Melody responded by patting the back of his hand that held hers. “Thank you.” She glanced around the restaurant with its dark paneled walls and candlelit chandeliers. The candles weren’t real but offered a soft, flickering glow that added to the rustic atmosphere. “Tell me why this is your favorite restaurant. I would have taken you for one of those who likes the fancy, elegant dining experiences.”
“For business meetings, yes. I thought you’d enjoy the quiet, homey atmosphere.” He finally released her hand, knowing he was pushing his luck. This was no time to make her more uncomfortable with his boyhood crush that refused to go away. Most likely, she took him for a rich snob, which he could be at times. When circumstances required that side of him. But he hated that Jeremy Grimwood with a passion.
“Plus, I love Italian food and this is the best place to get it. It reminds me of my year in Sicily and Rome.”
“When did you go there?”
“For my twenty-first birthday. I was only supposed to stay a month, but I refused to come home and ended up traveling around.” He grinned with a shrug. “I fell in love with Italy, what can I say? Father was furious with me and cut off my allowance. It didn’t matter, I worked my way from town to town. I didn’t even mind if I was busing tables, washing dishes, or taking care of lawns.”
Melody’s mouth gaped open. “Your father cut you off?”
“Sure did. Wouldn’t send me a penny. Canceled all my credit cards, everything. He said if I was going to demand my independence, then he wanted me to enjoy the full effects of my freedom.”
She continued to smile at him as if he were a complete stranger to her.
He waved his hand. “Because he completely cut me off, I came home after just a year. And that’s only because Suzette was caught sending me money and Dad threatened to cut her off, too, if she didn’t stop. Once I realized that my dishwashing money really wouldn’t take me far, I gave up and returned home.”
“Suzette? She always was a softy.” Melody covered her mouth as she laughed out loud, then looked around nervously. They were practically the only diners in their area. Jeremy had requested a quiet spot before he’d arrived. Jameson was always willing to comply with whatever Jeremy wanted.
“Long story short, I did learn some valuable lessons.” His shoulders started shaking from his laughter. “At least I tried, right? Give me some credit.”
All Melody would do is to continue shaking her head in disbelief. “I’m having a hard time believing that you’d go a year doing menial work.”
“Well, I did. Some. I was very good at budgeting what Suzette gave me. I only needed to work to earn a little extra for bus tickets when I was ready to move to a new place.” He sipped at his lemon water. “When I did return, I went straight to college and behaved myself. Dad eventually forgave me and put me back in his will.”
“You wild boy.” Melody teased. “My opinions of you have been shattered. Here I was under the assumption that you were some kind of snobby money man.”
“Oh, I’m that, too.” He winked. “You’re one-hundred percent right on.”
The waiter arrived with their appetizer. While they nibbled on the squash blossoms, Jeremy tried to push the conversation off himself and back to Melody. He wanted to know what she’d been doing over the past few years. He’d seen her at Dad’s funeral but was too wrapped up in taking care of Suzette who’d not handled the loss very well. Duncan hadn’t been the comforting type and Colton was still too raw from grieving over the loss of his wife that he’d ended up leaving before they put the casket in the ground.
“What have you been doing, Mel? Besides running a resort?” he asked.
“That’s it mainly. Trying to keep things running smoothly and my head above water. It’s a full-time job.” She didn’t seem too impressed with his choice of appetizers. Maybe he should have chosen the brochette, instead.
“I suppose it is, but surely you make time for other things. Are you seeing anyone?” He hoped not, but made himself ask anyway. He’d been sure there might have been something between her and that bartender. What was his name? Bart or Barty?
Yet, she shook her head. “No time to even think about relationships. Or dating. I hardly ever make the drive down the mountain into town, and that’s the only place I’ve been since your father’s funeral. Pathetic, isn’t it?”
Relief flooded him. He once again mentally reminded himself to not get his hopes up. He’d probably never get himself out of the friend-zone. His world made her uncomfortable. Which was another reason he’d picked this restaurant. It wasn’t somewhere he went with his business associates. This was his private haven and where he came when he simply needed a meal since he didn’t care to cook for himself.
He liked it because this place and his apartment were the only two places he didn’t have to put on airs. Didn’t need to worry if the paparazzi would get an unflattering picture of him, or worry that someone would judge his actions or question his behavior. Grimwood Financial Inc. had an image to uphold and Dad had drilled into Jeremy the importance of keeping up a stony, yet proper, front for the world to see.
Jeremy often wished he could rewind his life and choose to stay in Italy instead of returning home to his rigid life.
“What do you like best about your life?” he asked.
Melody stared ahead as if thinking over his question for a long moment. Finally, she said, “My employees are more like family, than just a group of people that I pay to do stuff. I love meeting new people. Even more, I love those who return again and again, because they’ve become my extended family. After Mom and Dad passed away, I felt like an orphan for a long time.”
Jeremy understood that feeling. Except, Dad had grown so cold after Mother died. Marcus Grimwood had sunk himself into work until his health also had taken a turn for the worst. He wasn’t a cruel man. But he was cold and aloof.
Jeremy was sure when he passed, that he was back with his wife, the one person he loved with all he had.
That love had been nothing more than a trickle to his children. Except for Suzette. She’d always been a daddy’s girl and remained one to his last day. Once Dad was gone, she left the Manor and took up her life with the same resolute vigor that he’d lived his.
Jeremy, on the other hand, felt he’d lost his chance to ever gain Dad’s respect after his year-long sabbatical. And he’d never managed to completely find a way into the old man’s good graces again.
“I’m glad you’ve found decent workers. They seemed like good people from what I could tell.” Their food arrived at that time.
“They are,” Melody stated, her gaze boring a hole through his chest. “And I’ll not risk doing anything that will harm them. That’s why I’ve been hesitant about asking for help. I know it’ll come at a price and them losing their livelihoods is not an option.”
Jeremy thanked the waiter and gave her a nod of understanding. He hoped that he would be able to meet her demands. But from what he’d seen in the reports they’d dug up on her resort, she was standing on crumbling ground and might have to take whatever offer came her way if she hoped to save her resort.
* * * *
The next day, Melody sat through the first two meetings, her hopes sinking like a boat with a hole in the hull. The first meeting was with a man representing one of the conglomerate resorts. They’d take Sky High off her hands. Jeremy had shot an annoyed look at his partner and shook his head, letting the man know that Melody was not interested in selling.
The second meeting didn’t go much better. The woman was willing on a partnership, but she wanted a larger share. Melody shook her head. She didn’t feel good about giving anyone that much control.
Melody was given a break for lunch. Jeremy had other work he needed to tend to in the afternoon. After he took her to lunch, he suggested that she return to the hotel and relax.
“I’ll stop in tonight. We’ll go over your spa idea. Maybe there’s something we can do with that.”
Melody wasn’t s
o sure, but she promised to gather all the information he needed to build a solid business proposal. She could tell Jeremy was as disappointed over the meetings as she was. Maybe even more. With a heavy heart, she got into the limo and had the driver take her back to the hotel.
During the ride, she remembered turning off her phone, so she dug it out to see if she’d missed any calls. Three messages came in. Two from Dr. Dottie, one from Harriet reporting that there was a large family party that had booked for the end of January. Then she’d asked how Melody’s day had gone.
Melody wasn’t sure what to tell them. There was nothing promising, so she merely responded with, We still have a lot of work to do and more meetings to come. I’ll keep you posted.
That was the best she could offer at the moment. Once she made it back to her hotel room, that was nearly the size of the restaurant and tavern put together, she opened the curtains and gasped at the sight below her. Instead of snow-capped mountains and dark green pines greeting her, she was surrounded by towering steel buildings as far as she could see. Beyond in the haze, she could make out water circling the city. Lights from the buildings flickered on as the sun sank in the west. Cars and people moved below like leaves caught in a river current.
The mountains had always put her in her safe-zone. This city made her feel small and insignificant. There was a wide, busy world zooming past her and she knew nothing about it. Was no part of. Had no idea how to even fit into it.
Pressing her forehead against the glass, she closed her eyes and sent up a prayer. “Lord, I feel lost in the wilderness here, even if it is a hub of civilization. Please help me find a way to keep my family’s business. It means everything to me.”
She turned away from the window and collapsed on her over-sized bed. Even it made her feel tiny like a speck of dust.
She wondered at her prayer. Would He listen to her plea? She’d admitted that the resort meant everything to her. Everything. Surely God understood, wouldn’t He?
Melody wasn’t so sure.
Chapter Six
Melody sat across the desk from Jeremy. He looked so important, bold, and determined as he looked over her files and made notes on his computer. He wore a black suit that clung to his form perfectly. Since he wasn’t paying attention to her, she was able to study his handsome face, the way his black hair was just long enough on top to keep its natural wave. Still, he kept it tame with some kind of gel.
His jacket was unbuttoned. She liked the crisp white shirt underneath and pale blue tie that matched his eyes, which were now staring back at her. A crooked smile pulled up the side of his mouth.
“You must be bored out of your mind, Mel. I’m sorry this is taking so long.” He clicked the mouse, which caused the printer on his bookshelf to come to life. He stood and buttoned his jacket.
Melody tried not to look disappointed. She simply couldn’t get over what a hottie her old buddy had become. She inwardly cringed. Stop it!
“No complaints from me,” she said, trying to keep her tone casual and her crazy emotions in check. “I’m not sure how I’ll ever make this up to you.”
“A free lifetime ski pass,” he stated, then smiled. “And a promise that you’ll go with me when I do come to visit.”
Were her cheeks as red as they felt? “I’m sure we can work something out.” Could this get any more awkward? He was probably laughing inside over her girlish behavior.
“Oh, our appointment just arrived.” He pointed at his computer where a notification had just popped up with a ding. “Are you ready?”
Melody nodded and stood, smoothing out her skirt and sweater. She hoped she looked professional enough for this meeting. Dressing to impress wasn’t her forte. She liked casual and comfortable. She followed Jeremy into the meeting room. As they walked, his hand caught hers and he offered her a reassuring smile. A friendly gesture, she told herself, nothing more.
“Good afternoon,” Jeremy said as he entered the room where Mr. Monroe was waiting with a tall, silver-haired woman wearing a bright red dress with a white scarf and matching designer bag.
Melody stopped in the doorway, her breath catching. She almost gasped, “Not her!” but stopped herself before the words tumbled from her lips.
Casting a questioning glance to Jeremy, he motioned for her to sit, then pulled out the chair beside her. Before he sat, he leaned over the table, his hand extended, and said, “Mrs. Ash, I appreciate you coming in today and being willing to hear Ms. Carson’s ideas about the Sky High resort.”
Melody couldn’t move. Aunt Evelina. The one they all referred to as The Ice Queen. And they didn’t mean it in a nice way. How could Jeremy do this to her? Surely, he knew…but then she wondered. Perhaps he didn’t know the past she had with this…woman…sitting across from her. One thing Melody did know. This next hour would be a complete waste of everyone’s time. There was no way she’d ever make any deals with her father’s step-sister. Never in a million years.
* * * *
Jeremy tried to keep his business composure, but it was hard. The moment Melody stiffened beside him, her eyes rounding into wide circles, he knew he’d made a terrible mistake inviting Evelina Ash. But Mike had been so adamant that Mrs. Ash was willing to help.
Well, there was nothing he could do about it now, except to push on through this meeting and hope for the best.
Opening the folder he’d brought with him, Jeremy cleared his throat then proceeded with the meeting. “Mrs. Ash—”
“Please, call me Evelina.” She removed her rose-tinted glasses and carefully set them on the table in front of her. She had an aloof demeanor, almost arrogant, which he was used to. “I remember you, dear boy. I remember your family quite well. Especially, your father, Marcus. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.”
Jeremy didn’t care for the way she smiled when talking about his father. He’d been faithful to their mother, but after she passed away…well, Jeremy didn’t care to even think about Dad’s so-called flings. Or the results of them.
Clearing his throat, Jeremy continued, “Thank you, Evelina. I see that in the past you’ve expressed your interest in—”
Evelina Ash turned to her niece. “I knew if I waited long enough, you’d run it into the ground. Now you’ve come groveling and begging for my help.”
“Not even,” Melody snapped. “Matter-of-fact—”
Jeremy cut her off, trying to regain control of the meeting, “What my client desires is to find an investor. Someone who will—”
“Hop on board a sinking ship?” Evelina finished, which wasn’t at all what Jeremy intended to say.
“No, I—”
Melody leaned forward, her hands gripping the edge of the table. “Sky High is not a sinking ship. We have plenty of people who come every year. People who simply want to ski without all the—”
“You’re fooling yourself, Melody. Your father would be so disappointed if he knew how you’ve mismanaged his business. It should have stayed in the Carson family.”
“It is in the Carson family,” Melody shot back. “And it’s staying in the Carson family. You, Auntie, are not a Carson. Not by blood, anyway. I’m not even sure why you’re interested in my little resort when you have so many to keep track of.”
Mrs. Ash’s lips pursed. Jeremy could see the anger building up like lava readying to spew from a volcano. “That resort belonged to my father, young lady. Blood or not, he gave me his name and that makes me just as legitimate as you. Watch yourself. You do not want to get on my bad side. I’ve come to see how I can help and this is how you treat me?”
Melody’s mouth hung open in shock. Jeremy pinched the bridge of his nose, then shot Mike an I-told-you-this-would-happen look.
Mike held up his hands. “Ladies, let’s take a breath, shall we? Ms. Carson, you came to us in need of help.”
Melody sank back into her chair, arms crossed over her chest. “I did not.” She glared hatefully at Jeremy and his heart sank. He was letting her down. He’d promised to help
and she was probably thinking that he’d thrown her to the wolves.
“No, I offered to help, Mike. Listen, I have a list of terms that Ms. Carson has asked me to present to you. Perhaps you’d prefer to take the package with you and look it over, Mrs. Ash. Then you can get back to us with your answer. If you don’t feel the terms are agreeable, then we’ll find someone else.”
“Really?” Evelina rested her chin on the knuckle of her well-manicured hand. Her inch-long nails were painted a dark red that matched her lips. For a moment, he had a horrifying image of a vampire, waiting to leap in for the kill. “I’m sure there’s a long line of investors…in your dreams.” She smacked her hand on the table. “You’ll lose everything, silly girl. Don’t be so stubborn. So like your mother. She never would see reason, either.”
Melody stood, knocking the chair back against the wall. “I’ve heard enough. I’d rather sell to a stranger than let you get your talons on my family’s resort, Auntie. I’m sorry, Jeremy. This meeting is over.” She stormed from the room.
Jeremy also stood, making his apologies. He pushed the folder packet that he’d prepared across the table. “Please forgive my needing to cut this meeting short. I’ll need to consult with my client, Mrs. Ash. If you’ll take a look over our proposal, maybe there’s still a chance we can work something out.”
“Not likely, Mr. Grimwood. Let me make myself clear. I know she’s in debt. Deeply in debt. I want that resort. It should have been mine from the very beginning. My father only gave it to Samuel because he was the only male in the family.” She jerked her thumb at her chest. “I was the older child. It should have gone to me!”
She slowly stood. “I’ve offered to allow that girl to remain as a manager. She won’t have to leave when I take over Sky High. Yes, I said when. Unless you want to see your client end up homeless and penniless, I suggest you find a way to convince her to play nice.”
Eveline shoved the folder back at him. “On my terms, not hers. Understand?”
My Charming Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 2) Page 6