.
“Walk down Hartwell Boulevard and look at the buildings around you. They’re part of this city’s history. Change will come, but it should respect what’s already there. Once a glass tower goes up, we can’t undo it.”
“Eric?”
“The Hartwell is part of what makes the Boulevard special, and we want it to succeed.” He turns slightly toward me. “Rachel’s right that the street is worth protecting. But the city doesn’t have to choose between protecting its history and creating jobs. We believe this project can do both. It’s our job to show Rachel, and the rest of Alton Hills, how.”
The host beams at Eric, then turns to the camera. “Thank you both for joining us. After the break, we’ll have today’s weather.”
The camera light goes dark, and a crew member comes over to remove our microphones. I thank her and hold still while she unclips mine from my jacket. Beside me, Eric chats with the host as if the interview went exactly as he expected.
As soon as I’m free, I head into the hallway. My handbag is still in the green room. If I’m quick, I can collect it and leave before anyone asks how I think that went.
It went terribly.
“Rachel,” Eric calls.
I keep walking. His footsteps follow me into the green room, where my handbag sits on the counter. I reach for the strap, but my fingers catch only air. Annoyed, I set down my notes and grab it properly.
The door swings shut behind him. I turn and find him looking just as calm as he did on camera.
“You don’t have to arrange a live debate to get my attention. You could’ve called.”
“I wasn’t trying to get your attention. I was trying to get the city’s. You turned the whole interview into an ad for Voss.”
“I’m not going to apologize for defending my project,” he says. “But I’d rather find a way to work with you than fight you at every turn.”
“I can’t work with you on something that could ruin the Hartwell.”
“I don’t believe it will.”
“But you’re asking me to take that chance.” I shake my head. “My grandfather spent his whole life making the Hartwell what it is. He trusted me to protect it. I won’t help you put another hotel next door when it might drive ours out of business.”
My eyes prickle, and I turn toward the counter. I wanted him to understand why I won’t back down. Instead, I think I’ve just shown him how frightened I am.
“I understand,” he says.
“No, you—”
“This is the first major development I’ve led since my father died. I chose the site and approved the design. Then I stood in front of the board and asked them to commit four hundred million dollars because I believed I could deliver it.”
I stay quiet as his gaze shifts away from mine.
