Page 51 of Easton Island

“I can’t speak for them, but if I were in their shoes, I could see the positives as well as the negatives. Jobs for the islanders. Tax dollars to pay for improvements. Additional customers for Easton Harbor and Locke Village businesses.”

“And the negatives?”

“Some of the islanders, especially the old-timers, aren’t keen on change.”

“But not all islanders are opposed to progress,” he insisted.

“Progress? No. Being overrun and not having the infrastructure to support all the visitors?” She gave him a thumb-down.

“I probably shouldn’t admit this, but if we don’t get the approval, our project is dead in the water. Everything hinges on getting them…getting her to agree to an easement.”

Quinn noted a hint of desperation in his eyes and voice.

“Scrapping the resort would be a major blow to the real estate investment group. If you had to take a wager on my odds, what do you think my talking them into it is?”

“I honestly don’t know. Maybe fifty-fifty.”

A hopeful glimmer lit his eyes. “I would be forever grateful if you could help me arrange a meeting. Running into Mrs. Ainsworth is turning into an impossible task.”

“I’m sure Elizabeth has heard about the project. She’s aware of everything that happens on Easton Island. I don’t doubt she also knows you need her…their consent,” Quinn said.

“She does,” Travis confirmed. “I could use a friend, an ally, to help me plead my case. Would you be willing to do me a small favor and play the middleman?”

Quinn pressed her palms together, reminding herself she was also an outsider, albeit with an insider link. She could see both sides: how building the upscale resort and spa would benefit Easton Harbor and Locke Village, not to mention the schools, hospital, police and fire departments.

It might also destroy the island’s charm, and she would hate to see that happen. Quinn loved Easton Island and was perfectly content to see it remain the same forever. But change was inevitable, even on this tiny strip of land situated smack-dab between Canada and the United States.

Easton Harbor already had a spa, but with limited services. A high-end luxury facility, upscale restaurants, lounges, the whole shebang sounded exciting. On the plus side, it would be built on the eastern side where it wouldn’t necessarily interrupt the daily lives of the islanders.

Elizabeth hadn’t mentioned it…had not breathed a word in casual conversation. Maybe because she knew the resort was a “no go” unless the family approved.

“What do you say?” Travis pleaded.

“I’m having dinner with Brett and will talk to him about it.”

“About possibly arranging a meeting so I can pitch the project to the Eastons? This would be huge. I would owe you a debt of gratitude.”

“A lifetime of complimentary spa visits?” she joked.

“Whatever it took.”

“If I agree, it’s only because you need to stop showing up here, trying to drag me into your problems.”

“I’ll take whatever reason I can get. Thank you for agreeing to help.” Travis, in a much improved mood, strolled out of the gallery.

“Dude,” Quinn briefly closed her eyes. “I am not on your side.”

Chapter 23

Quinn gave the fettuccine sauce a final stir and sampled it, deeming it the perfect blend of creaminess with a hint of garlic. She poured the sauce over the al dente pasta, mixing it well before placing it alongside the breadsticks and salad. Glasses of sparkling water completed the table setting.

She turned to find Esther, her rescue pup, standing nearby, monitoring her every move. “Brett is coming for dinner. Let’s both be on our best behavior.” Quinn patted her head. “What do you think he’s going to say when I tell him about Travis’s visit and how he asked for my help?”

From the moment Travis exited the gallery, she’d regretted giving him the time of day. Brett was already suspicious of the guy and his motives…for good reason.

Granted, he was charming and a smooth talker, but she wasn’t attracted to him, not in the way her boyfriend seemed to think. Would broaching the subject backfire and blow up in her face? It was entirely possible.

How she presented his request would be key. For the umpteenth time, she scolded herself. She should’ve flat-out refused to help the dude and told him to leave.