Page 41 of Lochlan

Jeff's voice booms from the speakers. “Before we proceed with lunch, I want to introduce Lochlan MacTavish, from MacTavish Cellars.”

A surge of adrenaline pumps fear through me that this is going wrong. I head back into the room, making my way through the tables until I reach the podium. Jeff gives me a relived smile, then turns back to the microphone. “This is Kenzie MacGregor from MacTavish Cellars.” I get a round of applause from the crowd as he steps away and leaves me alone at the podium. I glance at the curious faces, but my attention settles on Ian and Fiona, who appear to be shocked I'm standing at the lectern in place of Lochlan. Instead of announcing the cancellation, I signal someone at the back of the room to lower the lights.

“I just received a text from Lochlan, who's been caught on the highway behind a big-rig accident. He sends his regrets that he is not able to attend. He has asked me to give the presentation in his absence.”

My thumb swipes over the remote's button and it instantly calls up the first slide. It's the familiar logo of MacTavish Distillery, their crest on the red and black clan tartan. I don't have a homey story to share about growing up a MacTavish, so I stick with the dry facts of their origin and growth leading to the California operation.

“California is a wine-growing region from Mendocino to San Diego. Tourists come by the busloads from all over the world to sample wine in the Napa-Sonoma regions. There are other well-known regions, such as the sideways tour in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles's Tin City, or Lodi's Zin Fest, with several micro wine regions. These are all emerging wine destinations.”

The slide morphs into a shot of Silicon Valley.

“Silicon Valley is known for high-tech innovation, but Lochlan MacTavish is a visionary. He imagines this valley as a wine destination to rival any other region. The other wine destinations grew organically from large and small wine operations that are acres away from their neighbors. Accessing each location on a wine tour requires driving, busing, and some hardy souls even bike. Wineries further down a trail might lose customers because of the fatigue of climbing in an out of transportation.

Creating a comfortable, engaging experience for customers to spend relaxing hours or even a day discovering wine promotes our region's wine culture and keeps customers accessing services. It's about the mystique of wine that supports food, entertainment, and shopping.”

My attention is mostly aimed at Ian MacTavish, who's a damned good poker player. He gives no reaction to my presentation, although I continue to pitch to him. Geordie is beaming like a proud helicopter dad at his daughter's recital, while Fiona whispers in Ian's ear when I turn my attention to the table.

“On a hundred-acre parcel located in an industrial part of the city, he proposes Catriona from the Gaelic word for pure.” I say it again, slower for them to hear the Scottish Gaelic pronunciation. “Ka-tree-O-na is a planned facility devoted to wine that will not only house tasting rooms, but restaurants, picnic areas, shops, and event venues for concerts and private parties. We propose a facility that is walking friendly, or guests can ride a tram that runs outside the main area.”

The next slides are a series of artist renderings of Catriona. A hum runs through the audience with low side conversations. I cut into the noise to make my final pitch.

“This is a trendy, upscale destination for adults at any price point to enjoy. Money will never be exchanged. They will buy a membership or have a credit card on file which we will debit for each purchase. Tasting room and restaurant space will be leased, but we have programs to offset the cost for small independents to encourage them to have a presence at Catriona. This project is not just for the large, well-established wineries.”

I call up the last slide of the map that lists the proposed completion of each phase. “We want the Silicon Valley wine community to work together. We need backers and board members to help guide this project. Our goal is, as a community, that we all profit together. That's why we're here today to gain your support.”

I'm overwhelmed by the unexpected thunder of applause and the excited faces. Geordie is clapping wildly, while Ian offers me a nod, and Fiona shows no sign of support.

The clapping gives way to shouted questions from the audience. There are a million details I don't know about the project, but this presentation is only a teaser. I'll answer what I can and deflect the rest. I search the sea of faces, until an icy cold shakes me to the core at the sight of Lochlan standing at the back of the room, arms crossed, face unreadable.

CHAPTER18

THE CONSENT AGENDA

LOCHLAN

Applause reaches me mid-wayup the stairs as I take them three steps at a time. The check-in table is abandoned, so I scoop up a meal ticket on my way in and stop at the entrance. The last slide of my presentation is visible on the large screen behind the podium. Kenzie, in a bright-red cardigan, is in front of the lectern, holding a remote, staring out at a raptured audience. A few rows back sit Geordie, Granda, and Fiona. My cousin's smile would rival a Cheshire cat’s, while Granda and Fiona are stone-faced gargoyles.

The president of the association joins her, moving in front of the mic. She turns to her seat, giving him the podium to address the audience.

“Don't leave, Ms. MacGregor. I want to let everyone know you have ten minutes left in your presentation before lunch is served. That should be enough time to answer questions.” She watches him leave as if a lifeline has been severed.

“Ms. MacGregor,” someone shouts, scrambling to his feet.

“Please call me Kenzie,” she responds.

“Yes, Kenzie. You're proposing to build this facility on the outskirts of the city. Has there been an environmental impact study made for this project?”

No one has noticed me in the back of the room, so it's time to make my presence known. My voice resonates to the far corners of the room, surprising the audience into quiet. “Catriona has received all the necessary approvals. The architect chosen for the project is GCA, an award-winning local firm that many of you should know. They have promised me we can be shovel-ready within three months,” I say.

The audience turns their attention to me as I stride toward a relieved Kenzie. “Everyone, please welcome Lochlan MacTavish.” Her voice booms my introduction through the speakers.

There's applause, but it’s nothing close to what Kenzie managed to inspire. She searches my face as I take my place behind the podium. There are too many questions in her gaze to answer. The time will come later to talk.

She returns to the table as Geordie moves to his feet to help her to her seat.

I adjust the mic higher, then sweep my gaze around the room. “It was my intention to present Catriona to you today. It appears a two-ton rig truck losing its load across a four-lane highway had a different idea.” A chuckle ripples through the audience, setting the mood for the rest of my discussion. It's not the endearing story I planned, but it's enough to get them on my side. “I want to go back to the financial slide. I'm sure the idea is appealing—it's not difficult to sell a mecca for wine—but the hard reality is that we're business owners. The opportunities are here to reap the rewards, not only monetary, but also recognition for our products.”

The main idea has been explained; it's up to me to close. To do this, I concentrate on the Wine Association members and ignore Granda and Fiona.

---