CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Asher
“Miss Wells?”
“Yes. Hi. This is Asher.”
“It’s Hillary from Sharpe International.”
My heart leaps in my throat. I take a step back from the entrance to City Hall and away from other Cedar Falls citizens as they file into the meeting. “Hi. How are you?”
“Good. Thank you. Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken serious consideration of your proposal. I’ve gone over the details and market comparisons. I’ve weighed whether its added value is beneficial for our clientele . . .”
I sigh with anxious anticipation.
“And I wanted to let you know that we’ve decided to move forward with your proposal.”
“You have?”
“Yes, we have.” She pauses. “Of course, it’s contingent on you completing the improvements you outlined in your presentation. An asphalt drive and parking lot. Chairs and tables for both a ceremony and reception. A kitchen to house caterers.”
“Of course. Yes.” I’m stunned. I’m thrilled. I’m terrified. Holy. Shit. “I don’t even know what to say right now.”
“I have a feeling it will be a hugely successful option we offer to our guests. Nothing says wealthy clientele like ones who pay for luxury and then want a little piece of grandiose country thrown in. The Fields will be perfect for that.”
“I’m thinking that’s a compliment?”
She laughs. “Yes, that’s a compliment. It means it’s luxurious but at the same time classic Cedar Falls.”
“So, what do I do now?”
“Legal will be drawing up contracts in the coming weeks, and then we’ll go from there.”
“Okay. Yes. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I—”
“I look forward to visiting it myself. I’m sure it will—Oh, shoot. My apologies. I have to cut this short. I have to take this call. We’ll talk soon.”
And before I can ask the question—does Ledger know about it?—she hangs up.
I want to do a mini-jig on the sidewalk but settle with an ear-to-ear grin.
Then, of course, reality hits. The loan. My loan. I still haven’t gotten an approval yet.
I tap my cell phone against my chin as I accept the high but fear for the low.
I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I’m not going to let anything ruin my mood today.