26. Theo
26
THEO
It’s not enough.
I can’t stop thinking that as I sit at my desk again. My computer is in front of me, but I can’t pay attention to what is on the screen. My thoughts keep circling back to Mia.
I have to prove to her that I’m sincere about letting her property go, but I’m not sure how I can do that. The box of mementos was enough to get her thinking about us and the way things were so simple when we were kids, but I’ve got another idea.
It’s one that will not only elevate Mia’s view of me but maybe even the whole neighborhood’s.
I push myself to my feet and begin striding around the open lobby area. The light fixtures are now all in place, and it’s starting to look almost done. There’s still no furniture, but I could add some for what I’m planning.
Now, I just need to get people to come. I’ve seen them looking at the project from the outside as they walk by, but no one has seen the inside. Maybe an exclusive view at what is coming to their neighborhood will be enough to get them to this meeting. Then, I’ll do the rest.
I take a deep breath and start making calls to some of the local business owners. I also look up Mia’s friends online and invite them as well. Hopefully, curiosity will get them here, and I can take care of it from there.
I set the meeting/presentation for the next evening. It’s early June, and the tourists are starting to crawl through the area, but I think a good many of the locals won’t have big plans on a Wednesday night.
Early afternoon, I start setting out the chairs I rented, arranging them in neat rows in Building A’s lobby. Then, I set up the presentation. I’ve gathered visual aids, models, and detailed plans to help convey my vision.
I’m done setting up too early, and I head back into my private office to wait it out. Steve has no idea what I’m planning, but I’m hoping this gesture of goodwill toward the community will go over well. Once everyone is on board with our project, then he can pat me on the back for my out-of-the-box thinking.
I glance out the window and study Mia’s house. It’s looking good. It definitely has some curb appeal, and I hope she gets the guests she’s hoping for. In fact, if my presentation has anything to say about it, she will.
I hear someone entering the lobby and check my watch. It’s still early, but it’s time for me to turn on the charm.
I don’t recognize the person in the lobby, but I approach him with a friendly grin and my hand outstretched. “Theo Roberts, I’m one of the heads of the project we’re working on here.”
The man shakes my hand, but his eyes are all over the place, taking in the details. “Definitely aiming at upper-class citizens, eh?” he asks. It sounds like he’s trying to joke, but there might be a bitter tone to his voice.
“Actually, I can’t wait to tell you just what we’ve got in store for this place. Are you a local here?”
“I own Groovy Grounds.”
Now, I know who he is. I’ve seen his name, but I don’t drink coffee enough to recognize him. “Benjamin Hanson, is it?”
“Yes.” Benjamin surveys me more closely like I’ve surprised him by knowing who he is.
“Welcome. I’m glad you could come. I’m hoping to partner with local businesses like yours. For example, all our guests will have access to complimentary coffee, but I don’t want something bland that they have to milk and sugar up. I want something with genuine flavor. That’s where you come in.”
Benjamin looks mildly interested. “You want to set up a contract to buy a certain amount of coffee every month?”
I nod enthusiastically. “That’s exactly what I’d like to do. I would love some of your coffee cake as well as an accompaniment at the table here. I’d need daily deliveries, though, so it’s fresh.”
“We could arrange that. I’d need a number of cups per day for me to start getting you a number.”
Benjamin and I talk further about the idea, and more guests continue to trickle in. I try to greet each one so they feel like I’m a friendly face, not just the person speaking.
The minute hand on my watch ticks closer and closer to the hour, but Mia hasn’t arrived yet.
I do see two of Mia’s friends come in together, though. Stella, who has changed her hair, and the friend with glasses take seats together near the back. I notice they don’t save any.
It’s two minutes past, and people are starting to settle into chairs. I need to get this presentation started. Mia’s presence isn’t mandatory, but I feel disappointed that she’s not here for what I’m planning to say.
I walk to the front of the room and spend a minute adjusting the display and readying my computer. When I turn back around, Mia is slipping into the back. There aren’t any more chairs, so she takes a place standing in the corner.
Her eyes lock with mine. I give her a small nod, hoping she understands that this is my attempt to make things right.
“Thank you all for coming,” I begin, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “I know there’s been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the development of the resort, and I want to address that today. I’ve taken your concerns to heart, and I’ve come up with a revised plan that I believe will benefit everyone.”
I see a few people shift in their seats. One woman leans over to whisper in her partner’s ear. I try to ignore the distractions and focus on what I want to say.
It doesn’t have to be flowery, but I want it to be clear.
“This is the plan for the second floor of this building.” I flip to a new slide and allow people to admire the floor plan for a moment. “But floor plans are so 2D. Here is the 3D version of what it will look like.” I flip to a second slide.
This time, the response is audible. Somebody squeals. More than a few people murmur “wow” or something similar. I look at the plan for a moment, taking in all the details.
Then, even though they can see the details for themselves, I list out the amenities. “There will be a bowling alley, casino, and movie theater. Fun for adults of all ages. We’ll also have a theater where there will be comedians and other artists performing.”
I flip to the photo of the empty theater, and people start to whisper more excitedly to each other.
“Now, here is the most important part. Everyone who stays here as a guest–rooms starting at $229 per night in the off season–will, of course, have access to all amenities, but there are a few things that I haven’t mentioned yet.”
I meet Mia’s eyes, but her lips are pressed in a firm line. She isn’t convinced yet. “Everyone who is a resident of Oak Island will have unlimited access to the bowling alleys, movie theater, and shows for free for the first year. You’ll just need an ID with your Oak Island address.”
Now, people aren’t even trying to whisper. They are just straight up talking over me. I wait a moment for the excitement to die down. “For the casino, of course, you’ll have to pay for your own chips. But we want this resort to be a place to hang out first of all for our residents.”
I pause and collect my thoughts, trying to form the words as best I can. “There is one more thing I’d like to add. Mia, my neighbor right now,” I signal to her in the audience, “is opening a bed and breakfast right next door. Her guests will have the same free, unlimited access to the resort as my guests will have.”
Mia’s mouth drops open. I see her friends turn around and start saying something to her.
After the buzz dies down, there’s a moment of silence, the room filled with anticipation. Then, Stella speaks up, her green hair bobbing like some sort of seaweed flag. “This looks promising, but how do we know you’re not just saying this to get us on your side? I mean, you let us enjoy the amenities for a year because you don’t have many guests, and then we have to pay for them?”
I take a deep breath, ready for this question. “I want to offer residents a way to enjoy themselves without having to go so far away. Yes, you will have to pay after a year, but no more than you would at a typical movie theater. I believe it’s twelve, fifteen dollars for a ticket right now? It would be similar to that. Very similar pricing, but just a lot closer.”
“And you won’t try to eat away at the properties beside or behind you? I used to live in Myrtle Beach, and a huge hotel chain came in right next door. They eventually forced me out.”
Mia steps forward, and I watch as everyone’s eyes turn to her. “I’m the owner of the bed and breakfast next door. It will be open and taking reservations in August. Theo has made an offer to buy my property, several offers in fact.” She makes brief eye contact with me before continuing. “But I have his word that he’s accepted I’m not selling. My business is different than his, but I believe it’s just as important.”
Someone in the audience cheers.
Benjamin, my new friend and owner of Groovy Grounds, stands up. “He’s willing to work with local businesses. I’ll be supplying his coffee and pastries. If you have a business that you think could work with him, see what he’s willing to offer. This doesn’t just have to be Theo making money. We could, too.”
Stella stands and wraps her arms around Mia’s shoulders. “Alright, Theo. We’ll give you a chance. But remember, we’re watching closely. If you go back on your word, we won’t hesitate to fight back.”
“I understand,” I say, nodding. “And I appreciate your willingness to give this a chance. I promise to keep you all involved in the process and to stay true to my word. I’m open. I want you to ask questions. I’m here most of the time. Don’t hesitate to come through that door and ask me any questions you have.”
The meeting wraps up on a positive note, and I offer to show them one of the guest rooms that has been furnished as a sample. People troop with me up the stairs, and I stand in the doorway as they go inside and ooh and ah at the touches.
Then, I lead everyone back downstairs. Some people leave right away, but others stay to talk. I push my way through the crowd to find Mia.
There’s a hint of a smile on her lips, something I thought I wouldn’t see again. “That was impressive. I think you might have won them over.”
“I hope so. I meant what I said, Mia. I want this to work for everyone, especially you. I’m hoping that if the community backs the project it will really help jumpstart its success.”
She looks at me, her eyes searching mine. “My license still has a Raleigh address. Does that mean I don’t get the free amenities for a year?”
“You can get anything you want if you ask me nicely enough.”
Mia smiles shyly and looks away, but I can tell that she’s more open to me now. Maybe she doesn’t trust me completely. Maybe she can’t yet. But I’m willing to wait however long I have to until she is willing to give me her heart again.
I reach out and squeeze Mia’s arm before someone comes over and starts asking more questions. Then, I transform back into a businessman and do what I can to make this resort a success.