Chapter 6 #2
His nose scrunches. “That’s the worst way to start a conversation. Are you moving?”
“No. What? Why would you ask that?”
“Why else would you tell me to listen before I react? Last time you said that was when you thought you’d go to school in Colorado instead of taking the scholarship to the University of Washington. If I hadn’t reacted, you would have made a huge mistake, moving that far away.”
I squeeze his arm. “I’m not going anywhere. The Webbers sold the Reeves estate to a developer named Landon Prince. That’s my news.”
“Prince? There was a Prince who tried to buy salvage rights a few years back. Is it the same guy?”
“His son. Do you remember the day I came crying to you about the mean boy who told me I could never be a senator?”
He pats my back. “I remember. No need for you to cry over a thing that wasn’t for you. Just like that school in Colorado. No point in struggling to earn a senatorial seat, Baby Girl, when my job’s waiting for you.”
I wouldn’t have minded the hard work, but I understand Dad’s perspective. Rainwater Bay needs me. But that’s not the point of our conversation. Landon is. “That boy grew up and bought the estate.”
“It’s an eyesore. Why didn’t you tell me when Webber notified the Heritage Society?”
“Landon and Webber went to the state, so we didn’t know until they finalized the deal. If they hadn’t signed the papers at The Bright Spot, we may not have known until the check for back taxes landed at Town Hall.”
“Landon, huh? Pretty cozy to be using first names. What does he think he’s going to build?”
“He’s going to renovate it into a resort. That’s what the town council wants.”
Dad’s cheeks flush bright red. “Over my dead body.” He fists his hands at his sides and his breathing accelerates.
“It’s okay.” I use my most soothing voice.
“The council voted. The resort was their stipulation to grant permits. And honestly, I think we can use it to Rainwater Bay’s benefit.
Businesses are struggling, Dad. If we don’t do something, I may be mayor of a ghost town.
” I cringe to hear Lucky’s phrase come out of my mouth, but she’s not wrong about the direction we’re taking.
“They’re wrong.” He stomps his foot. “This isn’t a resort town. We want to stay small, off the beaten path. That’s what’s best. You should have called me before they voted. I’m disappointed in you.”
I struggle for words to respond. I didn’t expect him to be so upset. “They didn’t give me time. Lucky motioned for the vote, and they passed it immediately.”
“They can’t do that. I won’t allow it. Get my phone.” He pats his pockets but comes away empty. We left it at the house. He turns back down the hill. “I’m using my veto to stop this nonsense.”
I tug him to stop. “At first I didn’t like the plan either, but I met with Collin and Archer. They’re on board to help with the renovation. To keep it small and tasteful while making the council happy. I think it’ll be really good for us.”
He glares into the distance. “That house has only ever been a heartache. Reeves never should have built it. Lording over everyone like some troglodyte.”
“That’s not what troglodyte means.”
He jerks his arm from mine. “I don’t need a grammar lesson, young lady. I need my phone.”
“Dad, trust me. You know how much the house means to me, to Mom. I’ll keep her vision alive.”
“Anything built on that property will be a God-awful monstrosity. Out of towners always have big plans that don’t match the character of the community we’ve built.”
“We can’t fight the town council on this one. They’re already starting to ask questions about your health. If you fight them on this, they’ll only look more closely and see you aren’t well.”
“I told you I’ll be back next week.”
“Dad, trust me.” I loop my arm through his. “I can handle this. ”
“Tradition is what’s important. Those are our roots.”
“That’s why I’m involved in the project. I will make sure our traditions are protected. That they are cherished. I’m giving the brothers Mom’s research, so the house will be restored the way she would have wanted it to be.”
“Burn those plans, that’s all they’re good for.” Dad’s wheezing intensifies with every step. “If Prince is anything like his father, he won’t like being told what to do. He won’t listen to you.”
“He already has.” I tell him about my trip to the hotel and the details of our meeting with Collin and Archer.
Dad’s gaze runs from the tip of my nose down to my shoes and back up. “Watch yourself around strange men.”
“I’ll be fine.” It’s not like I’m ten years old and Landon can destroy my confidence again. I know better. I’m stronger. I’ll fight him every step of the way if I have to. “Let’s get you home. I’ll make chicken and broccoli.”
He grimaces but lets me guide him as we slowly walk back to the house.
By the time we get home, he practically collapses into his chair. We didn’t even cover a quarter of a mile. I shouldn’t have brought up Landon’s project when I did. I should have waited until we were home and he was resting.
I hoped the fresh air would keep him calm. I was wrong. I’ll have to navigate Dad’s temper and frustrations more delicately as the renovations progress, so I don’t send him back to the hospital with another heart attack.
Dad’s strength is gone. He’s not improving. More likely than not, he will never sit in the mayor’s chair at Town Hall again.
How do I convince him to finally retire and take care of himself instead of worrying about the town? How do I convince him to move on and let me take over? How do I convince him renovating the estate is what’s best for Rainwater Bay?