CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Asher
I run through the slideshow I’ve created. The new pictures I’ve taken of The Fields are simply stunning. I’ve stared at them over and over and still can’t believe it’s the same place I’ve trampled every inch as a child.
I swear it’s the magic of photography but every image feels soft and romantic and like a place I’d personally want to hold an event. Granted, the images purposefully neglect to show the items getting the loan would provide, but they still highlight a complete and beautiful backdrop for an event.
I glance around the waiting area. Funny how I was here the other day and didn’t notice these chairs.
I welcome the distraction of thought though, because my knee keeps jogging up and down and my palms are so sweaty that I have to rub them on the only pair of slacks I think I own.
This is a big deal in general, but it’s an even bigger deal to me.
I want to be in and out of The Retreat before Ledger comes back from his working lunch.
“Miss Wells?” I glance up and smile at the lady standing in the hallway. She gives me a peculiar look, one that says why are you meeting with Hillary when you were here the other day with Ledger? But I simply smile back at her. “Hillary will see you now.”
“Thank you. Okay.” I rise on shaky legs with my laptop and a printed copy of the presentation in my hands and follow her.
Hillary gives me a similarly curious look when I walk into her office, but doesn’t say a word until I take a seat.
“I’m assuming there’s a good reason why you specifically asked to have this meeting with me when Ledger is out of the office?”
Hillary is an imposing figure. She’s tall with hard features and unrelenting eyes. It helps that I’ve seen her laughing with Ledger before, or else my nerves would be more rattled than they already are.
“Yes. For me, it’s a good reason. For you, it may put you in an awkward position, and for that, I’ll apologize ahead of time.”
“Continue,” she says with a nod as she clasps and unclasps her hands in front of her on the desk.
“Luxury. Decadence. A destination to lose yourself in. That’s your brand.
That’s what S.I.N. properties are known for,” I say, repeating Ledger’s description that has stuck in my head ever since I decided to make this work.
“And at The Fields, we not only share that vision, but we want to offer an opportunity for your guests to experience it with more of a small-town feel to it. Whether it be a wine tasting event beneath the stars in a fragrant field of lavender, or a family reunion with live music, or a wedding ceremony and reception, we can accommodate your needs.”
With a deep breath, I continue my presentation for Hillary, struggling at times when her stoic expression gives me nothing to feed off of. When I’m finished explaining the premise, I move on to explain my future aspirations of producing lavender products for purchase.
I force myself to slow down several times, but I hope my excitement for this new venture is more evident than my nerves.
And when I finish, Hillary leans back in her chair, lips twisting and stare implacable. “Why exactly would our clients prefer your farm instead of this multi-million dollar resort they’re already paying for to hold their event?”
“Some may. Some may not. The Fields simply gives you another option for those guests who wish to get more of an authentic small-town experience. As you’ll see when you read through the full proposal, I’ve listed comparative studies of other high-end resorts and similar partnerships, complete with a breakdown of the typical S.I.N.
demographic and how this partnership can meet their needs. ”
Another nod. “And you didn’t bring this to Ledger for what reason?”
I stare at her, blinking for a beat, assuming the answer is quite obvious, but I explain anyway.
“If you should want to partner with The Fields on this, I’d rather the partnership be based on merit than obligation.
As you’re aware, Ledger and I know each other personally.
I want this opportunity because it’s valid and good and beneficial.
Not because he feels obligated to make it. ”
“And you think I’m able to separate my decision even though you are my boss’s girlfriend?”
“I’m not his—we’re not . . .” I clear my throat and shake my head.
Shit. I wasn’t expecting her to be so blunt.
“Clearly, you’re a damn good businesswoman, or else you wouldn’t be in charge of this resort.
So yes, I think you are more than capable of making an unbiased decision on what is best for your resort when it comes to partnerships or outside opportunities.
I also know that Mayor Grossman is holding you guys to the fire when it comes to incorporating the town somehow in The Retreat. ”
“And you think this would help with that?”
“I think Sharpe International is undeniably receptive and astute and already has things in the works to fix Grossman’s requests.
People are talking around town, and I think the tide might slowly be turning in your favor.
Adding The Fields to your . . . guest options isn’t going to affect him one way or the other.
But what does it hurt? The Retreat gets a booking fee for simply offering the opportunity. Your guests get a unique experience.”
“And you get business.”
“Yes. That is the point, after all,” I say without apology. My nerves have given way to confidence now. I’ll be doing this with or without the resort’s partnership.
“How are we supposed to tie this into The Retreat?”
“You don’t. We’re a lavender farm. You’re a large upscale resort. It’s simply another adventure they can take like the skiing or the outdoors packages you are offering through your concierge services.”
“And the venue area is ready to go?”
“It will be in the next month.” I hope. If I can secure the loan. Let’s hope the questions I was answering with the bank on the way over here are another positive step in doing just that.
Silence falls in the office as Hillary flips through the paper version of my presentation. My pulse races and my knee begins to jog again.
This is the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to take a chance like this in my adult life.
The Fields was always Gran and Pop’s. It always had to be run their way because you don’t fix what’s not broken.
But now it’s essentially mine, and until this moment, I didn’t realize how bad I wanted this.
How much I needed something more to define myself with.
“It’s not a bad idea by any means,” Hillary muses, her eyes still looking at my proposal. “Your numbers are fair and your ideas sound.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m currently reviewing several other proposals to complement the packages Ledger and I are securing.
I’ll definitely take yours into strong consideration when I make my decision.
” She looks back up and gives me an all-business smile.
“I don’t mean to sound cliché when I say I’ll be in touch, but I’ll be in touch. ”
“Thank you.” I rise from my seat and reach across the desk to shake her hand. “I appreciate your time.”
It’s not until I am clear of the building that I think I actually exhale.
Now it’s time to go spend some time with Gran to take my mind off waiting for an answer.