Page 44 of Scrooged for the Holidays
I’m not daft. I know that Greer is a corporate shark. Not only did I see her come into Holly’s Restaurant yesterday, but the memory of their interaction fills my mind as well. The words she said to the older woman:This property is under review. I’m here to evaluate the current condition and discuss the lease moving forward.
I should have put it together before, but now I understand Greer’s motive in speaking with me about the inn. She sees Elysian Pines as a business opportunity.
To be honest, it shows how smart she is. If I put myself in her shoes, I’d see it as the same. But she doesn’t know the nature of this town and that she won’t remember it once she leaves.
“What is it that you do exactly, Greer?”
She grabs her purse from the back of her chair and pulls out a business card. I take it from her, purposely brushing her fingers as I do. Her aura pulses with that flash of red again, and a bit of a smile appears on my lips at her reaction to me. I probably shouldn’t like it as much as I do, but I can’t help myself.
I purse my lips as I read the card.Greer Mallory, Northlight Capital, Inc., Asset Manager.
“I manage many of Northlight’s properties. Mostly, I analyze the performance of commercial tenants and make recommendations on whether to renovate, sell, et cetera.”
The et cetera meaning evict tenants—interesting that she left that out. She didn’t seem to mind being forthcoming yesterday when I watched her with Holly.
“I take it you manage most of the accounts in Garland? Like the restaurant we were at yesterday?”
She nods. “Yes, that’s correct.”
“I see.” I extend her card toward her, trying to give it back, and she frowns.
“It’s for you.”
“While I appreciate your interest, I can tell you that our town is fine as it is. The people here don’t have any desire to become a tourist spot.”
Greer eyes me. “Eventually, you’ll have to think about it. The cost of living is only going up in Colorado with the influx of people moving here from the West. If you or the other businesses in town can’t turn a profit, then you will either be forced out or the town will die.”
“We’re doing just fine,” I assure her.
“I don’t see how that can be. Like I said, this town should be booming with activity.”
“You have been here for one night, Greer. We’re doing just fine.”
“Even your inn?”
“Yes, even my inn. I don’t need it to be booked every night. There aren’t many rooms, and I have people who choose to live at the inn instead of having their own home here.”
The muscles of her throat tense as she swallows. “How does that work exactly—do they have a lease or pay monthly?”
“They pay what they can,” I say, though that’s not true; Kai and Sam don’t pay anything at all. Money is irrelevant here, given our town is magical. Things appear as we need them. Elysian Pines has always worked that way, and I’ve never questioned it.
“How do you make money?”
“Not everything is about money.”
She scoffs. “I think that’s what people who don’t have money often say.”
My chest tightens, and I roll my shoulders back. “You know that to be a fact?”
Her eyes narrow. “It’s from my experience. Plus, we live in a capitalist society. Money matters.”
“Money is a part of life, yes. But it’s not all that matters.”
“Says the man in nice clothes.” She flicks her gaze to my blue sweater. “Is that cashmere?”
I grit my teeth. Truthfully, I’d walk around naked if I could. I think every being here would, but that’s not a normal way of living for humans. Besides, while I do enjoy looking nice, I’mdressed this way for Greer. She likes when people look expensive and well dressed, so that’s what I did.
“Not everything is as it seems,” I say.
