Page 53 of Claimed By my Frenemy

THEO

It’s not enough.

I can’t stop thinking that as I sit at my desk again. My computer is in front of me, but I can’t pay attention to what is on the screen. My thoughts keep circling back to Mia.

I have to prove to her that I’m sincere about letting her property go, but I’m not sure how I can do that. The box of mementos was enough to get her thinking about us and the way things were so simple when we were kids, but I’ve got another idea.

It’s one that will not only elevate Mia’s view of me but maybe even the whole neighborhood’s.

I push myself to my feet and begin striding around the open lobby area. The light fixtures are now all in place, and it’s starting to look almost done. There’s still no furniture, but I could add some for what I’m planning.

Now, I just need to get people to come. I’ve seen them looking at the project from the outside as they walk by, but no one has seen the inside. Maybe an exclusive view at what is coming to their neighborhood will be enough to get them to this meeting. Then, I’ll do the rest.

I take a deep breath and start making calls to some of the local business owners. I also look up Mia’s friends online and invite them as well. Hopefully, curiosity will get them here, and I can take care of it from there.

I set the meeting/presentation for the next evening. It’s early June, and the tourists are starting to crawl through the area, but I think a good many of the locals won’t have big plans on a Wednesday night.

Early afternoon, I start setting out the chairs I rented, arranging them in neat rows in Building A’s lobby. Then, I set up the presentation. I’ve gathered visual aids, models, and detailed plans to help convey my vision.

I’m done setting up too early, and I head back into my private office to wait it out. Steve has no idea what I’m planning, but I’m hoping this gesture of goodwill toward the community will go over well. Once everyone is on board with our project, then he can pat me on the back for my out-of-the-box thinking.

I glance out the window and study Mia’s house. It’s looking good. It definitely has some curb appeal, and I hope she gets the guests she’s hoping for. In fact, if my presentation has anything to say about it, she will.

I hear someone entering the lobby and check my watch. It’s still early, but it’s time for me to turn on the charm.

I don’t recognize the person in the lobby, but I approach him with a friendly grin and my hand outstretched. “Theo Roberts, I’m one of the heads of the project we’re working on here.”

The man shakes my hand, but his eyes are all over the place, taking in the details. “Definitely aiming at upper-class citizens, eh?” he asks. It sounds like he’s trying to joke, but there might be a bitter tone to his voice.

“Actually, I can’t wait to tell you just what we’ve got in store for this place. Are you a local here?”

“I own Groovy Grounds.”

Now, I know who he is. I’ve seen his name, but I don’t drink coffee enough to recognize him. “Benjamin Hanson, is it?”

“Yes.” Benjamin surveys me more closely like I’ve surprised him by knowing who he is.

“Welcome. I’m glad you could come. I’m hoping to partner with local businesses like yours. For example, all our guests will have access to complimentary coffee, but I don’t want something bland that they have to milk and sugar up. I want something with genuine flavor. That’s where you come in.”

Benjamin looks mildly interested. “You want to set up a contract to buy a certain amount of coffee every month?”

I nod enthusiastically. “That’s exactly what I’d like to do. I would love some of your coffee cake as well as an accompaniment at the table here. I’d need daily deliveries, though, so it’s fresh.”

“We could arrange that. I’d need a number of cups per day for me to start getting you a number.”

Benjamin and I talk further about the idea, and more guests continue to trickle in. I try to greet each one so they feel like I’m a friendly face, not just the person speaking.

The minute hand on my watch ticks closer and closer to the hour, but Mia hasn’t arrived yet.

I do see two of Mia’s friends come in together, though. Stella, who has changed her hair, and the friend with glasses take seats together near the back. I notice they don’t save any.

It’s two minutes past, and people are starting to settle into chairs. I need to get this presentation started. Mia’s presence isn’t mandatory, but I feel disappointed that she’s not here for what I’m planning to say.

I walk to the front of the room and spend a minute adjusting the display and readying my computer. When I turn back around, Mia is slipping into the back. There aren’t any more chairs, so she takes a place standing in the corner.

Her eyes lock with mine. I give her a small nod, hoping she understands that this is my attempt to make things right.

“Thank you all for coming,” I begin, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “I know there’s been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the development of the resort, and I want to address that today. I’ve taken your concerns to heart, and I’ve come up with a revised plan that I believe will benefit everyone.”

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