Lake Effect by Johannah Bryson Page A

knew that eventually she’d have to face Wyeth with more than facts and figures, ideas and menus. She also knew that he would not make that easy on her. Leaving the island for Henderson hadn’t been the most mature decision she’d ever made in her life. She’d thought about calling him to explain that she needed time but each time she thought that conversation through she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. He’d be perfectly within his rights to throw her and her ideas right out the door. In the end she’d decided on the anonymous pitch. He might not like any of her ideas. She’d cross that bridge if and when she came to it.
    She sat nervously in the booth at the Island House where they’d agreed to meet. She was ready for this. She could do this. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. He’d tried to explain but she’d shut him down. She’d been hurt but perhaps she’d acted in haste. Hadn’t she been hurt enough for one lifetime, though? What was there to gain from hearing him out? He’d lie and there was a good possibility that she’d buy into that lie and the next thing you know …
    Shelby stopped thinking and brought herself back to the here and now. Rick was standing. Coming toward the table was a very handsome man who Shelby guessed to be the same age as Wyeth. This must be his attorney, but where was Wyeth? First relief, then disappointment rained down upon her. She exhaled and stood up as the two men turned to her.
    â€œShelby Aylesworth, I’d like you to meet James O’Toole, he’s representing Packard Vineyards. Shelby extended her hand and tried to keep a smile on her face.
    â€œVery nice to meet you, Mr. O’Toole.” Rick held out her chair for her and she sat back down.
    â€œI regret to tell you that Mr. Packard cannot join us tonight.” Shelby didn’t know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how badly she wanted to see him. She sat up a little straighter when she noticed the two attorneys staring at her.
    â€œI’m sure he is a very busy man, Mr. O’Toole, and this little side venture is only one of many pressing things on his plate.” She hated the way she was sounding and hated more the way James O’Toole was looking at her. He would find her out, tell Wyeth, and that would be that. She could kiss her little dream goodbye. She was so certain of this that she almost missed what James was saying.
    â€œI assure you, Mr. Packard is very excited about your ideas. He was most distressed to miss the meeting but he had some pressing business back in New York.”
    A vision of Wyeth in a lip lock with a raven haired beauty came unbidden into Shelby’s mind. “
I’ll bet he did
,” she thought to herself.
    â€œMr. Packard has given his full go ahead to the project unless I feel there is anything standing in the way.” He looked again at Shelby, and this time, Rick did too.
    â€œAs I’m certain you are aware, Mr. O’Toole — ”
    â€œPlease, call me James.”
    â€œJames, my client has never entered into such a venture, although she was a part of her late husband’s business to some extent. I’m sure you would agree that what she lacks in experience, she more than makes up for in ideas.”
    Shelby almost choked on her water. Rick was doing his best to make her sound credible, bless his heart. She hadn’t been involved in Jack’s business at all, although she would’ve liked that.
    â€œYes, it was your attention to detail and your initial ideas that caught Wyeth’s eye. I will admit, however, this secrecy about your identity was a cause of concern. Is there some reason why Wyeth would be less than thrilled to work with you?”
    The time had come to lay down her hand and show her cards. This could go two ways. She took a deep breath and looked James in the eye.
    â€œWe met several