Page 9 of Cherished Lands
I blinked, surprised by the astuteness of her question. Before I could stop myself, I was answering. "We've got connections with local restaurants and bars. Plus, we'replanning to leverage our existing relationships with farmers' markets and specialty stores."
She nodded in approval. "Smart. You could also consider partnering with some of the boutique hotels in the surrounding area. They're always looking for local products to showcase."
"That's... actually not a bad idea."
Our eyes met across the table, and I felt a spark of something that definitely wasn't hatred. Her lips parted slightly, and I found myself wondering what they would taste like.
Christ, get it together. This is Tessa fucking Belmonte.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when Jasper cleared his throat. "So, what exactly are you proposing here, Tessa? What kind of involvement are you looking for?"
Tessa tore her gaze away from mine. "I want to be a full partner. I'll provide the capital, but I also want in on the day-to-day operations. I get a percentage of the profits and a seat at the table for major decisions."
I let out an incredulous laugh. "And we're supposed to just trust you? After years of your family trying to run us into the ground?"
Her eyes flashed. "I'm not my family, Elliot. I'm here on my own, trying to build something for myself."
The sincerity in her voice caught me off guard. I stared at her. For a moment, I didn't see Tessa Belmonte, bitter rival and undisputed bitch queen of Sable Point. I saw a woman determined to prove herself, to forge her own path.
And I respected the hell out of that.
Dad's eyes softened, and his tone was warm as he addressed Tessa. "I think that's mighty admirable, dear."
The smile Tessa gave him in return gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. I told myself it was outrage. Since when did my father get so chummy with a Belmonte? I shifted in my seat, struggling to bite my tongue.
Then to my dismay, Jasper piped up. "I mean, Tessa does know a lot about the industry. I bet she's got connections, too."
"You're right, I do," Tessa replied.
"You're right, I do." Smug brat.
I crossed my arms, unconvinced by this whole dog and pony show. The tension in the room was thick and sticky, like we were sitting in a vat of maple syrup. Tessa leaned forward and fixed her eyes on mine.
"Look, I get it. This is a risk. Our families have hated each other for generations. We're practically the Hatfields and McCoys. But... if you're open to this, I'm in."
I was about to tell her exactly where she could shove her offer when Dad spoke up. "I think this is something we'll need to discuss among the family."
"Of course," Tessa nodded, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she'd already won some sort of victory.
My gaze sweptaround the kitchen, glaring at each of them in turn. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My family, the people I trusted most in this world, were actually considering this insanity.
Jasper leaned forward, his elbows on the table. His eyes met mine, pleading. "Come on, El. You have to admit, this is kind of perfect."
Before I could respond, Chase opened his mouth. My blood pressure spiked. Iknewhe was about to make some snarky comment, and I wasn't in the mood.
"Fuck off, Chase," I snapped.
Mom's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Elliot Michael! Language."
I rolled my eyes, feeling like a teenager again. The urge to storm out was overwhelming, but I forced myself to stay put.
Dad cleared his throat and folded his rough, scarred hands on the table. "I say we put it to a vote."
"A vote?!" I sputtered. "Are you kidding me?"
Dad's voice remained infuriatingly calm. "All in favor of partnering with Tessa to open a cidery and save the orchard?"
His eyes locked with mine, and I saw how tired he looked. It was a pointed reminder of why we were even considering this madness. Generations of Everton's had tended this land, and now we faced losing it all. It was a heavy burden for Dad to carry on his shoulders. Shoulders that, I suddenly realized, weren't getting any younger. But why did it have to be Tessa Belmonte?
