Page 44 of Unexpected Entanglement

“But we have enough land to build more,” Rowan said. “At least that’s what Gibbes has been saying to the others.”

“Wouldn’t that be a good thing? More work for construction companies and more job opportunities may sprout new businesses.”

“Yes, like Bobbie’s,” Rowan agreed. “She started a housecleaning business, then began offering services to the few rentals on the island. Now, if our arrangement works out well, it’ll make more sense for me to outsource the cleaning to her instead of hiring full-time cleaners.

“But then again, Connor and his gang of the older establishment don’t treat Bobbie with much respect, either. Though their wives love that they won’t have to lift a mop ever again,” she pointed out.

“What do they think about the farm? And Kieran?” Chris asked.

“They have no issue with Kieran. He speaks their language—a lot of grunting and few words. It also helps that he has the right appendages.” Rowan snickered, then added, “The farm makes it possible for the island to stop outsourcing produce from the mainland. The inn is the opposite.”

“How is it the opposite? You’re providing more income to the local economy. Your guests will want to stroll Main Street and spend money in the stores and restaurants.”

“They think our guests won’t spend their money on the small businesses and seclude themselves here because I plan to provide full services.”

“You need to show them how the Bright Head Inn will benefit them,” Chris suggested.

“How do I do that? Those against me are set in their thinking.”

“By proving them wrong. Yesterday, Sheila mentioned you threw a cheese-tasting event at the farm last summer.”

Rowan nodded. “We invited a brewery from North Haven to take part in the tasting. Sheila had her baker friends do a little friendly bake-off, then we had two food trucks to provide for the main meal. We had a band. People had a great time.”

“You can involve the community in the inn’s business in the same way. That café downtown roasts its own beans. Have them make the inn a special blend that you’ll serve here, and you can sell bags of them with co-branding. Work with a local yoga to provide special classes here a few days a week. I saw a lifestyle store in town that sells cute island home goods and fragrances if you can create special toiletries with them—”

“I did that. Morgan—that shop owner—is one of my supporters. The toiletries in your room are the prototypes we worked on together.”

“And they’re perfect. They smell fresh—not too sweet, not too strong—just right. Show those old codgers your collaborations with Bobbie and Morgan are only the surface of ways the inn can benefit the community.”

“Three women-led businesses won’t convince Connor Gibbes.”

“Who is this Connor Gibbes?” Chris questioned.

“He owns the biggest lobstering fleet on the island.”

“So he’s a big deal.” Chris sat back and drank his Coke.

Rowan grimaced as she wiped her fingers with her napkin. “He grew up with my dad, but they were never friends. There’s always been a rivalry between them. That might have something to do with his attitude.”

She let out an enormous sigh. “Either way, I can’t, nor do I have the energy to fight him and his misogyny right now.”

The feel of Chris’ warm hand on hers on the table jolted Rowan. She turned her gaze to him.

“You can, Rowan.” He looked at her. “After seeing what you’ve done with this place and the amount of preparation you’ve managed, I have no doubt you can.”

Rowan didn’t understand, but his words and touch eased the invisible vise around her chest that had made it difficult to breathe sometimes. How did this virtual stranger, with his perpetual smile, do that?

They spent the rest of the afternoon interviewing the farm staff, who signed up for the extra temporary work at the inn. Chris chatted with them, noted their skills and personalities, and unofficially assigned them to the slots he and Rowan had listed earlier.

Now, they had people with experience in waiting tables. A few stronger, younger men, willing to do extra hours for the money, would help transport the guests with their luggage and miscellaneous tasks. Rowan had also recruited an engaging high school senior to staff the front desk while Chris and Rowan provided guest services.

On the other side of the barn, Alex and Oliver already had their chosen team of bakers and cooks, plus kitchen helpers. Naturally, Sheila and Donna were there. Alex was happy to entrust the baking to them.

Chris walked the last of the interviewees to the open barn door. Rowan joined him at the threshold with a neat stack of paperwork she’d collected from the folks he’d sent her way after he’d finished talking with them. The two of them had worked together like clockwork this afternoon. It was amazing, remembering they’d only met each other yesterday. And she hadn’t even wanted him there.

“That’s a solid day of work, if I may so myself,” Chris commented.

“I agree.” Rowan had a pleased smile on her face, topped with a dollop of relief that Chris was glad to see. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a drink.”

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