Page 48 of The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation

“Gifts that come with strings attached are a double-edged sword. If you don’t wield that sword carefully, it’ll be destructive. But if you use your money to make people’s lives better?—”

“Doing CrossFit and barre and Soul cycle classes would fix the diabetes problems, I’d bet.”

“Only if people showed up to the classes. We have an opportunity to solve actual problems here, to fill real gaps in the town infrastructure.”

“I’m not building a church, Josh.”

“It’d be better than a church, because it won’t be based on a patriarchal structure. Imagine a center designed to build community. With spaces where people can have fun, learn things, exercise, and meet people outside of their jobs and families and social strata. That’s not just a way for Trede to get tax breaks from the local government.”

I take one big breath, because if this doesn’t land, I’m fucked. “Eli, a place that centers community isn’t just a building. It’s a legacy.”

He just stares at me for so long, I’m not even sure that my words register. But I hang in there, hoping that they’ll reach the kind heart I suspect lies deep inside my prickly boss.

“Fine,” he finally says. “But if there’s no Pilates, I’m not paying for everything.”

Sending up thanks to whatever gods are in charge of recreation, I smile. “Funny you should mention that.”

I don’t know if it’s because he’s eager to get out of town or what, but Eli signs off on Trede’s participation at the public-private partnership retreat without a fight. “You get Leia Blake there, and I’ll be there,” he says before heading out back to a waiting helicopter.

My high doesn’t last long, unfortunately, because Leia Blake does put up a fight.

“Hmm,” is all the Parks and Rec director has to say in response to my excellent pitch selling her on the advantages of attending the PPP workshop as a means of garnering additional funding for the CPR redevelopment. “I thought this was your job.”

“Community development is my job. But input like this—financial, educational, and institutional—can be invaluable when you’re setting a new course. I’ve gained so much from conferences like these. I really don’t think it’s an opportunity you want to turn down.”

“I still don’t get why you aren’t going.”

Because I want to get out of town for a sex-fest with your best friend?

“Because it can be most advantageous for the top stakeholders to participate. Really get the juices flowing. Shake things up.”

“Top stakeholders? So if not you, who would be going from Trede?”

I shut my eyes, trying to figure out if I can stretch the truth enough to get her there without outright lying.

“Elijah’s going, isn’t he?”

Fuck.I bite back the curse and force a smile. “He’s invested in the success of the partnership, after all.”

“Well, if he’s going, I’m not going.”

Double fuck.

“Why don’t you sleep on it, and we can talk about it more tomorrow?”

“Sleeping on it will not change my mind. We had a deal. I work with you. Not Eli. You renege on that deal, you lose my support. All of it.”

I’m left with the dial tone echoing in my ear and my dick not speaking to me.

ChapterSeventeen

AVERY

“Avery? Hello?”

“Yes?” I look up to find Leia standing in my office doorway talking to me. By the look of frustration on her face, she’s been there for quite a while.

“You have a funny look on your face.” Eyes narrowing, she plops down in the chair across from me.

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