Chapter 10
Looking out the window, I fold my arms across my chest and admire the mountain terrain and thick forest covering most of the ridge. Every so often, an early-turning tree boasts vibrant fall colors amongst all the dark green, hinting at what’s to come.
“You don’t get views like this in the city. Do you, Charlie?” I ask, glancing down at my red golden retriever seated at my side. He looks back with unrestrained joy, his tail wagging in a thumping rhythm against the hardwood floors.
Back in Manhattan, I live on the eighth floor of a high rise.
At that elevation, most of the noise of the city is more of a constant pulse than direct bother.
Overall, the apartment is pleasant. And there is a nice grassy yard in the back for taking Charlie out when we don’t have the time to go walk Central Park.
It’s fine in the city, truly.
But here, I think Charlie is genuinely happy.
I found an apartment above Monroe Books, right across the street from the vacant brewery, that rents month to month. It’s impressively spacious for the price, with two bedrooms, my own washer and dryer, and a bathroom that makes the one in Manhattan look like a water closet.
More importantly, though, the yard is the same size as back in the city—but this one is just ours. Charlie gets to be off leash, with more room than he knows what to do with.
Running my hand over his head, I loosen a contented sigh just as the phone on the end table rings. I already know who it is as this call was scheduled.
Taking a seat behind my coffee table scattered with papers, I reach over and answer the cordless. “Hello?”
“Jake,” my dad’s gruff voice barks in lieu of a greeting. “Glad you could make this time. What are your updates?”
Straight to the point, as always.
It’s not that Richard Carpenter is a bad man, necessarily. He’s not a criminal, or out to hurt people. It’s just that he’s accustomed to getting his way.
Which is exactly how I ended up here—down a path I never imagined for myself.
In college, I made it a point to avoid his company. I turned down every overly prestigious summer job and internship he lobbed my way.
I knew they were a fast track to nowhere I wanted to be. But I don’t think he knew what to do about my lack of motivation to fall into step behind him. I don’t think he ever encountered such subordination before.
And then he found a way.
My transition to Carpenter Collection was abrupt, and unwanted.
Initially, I thought I was only organizing a community event based at the brewery where I was apprenticing.
That turned into another event at another local cornerstone.
And then suddenly I had a position at the top of the food chain as vice president of community relations.
He had managed to return the prodigal son to his side so stealthily, I almost respect it.
“Well,” I start, rubbing the back of my neck. “The town doesn’t want us here—that’s my first update.”
“Public forum raised discontent?”
I chuckle.
That is an understatement. But one question raised by a citizen is stuck in my mind. “Hey, Dad. I don’t think you ever elaborated on why you wanted to branch out to Ellicottville. Larger cities are more your style, aren’t they?”
“Evolve or die, Son. We have the corner on upscale luxury in urban settings. But more and more of our competitors are out there capturing the small-town getaway market.”
Charlie jumps up onto the couch beside me and rests his chin on my knee. I reach over and weave my fingers into the thick fur at his neck. “Why here though?”
“Why the questions?”
I sigh. “If you want me to make this work, I need all of the information possible.”
He grunts in understanding and quickly dives into the business strategy that led him to this quaint mountain town.
Of course, Holiday Valley is one of the big draws.
He rattles off numbers, saying the resort’s lodging can’t accommodate everyone that visits.
Then starts in on geographical advantages, boasting about all the major, populated cities in all directions that can easily make the drive to Ellicottville.
As he continues, I lean forward and grab my half empty beer from the coffee table. It’s decent, considering the size of the local market here. I helped brew better, though. Before.
“Any other questions?” he asks. “Or can we get into the information you have for me?”
“Let’s dive in,” I agree, looking down at all the papers.
“For starters, I’ve initiated all the required studies for the zoning changes.
Traffic, infrastructure, environmental, and it will all need analyzed before they’ll make the shift from commercial restaurant zoning to hospitality lodging.
If we can’t get the proper permits, this will be a non-starter.
So for now, I’ve been thinking about getting to know the town better. ”
“You mean working to win the town’s favor? That’s what Doyle would do.”
“I’m not Doyle,” I say, mentally adding that I would never want to be.
“This is a great learning opportunity for you. Doyle has years of success; you should want to be more like him.”
Before I can catch myself, a snort slips free.
“Is this funny? Some kind of game for you?”
“Not a game,” I say.
“Then what the hell is it? Why did you want to take over this job?”
I think of my conversation with Lucy yesterday at the sandwich shop. “This is me finding my style,” I tell him.