Lake Effect by Johannah Bryson

standing with it. He was tall and striking, salt and pepper hair, probably in his mid-to-late forties. Shelby had been hugging him and that hurt him more than anything.
    James had had to do some smooth talking to settle down the SEC too. Sterling Kennedy had not been too happy to find out that Wyeth had left the night of the benefit. In the end they agreed that Wyeth could travel back and forth between New York and Whiskey Island provided they were made aware of the situation. Now a lot of good it was doing him. She hadn’t waited too long to find his replacement. His mood darkened and he turned his attention back to James.
    â€œI’ve gotten a letter from an interested party on the manor house. They want to partner on a bed and breakfast idea.” He handed Wyeth a folder. “I’ve got to tell you, there are some great ideas in here, the best I’ve seen so far. I feel like, whoever this person is, they’ve got a real feel for the island.”
    Wyeth opened the file and gave it a brief look. “It sounds good to me, James, provided you’re okay with the details. I do have reservations that the main investor wants to remain anonymous.”
    The decision to open the manor house up for a partnership hadn’t been an easy one. Once Shelby had bolted, the home suddenly felt large and empty. Odd, it hadn’t felt that way before he’d met her. He’d sunk too much money into it to just let it stand empty. He’d pitched the idea to Cheri first and once he had her blessing he knew the rest would be easy.
    â€œCould be they are associated with another venue on the island or they just want to keep it low key. They could even be holding back due to lack of experience. This happens sometimes, a person has a great idea but not necessarily the experience to pull it off. They make the pitch to someone anonymously, that person likes the idea, and then it’s hard to walk away from. It’s not all that unusual, really. I’ll contact the attorney and set up a meeting. I can press it if you’d like.”
    â€œYes. I think, in light of recent events, I don’t trust anyone. I like the preliminary proposal but if the main investor won’t meet at least with you, then the deal is off.”
    â€¢ • •
    Shelby sat staring out at the lake, its choppy waves a precursor to the storm that was about to ensue. Her anger was boiling up as if the same winds were pushing it.
    â€œPackard has accepted your proposal but only on the pretense that he meets with you face to face. If you recall, I thought this might be an issue when we drafted the initial proposal.”
    Shelby felt her heart sink to her stomach as Rick reviewed the contract with her. She had hoped against hope that she’d be able to get through this without having to see him. That had been a pipe dream.
    â€œHe’d like to schedule a meeting with us at the Island House — a preliminary meeting to go over the finer points. If they accept that, then you can make your proposal to Packard and his attorney, a Mr. James O’Toole, a very nice man from all of our dealings so far.”
    She fought hard to keep her anger in check. Of course he’d insist on a face to face meeting, and once he saw who actually wanted to invest in his little bed and breakfast idea, he’d turn her down cold, or worse yet, he’d stay there and she’d end up serving breakfast to him and the Evil Queen from
Snow White
, she of the jet black hair.
    â€œShelby? Isn’t this what you wanted?”
    The concern in Rick’s voice brought her back to the present. She felt a little guilty that she hadn’t quite divulged the entire story to him.
    â€œYes. Yes, that’s fine. Set up the meeting, please.”
    She wasn’t worried about her proposal. She’d done her homework, knew her subject matter. She knew her ideas were solid and that they’d make a success of the manor house. Shelby