by Terra Little
Laurent smiled. “No, sir, I don’t.”
“I’ve made one important promise to my employees. As long as they want to work here, I will have a job for them. And yet there is no mention at all of the existing staff in your deal.”
Laurent licked his lips and sat a little taller, ready to address the older man’s concern, when Mr. Patel started again.
“It’s not just the staff I’m concerned about. We also host a number of community meetings, as well as social events, sometimes for free. Now, while we’re not expecting you to promise us anything, we do want to sell this place to someone who understands its standing within the community, and who will continue the tradition we’ve set forth. I shared my concerns with your father earlier this year. I thought we had somewhat of an understanding in that regards.” He pushed the papers Laurent had given him to Arjun, sitting next to him.
Laurent took a deep breath. “I understand your concerns and—”
“I don’t think you do,” Mr. Patel said, shaking his head. “Tell me what you know about our fair city.”
Laurent had prepared for everything—except that question. He recited some information he’d read off the internet and talked about his experience over the last couple of days. It wasn’t good enough.
Arjun spoke up. “My family owes a great deal to this city. They have supported us and allowed us to flourish over the years. I believe what my father is trying to say is, he’d like to see a bid that’s more inclusive with respect to the legacy we have built here. Not that you have an obligation to do so...but that is what he’d like to see.”
Laurent nodded. “Anyone in the community will still be able to use the hotel in the same fashion as before.”
Mr. Patel cleared his throat. “You mentioned that you had brunch at the Coleman House on Sunday. They’re a small bed-and-breakfast that stays in business because of the great customer service and hospitality they provide. Everyone in the county and surrounding counties knows of their reputation. Well, the Rival Hotel has that same type of reputation in the community. We’re not just a big-box hotel—we’re a part of every family in this town. If you want to know how I know that, I’ll tell you. Recently, I was diagnosed with cancer, and I don’t know if we could have survived some of the rough times without the support of the people of Danville. When I walk away from this hotel, it will be to get some much-needed rest.”
Laurent exchanged eye contact with every man sitting across from him before settling his gaze on Mr. Patel. He gave an understanding nod and used a gentler tone. “I’m truly sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know that must have been a hard time for your family. I think I have a better perspective as to what you’re looking for now. Give me a few days to talk this over with my family, and I’d love to sit down with you again.”
The Patel men glanced at one another before Mr. Patel nodded.
Laurent hadn’t fully understood what his father meant when he said they wanted someone a little more relatable. He’d assumed Martin Enterprises’ power and wealth had gotten in the way of the deal, which was why he’d come dressed down. However, what Mr. Patel wanted was someone more in touch with the community they served, possibly on the same level as the community. What he’d anticipated to be a slam dunk seemed to have hit the rim and bounced off.
* * *
The oven buzzer sounded, and Tracee pulled herself from the chair and walked over to the stove. The kitchen of the bed-and-breakfast smelled of ginger and pumpkin as she pulled two tins of cupcakes from the oven and set them on a cooling rack. She’d spent the last two days baking and working on her business plan. Earlier when she detailed her time with Laurent to Mae, she told her she didn’t expect to see him again, and that was the truth. The man could have left town by now for all she knew. Still, she couldn’t believe she’d let him kiss her.
“Oh my God! Something smells good in here.” Corra entered the kitchen with a couple of grocery bags in hand.
Tracee glanced over her shoulder while pulling containers from the cabinet for the muffins. “Cupcakes for dessert tonight.”
“What are you still doing here? I thought you got off at noon today,” Corra asked, setting the bags on the table.
“Aunt Rita’s still a little under the weather, so I thought I’d hang out and help with dinner preparations.” Two bags of candy slid from Corra’s groceries as she began putting things away. “Isn’t it kind of early to buy Halloween candy? It’s three weeks away still.” Tracee asked.
“Yeah but, we’re having a party. Instead of letting the kids go door to door at home, I’ve decided to invite a few families out here, and we’ll have a Coleman House bed-and-breakfast Halloween party.”
“That’s nice,” Tracee said, as she found lids for her containers in another drawer.
“Is everything okay?” Corra asked.
Tracee nodded. “Yeah. Just fine, why?”
“Because you aren’t your normal bubbly self. How was the party Tuesday night? I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.”
Tracee shrugged. “It was nice. We turned the deck up.”
Corra stood by the counter and inhaled the aroma coming from the cupcakes. “Did you make enough for me to have one?” she asked.
“I made enough for everyone to have two.” She popped one out and handed it to Corra, and then took another one for herself. She flopped down at the table to consume it. One thing Tracee had always prided herself on was not eating her own sweets. The more she baked, the less she ate. She missed her little sister, Kyla, who could eat her cupcakes and not gain a pound. She, on the other hand, was another story.
Corra sat down next to her. “Okay, what’s up? Your sweets live on my hips, but it isn’t often that you consume your own product. What’s got you on the cupcake crack?” Corra asked.
Tracee smiled and shook her head. She loved her cousin. “Nothing, really. I was just thinking about this guy I met Tuesday night.” She removed the paper from her cupcake.
“What about him?” Corra asked before biting into her treat.
Tracee shrugged, now wishing she’d never said anything. “He just seemed like a nice guy. He joined our little party on the deck.”
“Did you get his number?”
Tracee shook her head. “No, he’s from California. For all I know, he’s probably gone back by now.”
Corra shrugged while they sat in silence eating their cupcakes. Then Tracee’s cell phone rang. She walked over and picked it up from the kitchen counter. The caller ID displayed a number she didn’t recognize, but she answered it anyway.
“Hello,” she said, with as much excitement as a slug.
“Hey, Tracee?”
Her eyes popped the minute she recognized Laurent’s voice. “Yes.”
“It’s Laurent. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time?”
“No, you didn’t.” She hadn’t thought she’d ever see or hear from him again.
“Good. It looks like I’m going to be in town for a couple more days, so I thought maybe I could ask you for a tour of the city, and take you to dinner afterward?”
She smiled. He wanted to see her again. “I don’t mind giving you a tour at all, but you’ve been here at least four days—haven’t you gotten out?”
“Very little. But I’d like an insider’s perspective. And if I’m being honest, I’d like to see you again.”
She turned her back to Corra. “Sure, I’d like that, too. What day did you have in mind?”
“How about this afternoon when you get off work? Unless you have other plans.”
Her hand immediately ran to her unruly hair. “I’m actually working late this evening, so how about tomorrow?”
“Great. When and where should I pick you up?” he asked.
“How about here at the bed-and-breakfast around 1:00 p.m. Do you remember how to get here?”
“It’s in my G
PS. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“I’ll be waiting.” Tracee set the phone down and turned back to Corra.
“Was that him?” Corra asked.
Tracee nodded. “He wants a tour of the town, from a local’s perspective.”
“Huh. Sounds like an excuse to ask you out. And I didn’t mean to be listening, but did you say he’s been here before?”
Tracee returned to the table. “He came to Sunday brunch with his friend Sam Kane and his wife. Sam’s one of a handful of black professors at Centre College.”
“So, is your guy cute?” Corra asked with arched brows.
Tracee wrinkled up her nose and nodded fast. “Not to mention funny, and he’s a gentleman. He walked me to my car at the end of the night and helped me with my packages.” She stopped short of telling her about the kiss.
“Well, I can’t wait to meet him. I’ll be here tomorrow afternoon when he picks you up.”
Tracee rolled her eyes. “You would be.”
“Hey, I have to let Kyla know about this guy. We all know how picky you can be.”
Tracee’s mouth fell open. That old argument again. “I am not picky. I just have standards.”
They debated Tracee’s choice in men until Corra’s daughter, Katie, burst into the kitchen to notify her mother that her brother, Jamie, had taken off on one of the bicycles the bed-and-breakfast had for guests—without asking permission.
Corra jumped up from the table. “That boy knows better.” She turned back to Tracee before running out. “Well, maybe you didn’t get his number, but I see he’s got yours.”
Tracee crossed her arms and poked out her bottom lip. How did he get my number?
* * *
As soon as Tracee finished working Friday afternoon, she went into the bathroom to freshen up before Laurent showed. A tour of the town wasn’t exactly a date, but dinner afterward was. So, tonight she had a date with an attractive guy from California. In some ways, Laurent reminded her of her father. Before her parents lost their farm, her father had worn overalls most of the day, but when he took her mother out he had great taste in clothes. He never looked trendy, but he invested in classic pieces that never went out of style.
The bell over the front door jingled, and Tracee’s hand froze in midstroke. That was Laurent. She quickly finished powdering her face and applied some lipstick. By her calculations, Tayler should be manning the front desk at this hour. She hurried into the back closet and grabbed her jacket. She turned down the hall and walked out into the lobby just as Corra walked through the front door.
Laurent turned from Tayler behind the reception counter to Tracee coming down the hall. She fought hard not to blush all over the place and give this guy a clue that she was excited to see him again.
“Oh, here she comes now,” Tayler said as she gestured toward Tracee.
Not since Kyla was dating Jackson had Tracee seen such smiles on Tayler and Corra’s faces. She introduced everyone before letting Tayler know she’d be returning later for her car. She was glad they got a good look at him in case he turned out to be some type of serial killer or something.
They walked out to Laurent’s rental car, and he held the door open for her. He resembled the clean-cut, could-possibly-be-boring boy next door, but he was the finest boy next door she’d ever seen.
“This is a nice place, with a nice reputation,” he said as he held the door.
“Looked us up, did you?”
“Before I came to brunch, I did a little research.” He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in.
“I’m glad you were impressed. My cousins have put a lot into the bed-and-breakfast and the organic farm. Their parents would be proud.”
He started the car. “What happened to their parents?”
“They died years ago in a car accident. Rollin’s sister, Corra, only joined the business two years ago. Now it’s truly a family affair.”
Laurent nodded as he drove down the long driveway from the bed-and-breakfast toward the main road. He stopped at the end of the driveway. “Which way?”
“Take a left. We’ll start on Main Street.”
“Near the hotel?” he asked.
“Unless you already know that area,” she said.
“No, that’s fine. I know very little about this town, other than what I found on the internet. But you know how that is—every city puts its best self on display. I’m looking for the inside scoop.”
“What are you, an investigative reporter or something?” she asked, laughing.
He shook his head. “Nothing like that.” Then he glanced over at her. “Like I said, my trip’s been extended, and I wanted to see you again. What better excuse than to spend some time getting the lay of the land?”
She shrugged. “You could have just asked me out.”
“I thought I did,” he said.
“Not under the pretense of wanting a tour.”
“But I really do want the tour. I’m interested in the town. So, show me everything.”
Tracee laughed. “Okay, this should take all of a couple of hours.”
Minutes later, Laurent drove down Main Street while Tracee pointed out important landmarks and fun places to dine and shop.
“I swear, your main street reminds me of a movie set—everything looks so pristine and quaint. The only things missing are the vintage cars. It’s Norman Rockwellish, if you know what I mean.”
She crossed her arms. “I do, but don’t let the good looks fool you now.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Behind each and every one of these little shops, there’s a story to tell. Some of the stories are scandalous, and some not so much. We have a lot of family-owned businesses in the area. And where there’s family, there’s drama.”
“Intriguing! Family-owned businesses are pretty big in small towns, I’m starting to gather.”
“In a lot of cases, there’s not enough business for the big chains, so you’re right. Then there’s always a few people who don’t want to stay in the family business. My brother, Gavin, used to work with my father on our small family farm. The way they lost the farm was dramatic for sure, but now Gavin’s a technician at LSC Communications.”
“How many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“One of each. Both younger than me.”
“So, you’re the big sister.”
“That I am.” She turned and glanced out the passenger side window. “Why don’t you park along here somewhere? You can see downtown better on foot.”
Laurent parallel parked in front of an antique-furniture store. They got out of the car and strolled leisurely along the quaint historic buildings. Tracee took him inside a shop that showcased works by local artists. It didn’t take long to work their way up one side of the street and then down the other.
“I don’t see a lot of us around here,” he commented.
“And you won’t. We do have an African American population, but probably nothing like what you’re used to in California.”
He nodded. “I see. So, what do you do around here for fun, other than hang at the pizza parlor?”
Tracee shrugged. “Around here we make our own fun. Then there’s always Lexington or some of the other surrounding cities to visit.”
“I guess Sam was right.”
“About what?”
“I asked him the same thing. His reply was, find a good woman and settle down.”
Tracee laughed. “It’s not that bad. Small-town living is all about family. My parents live not far from me, and my brother and his family aren’t that far, either. My little sister lives in Lexington. Do you live close to your family?”
“My brothers live in Santa Clara, which isn’t far from me, but they travel a lot. My father lives in Palo Alto, even closer to me, however, he recently remarried
and, well, he’s enjoying his new bride.”
“Your parents are divorced?”
“No, my mom died when I was in high school.”
Tracee stopped and looked at him. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” Laurent looked up at the ice cream shop in front of them. “How about a scoop?”
Tracee looked into the window of the shop where one of her friends used to work. “Sure, come on. I’ve got a good story about this place.”
Chapter 7
They sat and enjoyed ice cream while Tracee told him more stories about some of the people she knew who worked in downtown Danville. She hoped this was the type of inside scoop he wanted. After the ice cream shop, they finished the tour of downtown and made their way back to the car.
Tracee took him over to the Dr. Ephraim McDowell House for a guided tour of the home where the first American surgical procedure was performed. The little woman who led the tour was so sweet, and Tracee learned a thing or two herself. Then she walked him by Constitution Square and the original log post office that served as the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains. By the time they finished with those spots, Tracee was starving.
Upon walking out of the little post office building, Laurent said, “As interesting as it all was, I think I’ve had about enough history for one day. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
“I’m famished,” she replied.
“Cool, where can we grab a bite?”
“Do you like Cheddar’s?” she asked.
He turned his head sideways. “I don’t believe I’ve heard of it.”
“It’s American cuisine, with reasonable prices. I think you’ll like it.” If he enjoyed fish, he’d be able to get some there.
He smiled. “Okay, if you say so.”
Within minutes, they were sitting in Cheddar’s across the table from each other, enjoying an appetizer and a glass of iced tea.