Chapter 10
STONE
Ienter the Pelican Point town hall to find a packed house, every seat filled, and folks standing up lining the walls.
Like the Reilly building, the town hall is one of the oldest buildings in Pelican Point, a brick two-story structure with stately white columns and the original casement windows opened wide to allow a cool breeze to flow through the crowded room.
As Kyle and I make our way to the front, all eyes are on us, as if we’re the bad guys here to shut down the town.
The community meeting was set up, along with a circulated questionnaire, to gain perspective from the citizens about the project.
The tension in the room is palpable, as residents and business owners voice their concerns.
My attention keeps drifting to the back row where Desirae is sitting, her expressive face reflecting her feelings.
She’s clearly an empath, her emotions resonating with each speaker.
Over the last few weeks getting to know her, combined with learning about the importance of preserving the town’s history and the personal accounts of families and the small businesses that drive the seaside town, my vision for success is definitely starting to look different.
Finally, it’s Desirae’s turn to speak. Instead of joining us in the front, she stands in place, elegant and poised, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
The picture of resilience and grace, her words about preservation and progress finding a balance resonate within me, causing me to question everything I thought I wanted, thought I needed, to be considered a success.
As we drive back to West Palm, I seek out the advice of my best friend and right hand in the business.
“So what are your thoughts on what you heard tonight?”
“Are you asking in general, or specifically about what one individual had to say, namely Ms. Desirae Russell?”
Shit. “Is it that obvious?”
“Maybe not to everyone else. But I know you too well. And you, my man, definitely have a thing for the lovely boutique owner.”
“It really doesn’t matter how I feel, because according to her, I’m the enemy.”
Kyle laughs. “Well, I guess you’ll have to figure out a way to convince her otherwise. But seriously, man. Unless your charity event can garner some goodwill and change some minds, this project is dead in the water.”
“Tell that to the board. They’re adamant that their way is the only way.
” I chuckle ironically. “I thought those two little old ladies from the Pelican Point garden club were going to take pitchforks after us because someone told them we were going to remove all their flowerbeds and replace them with concrete. I imagined this project was going to be the best thing for this town. But now, I’m not so sure.
Those were real people we heard tonight, real stories.
Hell, they were who you and I identified with growing up.
Never thought I would be saying this after all we’ve struggled through to get here, but I’m starting to realize some things might be more important than profit margins. ”
“Damn, dude, you’re going soft on me. What happened to that ruthless CEO who’d do anything to come out on top?” I know Kyle’s kidding, but I find myself asking the same question.