When Kristen pulled into the parking lot at Millie’s, she saw Sean’s Mercedes parked out front. He was probably in the bar upstairs, that’s where he liked to sit whenever they came here. The ocean views from the second floor were spectacular. Kristen made her way upstairs, glad that he hadn’t suggested the Straight Wharf or one of the other fancier places downtown that would have been more his typical choice. She liked the food at Millie’s, but she also liked the beachy, casual feel of it, with the light wood, open space and lots of windows.
Sean was seated in the bar area at a high top table for two. Every seat at the bar, and all the surrounding tables were full. They were lucky that they didn’t have to wait. Sean stood when she reached the table and pulled her in for a kiss, but she turned her head slightly so the kiss landed on her cheek.
“Thanks for agreeing to do dinner instead of lunch. Today was too crazy.”
Kristen just nodded and pulled her sweater around her a bit tighter. It was warm out, but the air conditioning was on full force and it was chilly.
“What do you feel like having? We could get a bottle of champagne?” Sean suggested.
“I’m not in the mood for champagne.” She definitely wanted a drink though. It would help her to get through this dinner. She was dreading the conversation and Sean wasn’t making it easy for her. He’d worn the navy blue button-down shirt that she’d given him for his birthday. The color drew attention to his icy blue eyes, and he was smiling, which brought out the deep dimples on both sides of his mouth. He hadn’t colored his hair yet, and even the slight dusting of silver was attractive on him.
Their server, a young man who looked sixteen but was probably in his early twenties, came by to take their drinks order. They both ordered margaritas and when he returned with their cocktails, they put their food order in, fish tacos for both of them and some guacamole and chips to share. Less than two minutes later, he returned with the appetizer, and Kristen was grateful for the speed of the place. She opened her mouth to begin the dreaded conversation but Sean beat her to it.
“Let’s eat first and save the talk for when we finish. Let’s just enjoy our dinner, can we do that?” He flashed his most persuasive smile as he picked up a chip.
Kristen nodded. She wanted to get it over with, but it would be easier to wait until after they ate. Dinner would be even more awkward otherwise. She dipped a chip into the buttery smooth, homemade guacamole and glanced toward the bar. Two familiar faces caught her eye. Tyler and Andrew were sitting at the bar, sharing a plate of nachos. Neither one of them saw her, and she brought her attention back to the table where Sean was going on about his latest whale client and the biggest ever real estate deal he was working on. Kristen was happy for him, but she didn’t really care to hear all the boring details.
Fortunately, their tacos came out a few minutes later and Sean stopped talking to eat. Once they were done, and their plates were cleared, he glanced toward the kitchen as if he was waiting for something and Kristen began to have a sinking feeling in her stomach, which grew when four servers came toward the table, clapping and singing, “Happy Anniversary to you!” Their server was in the lead and was holding a slice of chocolate cake with a lit candle. He set it down in the middle of the table and then they vanished back to the kitchen.
“You really shouldn’t have done that,” Kristen said. She knew Sean was trying his best to head off the conversation she’d been planning. He was hoping she’d forgive like she always did. But she wasn’t going to this time.
“Of course I should have. You’re important to me. I actually have something much better than cake for you.” He looked quite pleased with himself as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. And then he stood and came over to her side of the table and got down on one knee.
Kristen felt lightheaded and a bit horrified. Had he misread things that much? Or was he just so confident that he thought he could manipulate the situation the way he wanted? He opened the box and Kristen gasped. It was a ridiculously big diamond ring. Huge. It was the type of ring that people stopped and stared at. Showy and no doubt insanely expensive and it just emphasized how little Sean knew her. It was a beautiful ring, but it wasn’t something she’d ever pick out herself. She couldn’t imagine wearing it.
“Will you marry me?” There was no declaration of love, just the question. But he did seem sincere and it put Kristen in a very awkward position. The whole bar was watching—including Andrew and Tyler. If she said no, she’d be publicly embarrassing Sean. She couldn’t do that to him, no matter how badly she wanted to.
“What do you think? Do you love it?” Sean took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her ring finger, not even waiting for her response.
“It’s beautiful.”
He took that as a yes, stood and pulled her in for an enthusiastic kiss. Everyone around them cheered, while Kristen felt a mix of anger and sadness. A year ago, she would have been excited, thrilled even at the thought of getting engaged to Sean. It was a long time coming, but finally she realized that she deserved better. She’d been in love with the idea of Sean, but when she really looked more closely at their relationship, at the way he spoke to her sometimes and at what was most important to him, well, it wasn’t her. And she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life with someone who didn’t always make her feel good about herself. Truth be told, she didn’t want to spend five more minutes with him.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said as he threw a pile of money onto the table and led her out of the restaurant. When they reached his car, he stopped and took her hand. “So, back to my place? Or to yours?”
Kristen sighed. She let go of his hand and slowly slid the ring off her finger and held it out to him.
“What are you doing? Don’t you want this? Us? I thought it’s what you always wanted.”
“I did at one point. I don’t anymore. Besides, you’re technically still married. Your divorce isn’t even final yet.”
“But I filed. Like you asked me to. And it will be soon. The ring looks beautiful on you.”
Kristen looked into his eyes and gently said, “Sean, I came here to break up with you. You never gave me a chance to even have the conversation.”
“But you said yes! I sensed that you were upset, and I thought this would make you feel better.”
“It’s too late for that. It’s just not right with us, and it hasn’t been for a while. At least it’s not working for me. And I don’t think either of us is going to change.”
“Why did you say yes then?”
“I didn’t, actually. You never gave me a chance to say anything. I also didn’t want to embarrass you. It was just easier to have this conversation outside.”
“Huh. Well, I do appreciate that. You know, plenty of women would love that ring. You sure you won’t change your mind?”
Kristen shook her head. “I’m not going to change my mind. I’m glad for the time we had together though.”
Sean just stared at her, speechless. She guessed that he was more used to being the one doing the dumping. When it finally sunk in, anger followed, which she understood. She didn’t expect him to be happy about her decision.
“You’re making a big mistake.” His voice was tight, his eyes stormy.
She took a deep breath and politely said, “Goodnight, Sean. Thank you for dinner.”
7
Beth’s text message came as Chase was leaving the work site to head back to his office for a meeting with David Wentworth, the developer Lauren referred him to. They were meeting at two and it was only twenty of. Chase would be at his office in less than five minutes, which he’d thought would be plenty early enough.
“He’s here already! What should I do with him?”
Chase thought for a moment. His office was nothing fancy. It didn’t have a reception area because Chase typically went to his clients and met them at their homes or home sites.
“Send him into my office and please see if he wants a coffee
or anything. I’m on my way and will see him shortly.”
“Great, I’ll let him know.”
Chase walked into his office a few minutes later and Beth made a face as soon as she saw him. It was clear she was not a fan of David Wentworth.
“I offered him coffee and he asked for a cappuccino, can you imagine? He’s in your office. Have fun!”
Chase took a deep breath and entered his office. David Wentworth was sitting behind Chase’s desk, as if it was his own and was busy typing on his phone. He looked up when he saw Chase.
“Ah, there you are. Sorry, I know I was a little early. Do you want your chair back? Hope you don’t mind that I made myself comfortable?”
Chase did mind. He thought it was quite rude, but wasn’t about to say so. He didn’t want to start things off on the wrong foot. So, he smiled and held out his hand.
“Good to see you again. No, of course I don’t mind. I’ll just sit here.” He sat in one of the two leather chairs across from his desk and it was an odd feeling, as if he was in David’s office. And David immediately took charge of the meeting.
“So, Lauren says good things about you. I did some asking around and heard more good things. This could be a very big opportunity for you. Very big.” David smiled as he leaned back and put one of his feet up on the desk and his arms behind his head. He looked relaxed and powerful and his belly huge. It was big and round and Chase had to stop himself from staring at it. His designer suit fit perfectly though and his thinning hair was combed over to make it appear fuller. His complexion was ruddy, his eyes hooded. There were rumors that he was a big drinker and it appeared true with the telltale flush of his skin. He did everything to excess it seemed, but so far, he’d been extremely successful.
“Yes, I’m grateful for the chance,” Chase said. He’d also done his research on the man sitting at his desk and learned that he had a huge ego that required regular stroking. Chase could play the game if he had to. Whether it would be worth it, remained to be seen. He needed to know more about what David Wentworth had in mind.
“So, let me tell you what we’re doing.” David spent the next half hour telling Chase all about the new project and how it was going to be a career making opportunity for him. The exposure would be tremendous. Tremendous! He tended to repeat himself often for emphasis and was quite a salesman. Chase thought it was interesting that he was trying to sell him so hard on what seemed like a no-brainer. Any builder would jump at this opportunity, wouldn’t they?
And then David Wentworth casually mentioned the budget he was proposing for the project and Chase’s alarm bells began to ring. It immediately sounded low and after he did a few quick mental calculations, he realized it was even lower than he’d first thought. His profit margin would be dangerously thin and didn’t leave much room for unexpected expenses or delays which almost always happened.
“So, what do you think? Are you on board? I can have my girl write up a contract and get it over to you later today. We’re ready to move on this.”
“The project sounds wonderful,” Chase began. And it did, the condos as described would be lovely and David wanted all high end quality materials and finishes. But he didn’t seem willing to pay for them. “Is your budget flexible? Materials tend to cost a bit more on the island and then there are always things that come up.”
But David shook his head. “Nope, no flexibility I’m afraid. We put a lot of research into this and know where we need to be for costs.” He looked Chase in the eyes, smiled and said, “I know your profit margins might be a bit lower than you’re used to, but the tradeoff could be huge. You’ll make it up in volume and exposure.”
And the alarms grew louder. Chase wasn’t willing to trade all of his profits for added exposure. Especially on an island where everyone for the most part already knew him, and he was plenty busy as it was. But still, he decided to play the game for a bit.
“It’s certainly tempting. If you want to have her send over the contracts with your specs, I’ll dig into this a bit more and get a better sense of what my exact costs will be. And then I can let you know.”
David stood and held out his hand. “Fair enough. You do that. And then sign and get the contract back ASAP. Ideally today. As I said we’re ready to rock-and-roll on this. If you’re not in, I need to get someone else ASAP.”
“I can get back to you by tomorrow.” That would have to be good enough. Chase needed to really think this through.
“Tomorrow it is.”
Chase walked him out and as soon as the door was closed, Beth told him what she thought of David Wentworth.
“Please tell me you’re not going to do business with that man? I have a horrible feeling about him. He was flirting with me and it grossed me out. As if I’d ever go out with someone like him. He’s older than my father!” She looked thoroughly disgusted at the thought and Chase didn’t blame her. David Wentworth also had a reputation of being a womanizer and especially loved being seen with women half his age.
“I’m sorry about that. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but it doesn’t look good, based on the numbers he was tossing around in our meeting. He’s going to send over a contract with more specifics and I’ll see if it makes sense for us.”
“That’s if he pays you at all. I did some digging around on the internet and there are a lot of unhappy contractors that have worked with him. I’d hate to see that happen to you.”
A few hours later, the contract came over with the budget and all the approved costs broken out. Chase went through it carefully more than once and the numbers just didn’t add up. If the slightest thing went wrong, he could actually lose money on the project. The only way he could make money would be by using lower quality materials, which was suggested in the contract. Everything that was visible would be the advertised quality, but the wood below could be a lesser grade.
Chase knew that plenty of builders were willing to do that, to cut costs on things that didn’t show to the homeowner, but that wasn’t how he worked. His homes were built to last. After reading through the contract fully, it was an easy decision. He was out. He’d tell David in the morning though so that it seemed as though he put more thought into it and really considered the offer. He didn’t want to insult him by saying no too quickly, especially when Lauren was involved in introducing the two of them. He dreaded telling her more than David, actually. She’d been so excited about this for him.
Chase’s phone rang as he was about to bite into the Italian sub he’d picked up for dinner on his way home. He was sitting at his small kitchen table with the sub and a bag of chips. He could see from the caller ID that it was Lauren. He thought about letting the call go to his voicemail and calling her back after he ate, but he hated putting things off. Better to get it over with.
“Hey Lauren. How was your day?”
“Insanely busy, as usual. What about you? How did your meeting go with David Wentworth? I’m so excited that you’re going to do this with us. It’s going to be so great.”
There was a long, uncomfortable moment of silence before Chase spoke. “We met and he sent over his contract. The numbers just don’t work for me, Lauren. There’s not enough profit and if one thing goes wrong, it could actually wind up costing me money.”
“Did you already tell him no?” Was Lauren’s first question.
“No. I told him I’d get back to him tomorrow, but I’m not going to do it.”
“You’d be crazy to give up this opportunity. It could be so huge for you!”
“Not if it costs me money. Exposure is overrated when everyone already knows who you are.”
There was another long, awkward pause before Lauren said, “Can’t you find a way to cut costs somehow? Use less expensive materials for all the stuff that doesn’t really matter?”
Chase didn’t like what he was hearing. “Do you mean use an inferior quality on the underlying materials, the part people can’t see?”
“Yes, exactly that! Builders do that all the time.�
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“That’s what David suggested too, but it’s not how I work, Lauren.”
“Don’t you want to be successful and grow your business? This could help you get to the next level.” She was right, it definitely would. But at what cost?
“That’s not how I roll. I can’t promise one thing and then deliver something else, something less than the buyer expects.”
“But, it’s okay by David! Everyone does it.”
“Not me. I’m sorry, Lauren. I do appreciate you suggesting me for the project. I wish I was able to do it, but David says there’s no flexibility on the budget.”
“Well, that is disappointing. He’ll probably give it to one of your competitors.”
“He probably will. I don’t doubt that.”
“Okay, well I have to go. I’m running late to meet Tracy.”
“No problem. Are we still on for Thursday night? I was thinking maybe the Straight Wharf for dinner. We haven’t gone there yet.”
More silence. “I don’t think I can do Thursday. Something has come up. I’ll let you know about a different day.
“Let’s pick it now, Friday works or Saturday, your choice.”
“I’m not sure. I’ll have to get back to you. Good bye, Chase.” She seemed suddenly anxious to end the call.
“Bye, Lauren. Call me once you figure out your schedule,” he said. But she’d already ended the call.
Paige was starting to worry about Bailey. The kitten was nowhere to be found. He’d been running around earlier and following her from room to room like he usually did before she ran out to run some errands. She’d been back home for an hour and was surprised when he hadn’t come rushing to the door to greet her like he always did.
She was madly in love with him and the feeling seemed to be mutual. Although he was a terror and was into everything, just a nonstop ball of energy that always wanted to play, but when he tired out, he always wanted to snuggle with Paige. His favorite spot was the crook of her neck and he’d burrow there while she was lounging on the sofa or in bed, and just purr. It was adorable, but after a while also annoying, especially when she was in bed, trying to sleep. He purred so loudly, that she finally tried picking him up and putting him out in the living room and closing her bedroom door, but that didn’t work. He’d sit outside the door and howl until she let him back in and then he’d burrow happily against her again and eventually they’d both drift off to sleep.
Nantucket Neighbors (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series Book 2) Page 6
