Page 6 of Worth the Trouble

Flustered, Cecelia closed her laptop. “I don’t think I’m the person you think I am.”

Kelsey laughed. “Don’t worry about it.” Her eyes swept over Cecelia’s form. “I could pick you out of a crowd. Your clothes practically announced you the minute you entered the lobby.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Anyway, it’s not the end of the world if you want to build something. But maybe you could use some advice?”

“And what would that be?” Cecelia hedged.

“I’d consider a different plot of land, honestly. This town isn’t dead set against change. It’s more like you’re trying to throw a frog into hot water. Ease into it, you know? Let them get to know you and see the dreams you have for a place like this. Maybe as an act of good faith, offer something they can’t refuse. Whatever you’re planning, just make sure that you keep to the core values.”

Core values.

She made an excellent point. There had been projects they’d worked on in the past where they’d catered to the towns. But those communities were open to discussion. They were willing to compromise on certain things.

But Rocky Ridge?

They were as flexible as a metal pole.

Cecelia nodded. “That makes sense. I’ll make sure to pass that on to my—” She cut herself off before she could reveal her boss was her father. “Boss,” she finished. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to have all the advice he can get.” Probably not. But if it was coming from Cecelia, he was more likely to consider it.

Kelsey nodded. “Great. And maybe consider a different location. I’m sure there are other spots that would be just as good. When you’re too close to civilization⁠—”

“There are several acres of land⁠—”

She laughed again, giving Cecelia the feeling that she was more carefree than the typical person. “You know country folk. People in the city don’t mind being sandwiched together. It’s just their way of life. But out here? You’re breathing down someone’s neck if you can see their house from your front porch.”

Cecelia’s mouth dropped open. No, she hadn’t considered that perspective, but it did make sense. She snapped her mouth shut before she got caught looking like a fish. “Thanks.” She didn’t know what she was thanking her for this time, but it felt like the only reasonable thing to say.

Kelsey stood up. “Anyway, I’m heading out. Good luck with everything.” Then she winked and zipped her lips. “Don’t worry. Like I said, I won’t say a thing.”

Cecelia watched her go, stunned from their interaction. That had been interesting. It made her wonder what Kelsey’s sisters were like. She grinned after a few minutes. As far as locals were concerned, Kelsey wasn’t half bad. Neither was Wendy, for that matter. Maybe she’d have a better experience this time around than she thought.

Her thoughts were pulled from Kelsey when her phone lit up. It started to ring over and over, causing a few people nearby to glance in her direction with irritation. She scrambled to pick it up and answer.

“Hey, girl!” Brittany’s chipper voice came through so loud that Cecelia had to lower the volume. “It feels like forever.”

“It’s been two weeks.” Cecelia laughed. She gathered her things and headed for the elevators.

Britt was her best friend, the one person besides her father who knew she wanted her own company, and the one person who didn’t agree with her father about whether she was ready. Cecelia let her talk about her dating life and said nothing about a cowboy in a sweets shop. Britt would have her staking out the place by morning.

“So, you getting any closer to starting your business?” Britt asked as Cecelia reached her door. “You’ve had some time to do more planning, haven’t you?”

“My dad thinks I need more experience under my belt.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before. Tell him after this project you’d like to reevaluate.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Cecelia admitted, pulling out her card. “We’ll chat later. Promise.”

Cecelia tossed her computer and phone onto her bed. She glanced around the beautiful room and sighed. These four walls were closing in on her. She’d enjoyed the seating area on the main floor. And she’d loved being in town.

Maybe she could scope out some of the places in town and do her work away from the lodge. That thought took hold, and she reached for her phone to do it when it rang in her hand. She blinked. Wendy Gilley.

Wendy: Hey! I’m going out with some friends. Come along?

Cecelia’s thumb hovered over the notification. She was being invited to spend time with a group of women from town. If they were anything like Wendy or Kelsey, that sounded like it could be fun. It was later in the evening, and she didn’t know what that would entail.

Cecelia: What do you have in mind?

Wendy’s response was immediate.

Wendy: You ever been country dancing?