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CHAPTER NINETEEN
The next day, Jamie and Lucy flew to Summitville. During the flight, Lucy asked Jamie about the plant and the townspeople and what their objections were to his company reopening the factory.
“Basically, they don’t want a corporation of our size to come in and ruin their small town feel. When the automotive plant was there, it afforded them a lot of jobs, but it was run by a couple of brothers who’d gotten tired of working for GM and went their own way. The townspeople liked that idea and they welcomed them. Over all, the plant was good for the town, but once the brothers passed on, their heirs closed it down. It wasn’t until several years passed that the town realized the company’s waste removal system wasn’t the best for the surrounding land. So now they’re already mistrustful, especially when it comes to a bigger company coming into town. They’re looking for negatives rather than thinking about the positive impact it will have on their job and housing markets. On the economy in general.”
“What about the damaged land? If your company opens here, will your waste system ensure the land is repaired?”
“No,” Jamie said. “Our system won’t damage the land further, but it can’t repair what’s already been damaged.”
“Oh. That’s too bad.”
“We’re trying to come up with a solution,” he said. “One that will give the citizens a reason to trust us. I just need to discuss our options with the town council.”
“Well, I hope they listen to you. And trust you. Because I know I do.”
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “And that, sweet thing, means the world to me.”
* * *
As the cab turned onto Summitville’s main street, Lucy couldn’t help but admire the well-maintained pretty little town. It was quaint in a way that few places were anymore, so she could see why the townspeople would be leery of strangers coming in and building businesses that could eradicate what made the town so unique.
She glanced over at Jamie, who looked awfully nervous. More than nervous, actually. The closer they’d gotten to the small town, the more preoccupied and serious he’d become.
Normally he had such confidence. She could see him wanting to succeed in business, because he was a man used to succeeding, but he hadn’t said there would be negative consequences to him or his family’s business if they didn’t get the factory up and running. To her, it seemed like they’d be out another investment opportunity, but not much else.
Was there more to all this than he was telling her?
Did he feel like he’d lose his father’s respect if he failed to close the deal?
She’d gotten the sense that his relationship with his parents was a close one and that they doted on their children in a way that a failed business deal couldn’t detract from.
But why else would Jamie be looking so tense? Even grim?
The cab driver took them to a cute little inn on the outskirts of town. It was a refurbished three-story old Victorian house. It had a wrap-around porch with hand-carved rocking chairs. Just inside, the reception area was warm and inviting. A round little woman with her hair piled on her head in a messy bun and wearing a man’s work shirt was standing behind the registration counter. She glanced up, and when she saw Jamie, her friendly expression closed up and she looked like she’d sucked a lemon.
“Hello, Mrs. Newley,” Jamie said with his usual charming smile.
The woman didn’t smile back. Instead she just looked at her registration book and asked, “Who took your reservation?”
“I believe the girl’s name was Kate,” he said. “This is Lucy, my fiancée.”
The woman looked at Lucy, a wary expression crossing her features. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucy,” she said. “Welcome to Summitville. I’m Marie. Have you been here before?”
Lucy was so taken aback by the rudeness Marie had shown to Jami that it took her a few seconds to respond. “It’s nice to meet you, too, and no, this is my first time here.”
“I hope you have a lovely stay, and please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.” The smile dropped from Marie’s face as she turned back to Jamie and said, “Mr. Whitcomb, can you sign here please?”
Jamie took the pen and signed his name.
“Joey, come help with Mr. Whitcomb’s bags please.”
A boy who looked to be about sixteen took their bags. Marie asked Lucy if she would like a tour of the house.
Lucy glanced at Jamie, who nodded his head encouragingly. But his smile was strained, and when he said, “You go on,” in a quiet voice, she was even more confused.
“I’d love a tour,” she said, thinking that maybe she could figure out what was going on here without having to ask Jamie.
Marie came around the desk.
