Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Uncle Richard’s bushy eyebrows arch into a “What the hell is going on?” position. “Which building is this? I don’t recall us discussing any other development projects for HG.”
Garrett sighs. “It’s not for HG.”
His uncle’s lips twist as he stares down his nephew for one … two … three seconds.
And I wait with bated breath for the dust to settle on whatever secret of Garrett’s I just unearthed.
But when Richard speaks, his voice is calm and collected. “Justine, I apologize for any miscommunication that may have taken place between you two. It was certainly not on behalf of HG. We would never condone such behavior as what you’re describing.” A sharp glare cuts to Garrett. “As far as Revive is concerned, I can assure you I have every intention of adding to the charm of Polson Falls rather than detracting from it. The last thing I want to do is lose the small-town feel that everyone appreciates. I myself have recently purchased a home in the area because of this charm. But I can understand your apprehension. Perhaps seeing the new building design may ease your worries.”
It seems I’m sitting across from the real boss. “You have the plans handy?”
“I don’t.” He looks to Garrett.
“Still a few final touches to go before I’m comfortable sharing them broadly.”
“I wouldn’t call myself ‘broad,’” I air-quote that word with my fingers.
“I’ll bet you’re louder than a town crier,” Garrett mumbles under his breath.
“I’ll leave it to your discretion. You are spearheading this project, after all.” Richard wipes his mustache with a napkin, though it was clean. “It was nice to meet you, Justine. I’ll keep you in mind when I require the name of that assisted living center, though I suspect it will be quite some time. Garrett, I expect a phone call within the hour.” That last part is delivered as an order more than a request.
With that, Richard slides from the booth, collects a wool jacket hanging on a hook, and strolls out, offering a casual wave to a few tables on his way past.
“You are unbelievable.” Garrett slumps in his seat.
“Thank you. I get that a lot from the men in my life.” I move to sit on the vacant side of the booth. “So, your silver fox uncle is the developer, huh?”
“He owns the company, yes.”
I pick a cold fry off his plate and pop it into my grinning mouth. Yes, it could be considered gross, but I’ve had far worse in my mouth, and the pint of beer I have waiting for me will wash away his germs.
“What are you so happy about?” Garrett regards me warily, as if waiting for me to do something rash, like throw this empty pint glass at his head.
“Someone’s getting in trouble,” I deliver in a singsong voice.
“I’m not getting in trouble.” He tugs at a shirt cuff. “What I manage for HG and what I invest in on my own are two different things.”
“HG … I’ve seen that around town.”
He smirks. “You mean on billboards for development projects?”
“Your uncle’s the one who’s been playing with Polson Falls like it’s his own personal Lego set. I knew I’d seen that mustache somewhere.” In the local newspaper.
“Harrington Group has helped bring to life much of what the elected officials envisioned for the future of this town,” Garrett answers coolly.
“Wow, did a politician coach you on that answer?”
He smiles with his teeth and there’s nothing jovial about it. “Is there something specific you needed from me tonight, or did you just come here to embarrass me in front of my boss and ruin my evening?”
“You’ve ruined Ned’s whole week. His weekend, too, so I figure repaying the favor is the least I could do.”
A look flickers across Garrett’s face but vanishes in the next breath. “If you want to make me the bad guy for buying Todd’s building, go ahead. It doesn’t change anything.”
“You didn’t buy it. Your uncle did.”
“Your point?”
I shrug. “No point, other than that’s almost like your daddy buying it for you.”
His jaw tenses. “I work directly under my uncle and, like you heard, I’m leading this project.”
“So you’re a baby developer.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Why do you want Ned’s place?” Because clearly that’s not part of HG’s plan.
“I want to own it.”
“So you can tear it down?”
“I didn’t say that.”
I wait for him to elaborate.
He sighs. “Property value around here has gone up ten to twenty percent year over year for the past five, and it’s not going to stall. There are two more residential developments in the works on the south side of town, and they’re about to announce the extension of the rail line, connecting Polson Falls to Philadelphia. When that happens, there’s going to be a flood of commuters looking for more affordable housing. Buying commercial real estate on Main Street now is a smart move for the long run.”