Five.
Rhett
I’ve driven past this place my entire adult life, saw it being built nearly thirty years ago, partied with friends on the second-floor when it was just a construction zone.
I even tried my hand at skiing here once they opened their doors, and nearly broke my foot.
I’ve attended weddings here and even a yoga class if you’d believe it.
But Winton’s Ski Resort he sells it.
By the time we’re back in the hallway, I have four pages of notes and a very clear picture of what this job entails.
It’s a big one. Bigger than I’d initially scoped.
I check my phone. 11:47 AM.
“We’ll have a revised bid to you by end of week,” I tell Jenn, shaking her hand again. “Detailed breakdown, materials list, phased timeline. You’ll have everything you need to take to ownership for final approval.”
“We appreciate the thoroughness,” she says.
“Frankly, Mr. Montgomery, you came very highly recommended by several local businesses who’ve made refreshes alongside this record hitting tourism boom Montana has been experiencing.
And, truthfully, I don’t foresee it slowing.
It’s about time we had a refresh of our own. ”
I catch Levi’s eye over her shoulder. While we’ve been banking in on this boom, I know not every neighbor is thrilled by it. “We’re glad you chose us, Mrs. Paul.”
We ride the elevator down in silence, and the second the lobby doors open, Levi is already grinning. “Go,” he says as Jenn and her managers exit first.
I don’t pretend not to know what he means. “The bid—”
“I’ll start the write-up. You’ve got the notes.” He plucks them from my hand. “Go do your consult.” He says the last word the way you’d say something you don’t entirely believe.
I huff. “It’s a legitimate job, Levi.”
“I know it is.” He tucks my notes under his arm and heads toward the parking lot, calling back without turning around. “That’s not why I’m smiling.”
I stand in the lobby of Winton’s Resort, and check my phone again. 11:52 AM. I can make it in eight minutes if I don’t hit the light on Main—
I’m already moving before I finish the thought.