Welcome to Longborn

by MK McGowan

  Carolyn and her mother had a falling out 20 years ago, and they hadn’t spoken to each other since. Elizabeth didn’t know what caused the argument, but she always suspected it had something to do with the fact that Carolyn was gay. Which was weird, when she thought about it, because Aunt Louisa didn’t seem to have a problem with Elizabeth’s announcement years later.

  “Yeah, I heard about that. My brother called me when it happened,” Carolyn said. “I suspect that if he hadn’t needed money, I would have never known. How is she doing?”

  Elizabeth suspected as much. Louisa was in a very exclusive, very expensive nursing home in Dallas, and there was no way Carolyn’s brother could afford that.

  “She’s doing remarkably well. Her speech is a little slurred, and she favors her left side, but her mind’s still sharp. Mom takes her to church every Sunday, and I stop by and see her when I can. Last time I was there, she was starting a yoga class.”

  Elizabeth took a chance. “You should come home for a visit. I know she’d like to see you. She keeps that picture of you, the one taken in the boat with your dad, by her bed.” For a fleeting moment, it looked like Carolyn was about to cry.

  “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time. Mama’s not going to live forever. And, honestly, I’ve been missing the old place, missing home.”

  Elizabeth watched her cousin’s visage change from wistful to calculating in two seconds.

  “But I’m not going back as Carol Lynne, the family disgrace! I’m going back as Carolyn DeVries, of DeVries Development. And all those narrow, small-town minds can kiss my ass.”

  Elizabeth smiled and raised her glass. That’s the cousin she remembered.

  As the waiter cleared their table, Carolyn asked for more coffee and a pulled out pad and pencil. It was time to get down to business.

  “So, Elizabeth, what will it take for you to sell me the place? I’ve already purchased most of the land adjacent to it, the land south of the old quarry,” Carolyn said. “I could contest your ownership in court eventually, but I’d rather not do that. I’d like to buy the place now, outright.”

  “My lawyer says he can tie the case up in court for years. And you’re not the only one with a legal claim. There’s your mother, my mother, not to mention if our brothers weigh in. It could get very messy, very quickly.” Elizabeth said all this in a disinterested tone. “Besides, I’m not interested in selling.” She paused. “But we might be able to work out some sort of partnership arrangement.”

  Carolyn was obviously surprised. “Even as a kid, you always were the smart cousin,” Carolyn admitted wryly. One of Carolyn’s skills was knowing when to shut up and listen. It had been awhile since she’d had to do it, but she did still remember how. “Go on,” she said, with an encouraging nod.

  Elizabeth rubbed her hands together. “Well, I’ve been thinking. Longborn needs several things – employment and a diversified economy. Our kids are leaving town right out of high school because there’s no reason for them to stay. And most of them aren’t coming back after college or the Army. The few new folks in the area drive through Longborn on their way to work in the city. They buy gas and the occasional burger, but they don’t contribute much else to the local economy. I don’t know how many people your enterprise would employ, but that and some tourist action might help revitalize the local economy.”

  Carolyn smiled. “I think we can help each other out, Elizabeth. Let’s go back to the office and talk to the others.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Darcy was at her desk unwrapping a sandwich from the downstairs vending machine when Helen called.

  “They’re back and want you in the conference room.”

  Darcy’s stomach jumped at the thought of seeing Elizabeth again. Still, she managed a cool reply. “I’ll be right there.”

  “And bring Charlotte. I can’t reach her on the phone. Her line’s busy,” Helen said crankily.

  “Of course. We’ll be right there.” Darcy walked across the hall and quickly knocked on Charlotte’s door before pushing it open. She found Charlotte with her feet on her desk and a smile on her face. “She called,” Charlotte said dreamily.

  “Really? Helen said your phone was busy. Anyway, let’s go,” Darcy ordered.

  “Go where?” Charlotte asked.

  “She wants us in the conference room,” Darcy said.

  “Jane’s in the conference room?” Charlotte leapt from her chair.

  “Jane? No. Carolyn. Carolyn wants us in the conference room. Wait, you talked to Jane?”

  Charlotte skidded to a stop, confused. She nodded her head. “Yeah, Jane is in town with Elizabeth. They’re here for Thanksgiving. Do you think this is it?”

  Darcy looked at her friend like she was crazy. “How would I know, Charlie? I think you’re the only one who can decide if she’s the one.”

  “Carolyn?” Charlotte was shocked by the idea.

  “No. Jane,” Darcy said, her exasperation starting to bleed through. “Listen, let’s get this meeting over with. Then, if we’re still employed, we can sort out your love life, okay?”

  Charlotte agreed, but she couldn’t resist adding, “So, do you think this is love?”

  Darcy groaned and pushed her friend out the door and toward the conference room.

  As they entered the room, Darcy noticed that Carolyn was sitting at the head of the table and that Elizabeth was sitting near the center. It looked like they were still waiting for Kate. Darcy grabbed the seat farthest from Elizabeth, and she tried hard not to stare. It was difficult because Elizabeth was looking straight at her.

  “Hi, Elizabeth,” Charlotte greeted their visitor. “I talked to Jane,” she said. She was so excited she couldn’t keep the good news to herself. “We’re going out tonight.”

  Carolyn noted this exchange with interest.

  “That’s great,” Elizabeth replied, honestly pleased. “It’s nice to know the feelings aren’t all one-sided.” She turned her attention back to Darcy.

  “How’s your injury?” Elizabeth asked.

  Darcy smiled grimly. “It’s better. Nary a festering pustule.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Elizabeth said with a smile.

  “Injury? What injury?” Carolyn asked. She didn’t like not knowing things.

  Elizabeth looked to Darcy for permission. Darcy nodded slightly, unsure exactly what Elizabeth might say.

  “Darcy had a run-in with a prickly pear, and I treated her at the hospital while she was in Longborn,” Elizabeth said, feigning a solely professional interest.

  “Really?” Carolyn asked, knowing there was more going on than met the eye.

  “Yep, I gave her a jar of Grandma’s salve to treat it with,” Elizabeth admitted.

  Carolyn chuckled. “Did you tell her what was in it?”

  At that moment, Kate came rushing in, out of breath.

  “Sorry. I didn’t get the message until a few minutes ago.” She quickly surveyed the room, sat in the chair next to Elizabeth, and inched closer.

  Darcy shot Kate a dirty look.

  Carolyn cleared her throat and called the meeting to order. “Now, Elizabeth has some questions about the effect of the development on the environment, economy, and employment. I want you to answer all her questions. I have another meeting, so I’ll leave her in your capable hands.”

  Carolyn stared at her employees. The ‘don’t fuck this up’ was threateningly clear. “Elizabeth, I’ll see you later. And don’t worry, you can ask them anything. They don’t bite.”

  Elizabeth blushed. So did Darcy. They both knew that wasn’t entirely true. With another puzzled glance at Darcy, Carolyn left the room.

  Elizabeth pulled a folder out of her briefcase. Everyone could see that she had a lot of questions.

  And I have all the answers, Darcy thought as she opened her laptop and connected to the network so she could project her files on the room’s built-in screen. She pulled her reading glasses out of her pocket and slipped them on her nos
e. She caught Elizabeth’s surprised glance, shrugged bashfully, and said, “Shall we get started?”

  The number of questions on Elizabeth’s pad indicated they were going to be there a while. Darcy found she wasn’t particularly bothered by that possibility

  Elizabeth asked her first question. “Do you seriously think this resort is a viable idea?”

  During the first hour, they discussed general possibilities and risks inherent in any such endeavor. Darcy was stiffly professional, Charlotte was warmly engaging, and Kate was openly flirtatious.

  Over the next hour, they discussed the effect such a resort might have on the local area. They covered environmental concerns at length, and Kate’s knowledge of green building techniques actually did come in handy. She was thoroughly versed in both the methods and the philosophy behind them. Darcy never knew Kate had so much experience in that area.

  “This is California. It’s a job requirement,” Kate replied, smiling modestly at Elizabeth.

  Darcy wanted to growl at her ex, but the only outward indication of her anger was a slight tic as she moved the conversation along. They discussed the watershed issues, the sustainable energy issues, the wildlife management issues and, finally, during the third hour, the economic issues.

  Elizabeth wanted evidence that the local economy would see long-term benefits from the development. Her major concern was for the project to provide locals with employment throughout the entire process, from groundbreaking past grand opening.

  Darcy displayed on the screen a rough estimate of labor costs broken down by resort size and phase of construction. “Now these are estimates, but they are based on the developments we’ve built previously. I’ve factored in inflation and local wage rates. There are still a number of variables that we can discuss as decisions are made. I think our concern is that we won’t have enough local labor, particularly after the construction phase, to sustain the facility,” Darcy said. She pulled up census data and tax records. “As you can see,” she said, highlighting some figures, “That area has had significant population loss over the past 20 years. And that loss is escalating.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I know. That’s why I’m here,” she said under her breath.

  Darcy suddenly understood all the questions. Elizabeth wasn’t here only to make money. She felt herself thawing toward Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth glanced at her notes. She had another page of questions to go. She flipped to the next page and read down a few lines. Just then, someone’s stomach growled. Everyone looked at Darcy.

  “Sorry. I didn’t get to eat lunch,” she apologized.

  Charlotte saw her chance and jumped on it. “We’ve been at this for hours. Why don’t we call it a day? We can finish tomorrow,” she suggested.

  “That’s a great idea,” Kate said smoothly. “I know this little restaurant we could try. It’s dark but quiet. And I have a lot more techniques up my sleeve,” Kate said suggestively.

  “Techniques?” Darcy asked, her voice low in warning.

  “Yes. Building techniques,” Kate said. Everyone knew that wasn’t what she meant.

  Charlotte could tell that Darcy didn’t like the idea of Kate taking Elizabeth anywhere dark and quiet, so she made a sacrifice for her friend. “How about we go pick up Jane and all go out to dinner?”

  Darcy shot her a grateful look. Elizabeth was surprised. Kate looked a little pissed to have her seduction plans so cavalierly thwarted. Nevertheless, each woman quickly agreed to the new arrangement.

  “I’ll give Jane a call, and then we can go.” Charlotte rushed down the hall to her office.

  Darcy didn’t want to leave Elizabeth alone with Kate, but the sudden appearance of Carolyn gave her no choice. “Darcy, my office, now!” her boss barked.

  Elizabeth shot Darcy a sympathetic look and started gathering up her things. Kate slid closer to Elizabeth and offered to help her. Darcy gritted her teeth as she marched into Carolyn’s office.

  As soon as Carolyn shut the door, she started right in. “Listen, I don’t know what’s going on between you two. Actually, I suspect I do, and I think we can use it to our advantage. Elizabeth certainly seems to like you.”

  Darcy protested. “She doesn’t like me. She doesn’t trust me. We barely know each other.”

  “Then make her like you. Make her trust you,” Carolyn ordered. “Darcy, I want this deal to go through.”

  “I think it will, Carolyn. She seems genuinely interested in pursuing this thing as long as she trusts us to meet certain conditions. And it’s not about the money,” Darcy said.

  “Which is why she has to trust you. Do whatever it takes,” Carolyn added ominously. “She’s not bribable. That whole side of the family is annoyingly ethical. So if money won’t work, find out what will. Now, go charm my cousin into signing.”

  Darcy started back to her office. Charlotte was still on the phone when she passed her doorway. Charlotte held up two fingers to indicate two minutes. Or a desire for world peace. Darcy wasn’t quite sure.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Darcy quickly straightened the papers scattered all over her desk. She tossed the sad remains of her lunch into the garbage can and grabbed her coat. She had to hurry. She didn’t want Kate running off alone with Elizabeth. Darcy breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Charlotte standing with the other two women at the elevator.

  Charlotte got on first, and Kate squeezed in next to Elizabeth. Darcy was last, and she punched the down button with more vigor than absolutely necessary. No one noticed. Or if they did, they were too polite to comment.

  The group spilled out of the elevator. A short walk brought them to the exorbitantly priced parking garage that housed Charlotte’s powder blue BMW. Darcy beat Kate to the door and held it open for Elizabeth, who smiled warmly in appreciation. Kate took advantage of Darcy’s inattention and slipped into the backseat beside Elizabeth. With an internal snarl, Darcy climbed into the front passenger seat and buckled up.

  “Where are you staying?” Charlotte asked.

  Elizabeth reeled off the address.

  “What hotel is that?” Darcy asked. She was born and raised in San Francisco, and she couldn’t remember a hotel in that neighborhood, at least not one on that street.

  “We’re not staying at a hotel. We’re staying with some friends,” Elizabeth said.

  Friends? What kind of friends? She glanced at Elizabeth in the mirror. “I didn’t know you knew anyone out here.”

  “Jane and I went to Berkeley, and I went to med school in Sacramento. We have quite a few friends that live here,” Elizabeth explained.

  “Is Jane your partner?” Kate asked.

  “No, Jane is my best friend,” Elizabeth replied.

  “She’s my girlfriend,” Charlotte was quick to interject, making sure that Kate knew Jane wasn’t available.

  Charlotte double-parked in front of the building, hopped out, and ran up the steps.

  ***

  Elizabeth got out too, but she went up the steps at a more sedate pace. The apartment belonged to Michelle Parks, one of her exes. They’d dated their sophomore year of college. They remained close friends after their breakup and were roommates when Elizabeth was in medical school. She’d had a key to Michelle’s place for years. But Michelle wasn’t home. She was in London on business. She was scheduled to be back in time for Thanksgiving, although Elizabeth and Jane were in charge of the cooking. It had been an unspoken agreement since Michelle set their college dorm room on fire making microwave popcorn.

  Elizabeth opened the front door and walked in calling for Jane. Jane came down the stairs, buttoning her shirt as she walked.

  Charlotte stopped at the foot of the stairs and smiled up at Jane.

  Elizabeth suddenly felt like the proverbial third wheel. She mumbled a hasty, “I’ll wait for y’all outside. Don’t forget to lock up,” and fled back to the safety of the car.

  Elizabeth retraced her steps to the street. She was surprised to hear raised voices coming
from the car. She couldn’t hear the words, but she certainly understood the tones in which they were hurled. What she didn’t understand was why. She was starting to suspect that Darcy and Kate had more than a working relationship. As she got near enough to hear, her suspicions were confirmed.

  “Back off, Kate,” Darcy warned.

  “Fuck you, Darcy. As I recall, you left me. Oh wait, you didn’t leave. Because to leave, you had to be there in the first place,” Kate snarled.

  “Oh, I was there, babe. The problem was that I wasn’t the only one,” Darcy hissed.

  “Says the woman who can’t even commit to keeping a plant alive,” Kate said bitterly.

  Both women were startled by a knock on the car window. “Everything okay in here?” Elizabeth asked nervously as she opened the rear door.

  Both women huffed out a “Fine!” Elizabeth slid into her seat. She was beginning to regret agreeing to this outing. This was her first week off in almost a year, and all she wanted was a pleasant dinner and a good night’s sleep. An image of a tall brunette stretched out against soft white sheets flitted quickly through her mind, but she ignored it. She decided to focus on the awkward silence instead. It was safer that way.

  After what seemed like forever, Jane and Charlotte came skipping toward the car. Their clothes were in disarray, and Jane’s lipstick was definitely smudged. Elizabeth sighed. It was going to be a long night.

  Charlotte opened the front passenger door and signaled to Darcy to get in the back seat. Darcy rolled her eyes but complied. Elizabeth moved over to the middle of the seat. She didn’t think it was a good idea for Darcy and Kate to come within striking distance of each other. The fact that this left her sandwiched between two attractive women was a side benefit, she thought with a smugness that lasted until she remembered the hostility.

  Charlotte ran around the car and hopped behind the wheel. “Okay ladies, I know the perfect place,” she said seconds before she threw the car in gear and tore out down the street.