Page 65 of Rebellious Hearts
The first course came right away. Richard wasn’t someone who liked to make his guests wait.
While mixed green salad was dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, another staff member poured us a glass of Chardonnay.
Sofia thanked them before turning to Richard.
“How perfect for a summer’s night,” she said with a smile.
“I wanted it to be something light and crisp. I can’t stand it when the food doesn’t suit the weather. It’s a little strange, but something about the right food for the right temperature just makes me feel better about it.”
“Well, cheers to that,” Sofia said, and she lifted her wineglass.
We did the same.
“I’m glad you could make it,” Richard said. “I was excited to see you again.”
Sofia sipped her wine, and I glanced at her. When we made eye contact, a spark ignited, but I cleared my throat and looked at Richard again.
The salad was a great choice for the heat—the whole day had been just short of sweltering. Despite the great wine, the nice appetizer, and Richard’s warm attitude, a knot of nerves and anticipation wouldn’t release in my gut.
“So, Ben,” Richard said, turning to me. “I’ve been thinking about revitalizing the town a lot these past few days. I really think we can make a difference.”
“We can,” I said.
“What made you take on such a monumental endeavor? I mean, it’s not a small thing to take on, and even if it looks good for Blackwood Inc., there has to be more to it than that.”
I glanced at Sofia. If she’d taught me anything the last few days, it was that I had to look at the bigger picture. Everyone else wanted that from me.
Here goes nothing.
I leaned forward. “It’s good for the business, you’re right. But we’ve spent some time in the town, and I think it will be good for the people. It will create jobs and it will generate a bit of money so that the town can be restored to its former glory. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s something the people seem willing to take on. That’s the kind of thing that really impresses me—tenacity in the face of hardship.” I glanced at Sofia again.
I hoped she would know that she was included in that. In fact, I was talking mostly about her right now.
Sofia nodded. “We’re passionate about sustainability. You do know that Blackwood Inc. changed direction last year and adopted environmentally friendly practices? That’s what we want to spread—community development—and we really think the project aligns with both our values. Not only ours but yours, too.”
“Hmm,” Richard said, stroking his fingers through his graying beard. “I admire your dedication. I have to admit, at first I really thought it was just about the money.”
“A mistake on my part,” I said quickly. “I’m not always that good at putting what I think into words. That’s what Sofia helps me with.” I looked at her with a smile. That wasn’t only for show, I really meant it. She knew how to tell me what I was feeling even when I wasn’t aware that I felt it.
Or when I was determinednotto feel it in the first place.
When I glanced at Richard again, he was grinning at me.
“I must say, the idea of investing in thepeople, benefiting the local community, deeply resonates with me. It’s what Martha would have wanted, and it’s what we always wanted to do with our money.”
We both nodded, and there was a moment of silence for Richard’s late wife. He looked happy with what we’d said so far.
The main course followed when we finished our salad, and the staff brought out grilled salmon and roasted vegetables.
“Oh, this looks incredible,” Sofia said and breathed in the scent of lemon butter.
“I thought you might like it,” Richard said.
We dug in, and the grilled salmon fillets were divine.
“How did you two meet?” Richard asked.
I’d known this question would come, and I was ready for it.
