Page 52 of Just Add Mistletoe

Austin nodded. “Things could get a lot worse before they get better, which is why I wanted to meet with you. My company, Hayes Architecture, has been hired to renovate the natural history museum in town.”

Malcom didn’t know the place, but he’d been working nonstop since he’d arrived, and hadn’t exactly had time for sightseeing.

“You’re probably guessing what I’m going to ask,” Austin continued. “I need to hire a good manager.”

Malcom might be flattered, but he was also practical. “Don’t you already have one?”

“This job’s timing would conflict with two other projects in neighboring towns,” Austin said. “So I really could use the help. It would give you a buffer while you’re building up your own business. With you on board, the project would finish before the deadline, which could get you into the good graces of the mayor again.”

Austin said the last bit with a smile, but Malcom didn’t return it.

“I’d be a fool to turn it down,” he said. “But right now, I need to find a way to keep the condo project from turning into a wasteland for the next year until another company buys the whole thing, or a lawsuit is completed, and the city sends it out for more bids.”

The server appeared and set down their platters of food. Both had ordered chicken parmesan meals.

Austin took a sip of his soda. “What are your options?”

At this, Malcom sighed. “I need to do a bunch of the legwork to find someone to take over the project. I have a lot of contacts in the industry. And the sooner I do it, the better. I’d like tobe able to give the mayor good news before word gets out to everyone else.”

Austin gave a thoughtful nod as he cut a piece of his chicken and ate a bite. “I can put out my feelers too. Too bad my company doesn’t do new builds. We only handle renovations.”

“I understand, but I was hoping you’d be a good sounding board for starters.”

“Oh?”

Malcom pulled out the printed report he’d brought with him and unfolded it. “This is my project projection for the build. It shows all the incoming and outgoing expenses, and payroll, plus the estimated profit.”

Austin took the report and leafed through it. When he got to the final page, he let out a low whistle. “That’s a good chunk of change.”

“It reflects several months of work.” Malcom reached over and tapped one of the lines. “This also reflects a decent discount we gave the city because some of the vendors are from Everly Falls, which saves money on transportation and shipping.”

“You’re using Jennings Carpet Company?” Austin asked. “That’s great.”

“Yeah.” Malcom folded his hands atop the table. “With this project at a stall, all of these deals will be delayed or even canceled. As an example, a new construction company coming in might have their own carpet company they already contract with.”

Austin lifted his gaze. “I see what you’re saying. This bankruptcy is going to affect a lot of people.”

“Yeah.” Malcom drew in a breath. “I feel responsible in a way.” He explained his suspicions about his brother’s fraud and how everything crumbled from there.

“Wow,” Austin said. “That’s rough no matter how you look at it.”

“I’m not in a position to take over the project on my own,” Malcom said. “I’d need investors, and the rest secured through a bank loan. But within a year, with only fifty percent of the condos sold, it would turn a profit.”

Austin put down his fork. “You’re thinking of taking it over?”

“The thought’s been nagging me,” he admitted. “It might not be attainable though. I haven’t run any hard numbers yet, and I haven’t talked to any investors, or approached a bank. I’d need a good down payment, of which I can come up with about half. The rest would have to be a construction loan.”

Austin flipped through the report again. “I might be interested. Can you send me the report when you have more concrete numbers, and I’ll talk through things with my dad? He works with me, and I don’t know how he’ll feel, but I’m mostly interested in this because it’s Everly Falls.”

Malcom felt elated at Austin’s interest, but there was still a long way to go. He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I understand. I’ll get to work on the numbers.” He paused. “I wouldn’t be doing this either if this were any other location. I mean, it’s kind of like putting my whole life on the line.”

Austin chuckled. “You believe in it, and that’s a good sign. The best sign. It would certainly make the mayor happy if this project could be salvaged without too much trouble.” He took another sip of his drink. “Are you going to stay in the trailer, or are you going to find a more permanent place to stay?”

“I need to be out of the trailer soon,” he said. “It’s in the company name, which is no longer mine. I’m not sure how permanent I can commit to until I figure out if I can get a business loan for the project.”

“There’s a house for rent on our street,” Austin said. “Everly pointed it out to me the other day, and said it might be a good place for someone like you.”

Malcom raised his brows. “That’s a coincidence.”

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