Going Home
Page 27
She narrowed her eyes and studied him. “So Nonnee didn’t know?”
He looked at her and then away. “Not exactly.”
“I could have you reported and perhaps have your license taken away,” said Cami, “but then I guess I’m not the only client of yours who feels that way.”
“I did nothing wrong,” Dirk countered. “I got the information for the fund from a very reliable source. Believe me, you’re not the only person who has been hurt by this.”
Cami’s lips thinned. “So that makes it all right?”
He shifted in his chair and looked away from her.
“Did everyone in your office suggest their clients invest in this fund?”
He shook his head. “Mr. Berman didn’t like it, warned his clients against it.”
Cami leaned forward and gave him a steady stare. “I want this entire portfolio transferred to him immediately. Understand?”
“But ...”
“Stay right here. I’m calling him now.”
Dirk let out a snort of disgust. “You don’t have to do that.”
“But I do,” she said, with a calmness she had to force.
Cami scrolled through her contact list and tapped in the number. She was immediately put through to Russell Berman. He listened to her and then said, “I’d be honored to work with Lettie Chandler’s funds, and now yours. I suggest going over everything, making sure that the remainder of the money is placed in safe, conservative funds.”
“But Mr. Berman, what am I going to do? I need money to pay for the renovation of rooms.” Cami felt like crying, but she refused to break down in front of Dirk.
“The market is volatile right now. Hold off on spending any money until I get things sorted out. Then, you and I can talk about the renovation of rooms.”
“Okay, but the hotel manager isn’t going to be happy about it,” sighed Cami. As she hung up, she wondered why she felt as betrayed by Dirk as she had been by Bernard.
“Okay, Dirk,” said Cami, getting to her feet. “I think we’re done here.”
He rose and turned to go, then turned back to her. “Maybe we could have dinner sometime.”
Hysterical laughter bubbled inside her. He’d ruined her future and was asking for a date?
“Really? I don’t think so. Goodbye, Dirk.”
Later, repeating that conversation to Becca, she said, “Can you believe it?”
“Yes. Have you taken a look at yourself? Thin, but with curves any guy would go for, you’re a stunning woman with that strawberry-blond hair and dark eyes. I’d kill for your looks.”
Cami wrapped an arm around Becca. “You’re adorable. Being short isn’t bad, you know.”
“And being a little round?” Becca said with an arched eyebrow.
“Cuddly and warm. I’ve seen the looks Jonathan Knight gives you.”
Becca made a face. “Jonathan is in love with himself. Haven’t you noticed?”
The two of them looked at each other and laughed. Tall and broad-shouldered, Jonathan carried himself with confidence. His dark hair, green eyes, and strong features were undeniably attractive. His attitude, not so much.
“For the time being, I’ve given up on men,” said Cami with feeling.
“Not me.” Becca grinned. “And you have to admit that Dirk Evans is one hot guy.”
“Yeah, but looks aren’t everything, Becca.” Cami recalled how handsome she’d thought Bernard was. Now, the memory of his face as he leaned down to kiss her made her stomach fill with acid.
###
Cami’s meeting with Jonathan went no better than her talk with Dirk.
“You can’t tell me the renovation program I’ve planned is kaput,” he groused, sitting in the office he’d assigned her. “The timing of it is perfect. Cold winter months are slow at the inn. And if we’re going to raise rates, we need to refresh the rooms.”
“I don’t have any answers yet,” Cami said. “But give me time to come up with a plan.”
Jonathan’s lip curled with derision that matched his tone. “How can we work things out if we don’t have the money to do it? It’ll take a miracle.”
Cami held up a hand to stop him. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, Jonathan. That’s all I can promise right now.”
His silence screamed his anger as he stormed out of the office.
Cami watched him leave, determined to show him just who she was. A Chandler and a Lopez.
About the Author
Judith Keim enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
A hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes, Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love. Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed this book. If you have, please help other readers discover it by leaving a review on the site of your choice. And please check out the Hartwell Women Series, the Fat Fridays Group, the Salty Key Inn Series, and The Beach House Hotel series. ALL THE BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN AUDIO on iTunes! So fun to have these characters come alive!”
Ms. Keim can be reached at www.judithkeim.com And to like her author page on Facebook and keep up with the news, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judith-Keim/184013771644484?ref=aymt_homepage_panel.
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Acknowledgements
Because I had an idea for a new series, my husband, Peter, and I traveled to the Willamette Valley in Oregon to get a feel for the area and to learn more about grape growing and winemaking there. The fact that pinot noir is my favorite wine may have been a factor. In selecting a place to stay, I wanted to experience something that I could envision in a book. We chose Youngberg Hill. Situated at the top of a hill overlooking rolling landscape below, this inn was the perfect place. Chandler Hill Inn is based on our experiences there.
I wish to thank Wayne Bailey and his wife, Nicolette Nickolau, for being so gracious to us, as they are to all their guests. Wayne patiently answered my many, sometimes foolish questions. Some of his ideas about organic farming were incorporated as part of Rex Chandler’s thinking in the book. Any things I didn’t get right are my fault, but I hope I’ve given readers a true sense of the valley and, more specifically, Youngberg Hill.