Chapter 41
Maggie had turned the dining hall into a winter wonderland.
There was a five-foot-tall snowman made from wire and papier-maché, complete with a corncob pipe and two eyes made of coal, greeting us as we walked through the door.
The buffet tables were covered in cotton snow and glittering snowflakes hung from the ceiling.
Cardboard cutouts of pine trees surrounded by candy canes and red, green, and silver-foiled chocolate kisses stood on each lazy Susan.
Maggie was dressed in a white fur boa and tiara and held a wand topped with icicles.
It was still as hot as blazes outside, but with the air conditioner blowing, you could almost pretend to feel the cold emanating from the decorations.
Chip appeared at my table. “Sorry ladies, I need to borrow Lori.”
As I stepped away, I caught the confused looks passing between Bethany and Mindy.
Teddy was already outside leaning against a golf cart, his arms crossed and a wry smile on his face. I admired how comfortable and confident he looked.
“Where’re we going?” I asked.
“To the lake house,” Chip said.
I saw Teddy momentarily squirm.
“Why?” I asked.
“To discuss the transition,” Chip said.“What Jack did today, well, there’s just no way to salvage it. We had to stop answering the phones, or we would’ve lost a good chunk of next season’s tuition. We’re in damage control right now.”
“Will naming new directors be enough?” I asked.
“Bob and Mindy are working on a letter to put up on the website, apologizing for Jack’s behavior and letting parents know that someone will be in touch with them before the end of the day tomorrow.”
When Chip opened the lake house door, there was one majestic sunflower sitting on the kitchen counter next to a bowl of cherries and a bottle of champagne. I smiled.
“Huh, someone’s been here, using the house,” Chip said.
“I must confess, it’s me. Herman and Estelle allowed me to use their digs while on vacation.” Teddy’s cheeks had a slight blush.
Chip slapped Teddy on the back and said, “Glad to see you back in the saddle, my friend.” I couldn’t see Chip’s face, but I assumed he threw in a wink.
I whispered in Teddy’s ear, “Giddy up,” as we walked into the dining room, and he blushed more deeply.
Chip was at the head of the table, and Teddy sat across from me.
“My partners are invoking a stipulation in Jack’s contract, which states that if either party is not happy or has just cause to step away from the contract, they can do so.
We probably had enough reasons to enforce the clause before today’s fiasco,” Chip said.
“We intend to name the two of you as interim directors.”
“Interim directors is bollocks—Lori and I want to own the camp.” Teddy’s arms were crossed.
Chip smiled. “I was hoping that’s where this conversation might go.”
“We’ll need to review the financials,” Teddy said. “We can draw up an agreement stating we’ll be running Woodlands with the intention of buying it when it’s free and clear to be sold.”
“That seems fair enough,” Chip said.
My chest constricted as my panic rose. I had no immediate funds ready to make an offer—but my fantasy was rapidly becoming a reality.
“I’ll gather the paperwork for the past five years so you and your attorneys can evaluate the information, and we can come to an equitable agreement.
” Chip sat back and took a deep breath. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to move this along as fast as possible.
” He pressed his fingertips together, smiling at us.
“The way I see it, Jack’s antics have gone viral, turning Woodlands into a joke,” I said. “The numbers for re-enrollment are precarious at best. Filling the bunks next year will be a massive undertaking.” I let that thought hang in the air.
Chip took the bait. “What’re you saying?”
“If you’re hiring us, we need to discuss two things. First, our salaries for next year, keeping in mind how hard we’ll have to work to fill five hundred beds. We’re basically going to have to rebrand the camp. Next, a discounted purchase price for the camp to be put in the agreement.”
Chip chuckled. “Shrewd.”
Being married to an attorney had some benefits. Teddy beamed at me.
“Can we put our plans into effect as soon as we agree on the terms?” Teddy had spent time thinking this through.
As had Chip. “Absolutely. That’s what we want.”
We were leaving the house when Chip said, “Maybe you should put that champagne in the fridge.”
This time I saw the wink.
Chip dropped us at the dining hall.
“Is this really happening? Are we actually buying a camp together?” I asked.
“The way you outlined your terms, I thought it was a done deal.”
“I wanted to make sure to get a sweet deal, especially since we’ll be taking on a risky investment.”
“True, and it will be so much sweeter doing it together.”
I stopped and looked at him. His smile was irresistible.
I wasn’t afraid. I knew I’d be good at it, much better than the Bergers. My plan all along had been to look for a full-time job, something to fill the void in my life. Putting the question of financing aside, did I want the responsibilities of running a sleepaway camp?
I thought I’d enjoy the challenge of rebuilding, owning, and operating Woodlands. And I needed to prove to my family and myself that I was capable and resourceful. Not to mention, I’d have my own source of income.
I returned his smile. “Yes, I’d like to own the camp with you. But I don’t like the idea of Chip and his people as partners in our camp.”
“I agree and I’ve given that some thought. At first, we’ll need them. I’ll ask my attorneys if they could draft a clause that phases out the silent parties over a short period of time so that within a few years we own everything outright.”
“I like the way you think, Mr. Mooney,” I said.
“Me? What about you, playing to his financial concerns, undercutting the camp’s worth? That was genius.” He put his hand out. “I look forward to our partnership.”
I took it and said, “And I look forward to drinking champagne in bed with you.”