Page 18 of A Chance at Forever
Because of his new responsibilities, he invited Danny to join his firm as a named partner. Danny jumped at the opportunity to practice law in Marysville after working upwards of eighty hours a week for little reward at a huge firm in San Francisco. Elections were coming up in four months, and Andrew was running unopposed. He’d learned how to be a humble and giving politician from his father, and under his leadership, Victoria could see the improvements Andrew had made in Marysville and feel the air of prosperity. New businesses lined Main Street that offered small town hospitality. Still single at thirty-two, Victoria wondered why Andrew hadn’t settled down with anyone and started a family.
“Victoria!” Andrew called out to her and waved. “I heard you were back in town. I’ve been wanting to stop by and say hello. It’s good to see you.”
“You, too, Mayor.” She smiled as they moved away from the gazebo.
His wide grin revealed his boyish personality that Victoria had always liked about him. Andrew looked good in jeans and an old T-shirt that stretched across his muscles. He offered a brief hug. “Andy, to you.”
“I like what you’ve done with the place,” Victoria joked.
Andrew gazed across the town square at pedestrians strolling along the street and shopping. “My dad left a clear vision of Marysville’s future. I’ve been able to achieve a portion of his dream. So, I read in a recent article inBusiness Weekthat Lockridge Cosmetics is branching into the fashion industry. Is that true?”
“Yes. My father and brothers are negotiating with internationally recognized designers as we speak.”
“Do you think they would be willing to open an outlet here in Marysville?”
Victoria frowned. “I’m not sure. Sylvia Presley’s boutique sells our women’s fragrance line. She’s my mother’s oldest and dearest friend, and we wouldn’t want to compete with her.”
“Walk with me.”
They ambled to the edge of the town square. Andrew pointed across the street. “Sylvia’s boutique is poised perfectly for expansion.” It sat between two empty retail spaces with red brick facades. “My idea is to knock out the walls and renovate the boutique to include the new fashion line and all of Lockridge Cosmetics’ products.”
Victoria’s business mind ran with the concept. “We could create an upscale look and feel with affordable prices that would ensure Sylvia continues to make a profit and allows customers to get the quality products they want without putting a huge dent in their budgets.”
“You read my mind. So, what do you think?”
“I love the idea. Let me bring it to the table. But there’s one thing I need to make clear. If my father agrees to this venture, I’ll help you and the Chamber of Commerce get the project off the ground, but that’s where my involvement ends. I left the family business for good. I’ll be back in the classroom in three weeks.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. The drama department at Marysville High desperately needs you. Old Professor Deen, well, God love him, ruined the program.”
Victoria let out a light laugh. “I heard. I’ll let you know what my father says about your idea. Now, what can I do to help you get ready for the concert tonight?”
“Help me with the sound system? You know it better than I do.”
“No problem.” She called to Bud, who’d wandered a short distance away, and together they walked with Andrew back to the gazebo.
*
“I’m on boardwith Mayor Bower’s plan,” Richard said when Victoria called him a few hours later. “We’re still in tough negotiations with fashion designers, but I’ll keep you in the loop when we reach a satisfying deal with one. Now, honey, be honest with me. How are you really doing? Please don’t pretend you’re all right for my benefit.”
Victoria inhaled a deep breath and stared at Rusty’s back porch from her own. “Dad, of course, I miss you and the guys. But I’m where I need to be. Where Iwantto be.”
“You haven’t mentioned Alan.”
“He’s not worth mentioning. Alan Richmond betrayed my trust when he cheated on me.”
“I thought you were falling in love with him.”
“No. If he had been a better man, I might have.”
“I think I should have a discussion with him about what he did to you.”
Victoria’s heart twisted in fear. “No! Please don’t. Dad, I’m all right. There’s no need to worry. Believe me, I’m not pining for Alan. Foranyoneat this point in my life.”
She heard her father sigh. “You’ll call if you need me?”
“You know I will.”
“Well, have fun with Jeff at the concert tonight, and we’ll talk again soon. Love you, my beauty.”
