Page 82 of Just One Chance

I looked over at Boone, but his expression was carefully blank.

"I have handouts for you to look at the proposed costs of the furniture, purchased or handcrafted, and the possible timeline for completion and delivery."

I waited for everyone to look over the spreadsheets, and then I added, "Boone's work is so unique that it would fit best in the common areas and the suites on the top floor. The guests are paying a premium for the suites, and they expect more."

"I can understand that," Judy said, not taking her gaze away from the spreadsheet.

The numbers were very clear. It was quicker and cheaper to purchase most of the furniture from suppliers. But I didn't want to forego using Boone's work entirely. Especially when his pieces were so nice. "Does anyone have any questions?"

"Your job is just to give recommendations? You don't stick around for the renovation itself?" Callum asked.

"I'm available for several months afterwards for follow-up questions. After that, you'd have to pay for my services to continue."

"So you're onto the next thing?" Malcolm asked.

"I'll decide on my next project soon, but I'm available to answer questions." I hated leaving a project, but it was time. Even if I'd fallen for Boone.

Raymond stood. "I appreciate the hard work you did and can't wait to see everything come together."

"I'm excited to see the final result as well. I really think the snow room will be the attraction everyone will talk about. And the renovations will be the perfect fit for your inn."

"I think they will be," Judy added. "Thank you again for traveling here and spending time with us."

"And putting up with grumpy Boone," Hunter joked.

"He wasn't so bad once I got to know him." I hoped I hadn't given anything away by that statement.

There were a few more questions about timing and cost, and then I packed up my things, leaving the photos and artwork. I figured they'd want to talk about my suggestions. But my work here was done. I'd be in contact with them to answer any questions they might have and coordinate work with the artist if they wanted to showcase her work, but I could do that virtually. There was no need for me to stick around.

I went to my room, the one that I'd barely spent any time in lately, and started to sort through my emails. I needed to focus on something besides what the Harts were discussing. And deciding on my next job seemed to be the best choice.

I ordered room service and kept reading, stopping to research a particular company here and there. I'd narrowed it down to five possibilities by the time I realized it was dark outside and I hadn't heard from Boone.

I wondered how he felt about the meeting. We'd discussed most of it. My suggestions shouldn't have been a surprise. But maybe he'd changed his mind and wanted his furniture in all the rooms.

That's when another email came through marked Urgent. Barrett, my contact at one of my top five companies, was asking if I could start right away. There was a bonus in it for me.

I'd never received anything like this before. I usually named my price, and there were companies willing to pay it. But I'd never been offered money to move someone up the list, or to come sooner. This was an interesting idea, and I wanted to take it.

It was too much money to pass up. I could put a huge chunk of it in savings. It was exactly the security I needed after buying the beach condo. Plus the job was in New York. It was a challenge I wanted to take on. Barrett had seen my plans for a snow room, and wanted to know what I could do for his hotels.

It was exactly what I needed to move my career forward. I'd planned on spending a few more days with Boone, but I couldn't pass on the offer I'd get to leave now.

I checked the airport for flights, and emailed Barrett. I'd be crazy not to go. Besides Boone hadn't asked me to stay. He wanted to move on, and I should too.

23

BOONE

After Kennedy's presentation, she'd left the room so that we could discuss her suggestions. I'd already known what she was going to say, and I was okay with it. I thought it was the only solution that made sense, and I told my family that.

I thought they were expecting me to be upset that I wasn't supplying all the furniture, but I had a new plan for the business going forward. I would always stock rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables. In fact, I was able to work a deal with the local hardware store to stock them.

Gina was already working on the website outlining the things that were always in stock and ready to order, along with custom items like dining room tables and bookshelves that required us to collect more information about the type of wood and measurements.

I was excited about the prospect of selling directly to people instead of relying on referrals. Not that word hadn't already gotten around. I'd been stopped in town and told how excited people were about the fact that certain items would be available for purchase year-round.

That was the biggest change for me. I only accepted custom orders when I had time to fulfill them. I'd been so busy with the brewery's items, I hadn't had time to take on many other ones. But now, I could focus on a different way to run the business that would sustain me year-round.