Page 18 of Dreams and Desires

As we walk deeper into the park, the sounds of voices filter through the trees. A group of people with banners and signs is heading our way. Their faces are set, determined. Their signs read things like ‘Save Our Park’ and ‘No Resort in Cody’. I feel a flicker of annoyance. These protests are as predictable as they are irritating.

The cops step forward, ready to intervene if things get out of hand. Brian steps up, trying to calm the situation. “Let’s keep it civil, folks. We’re here to discuss the future of Cody.”

A woman at the front of the group steps forward, her eyes flashing with anger. She’s older, maybe in her late fifties, with gray streaks in her dark hair. Her voice is steady and strong. “We don’t want your resort here, Mr. Patterson. This park is a sanctuary, and we won’t let you destroy it for profit.”

I suck in air quietly, willing my heartbeat to steady itself. “I get it. You’re attached to this place. But this project isn’t just about the resort. It’s about bringing jobs and infrastructure—giving this town a future.”

Another man steps forward, his face flushed with emotion. “You don’t understand. We don’t want your money. We want our park.”

The crowd murmurs, their voices growing louder. My patience wears thin. “This project is happening. I’ve invested too much to let it fail.”

“Over our dead bodies,” someone shouts from the back.

Brian steps in again, trying to defuse the situation. “Let’s not get carried away. We’re here to talk, not to fight.”

But things start to escalate. The crowd surges forward, and the cops move to push them back. It’s a chaotic scene—angry voices, hands waving signs, the cops trying to keep order. It’s all so predictable. I lean in close to Brian, keeping my voice low. “I paid you to handle this, Brian. Do your job.”

Brian nods, sweat beading on his forehead. “I’ll handle it. Let’s have a meeting in a week to discuss the propositions. We’ll find a way to make this work.”

I shake my head slightly, irritated by his hesitation. “Not just any meeting. Call a town hall meeting. Get everyone who has a problem with this in one room. I’ll convince them myself.”

Brian looks surprised. “You really think that’s a good idea? They’re pretty hostile.”

I give him a hard look. “Hostile? Brian, this is just fear. Fear of change, fear of the unknown. I’ve dealt with this a hundred times before. I know how to turn it around. Call the meeting.”

He nods, reluctantly. “Alright, Mr. Patterson. I’ll arrange it.”

“Good,” I reply, already moving towards the car. “Make sure the word gets out. I want every single person who’s against this project in that hall. I’ll show them why they’re wrong.”

As I walk towards mycar, I can’t help but feel that familiar rush of victory. This town, this park—it’s all going to be mine. They’ll see. They’ll all see.

Chapter Seven

Juniper

Ever since I heard about Zade Patterson’s plans for Cody, it’s been gnawing at me. Day and night, I’ve been buried in research, sifting through every article and report I can find on his past developments. I’m not just curious—I’m desperate. I need to understand what drives a man like him to think he can just stroll into our town and mold it to his will.

This isn’t just a passing concern. Cody Riverside Park is where my best memories live. Grams taught me the names of every flower there, and we’d spend hours exploring the trails. It’s not just land to me; it’s home. The thought of it being overrun by tourists and of the peace being shattered by construction fills me with dread.

As I head downstairs, my parents’ voices drift from the kitchen. I pause on the stairs, their conversation pulling me in.

“There’s a town hall meeting tonight,” my dad says, sounding dead serious. “The mayor’s bringing in some big shot investors.”

“For the park project?” My mom replies. “I heard about that. I think we should go tonight. What do you think?”

Before my dad can answer, I step into the kitchen, determination etched on my face. “I’m going to that meeting with you,” I announce.

My mom looks up, concern clouding her eyes. It’s not just the meeting that worries her—it’s everything about this situation. She’s ashamed of me and doesn’t want me out there, especially not in the town hall where everyone will see. “Juniper, you don’t need to get involved,” she says.

My dad, however, doesn’t bother with gentle words. His gaze is as cold as ever. “You’ve caused enough trouble. Stay out of this.”

His words sting, but I refuse to back down. “I’m not just going to stand by and watch them destroy that park.”

He lets out a bitter laugh. “I know why you’re really going. You want to prove you’re not afraid to face the town again.”

I meet his gaze, which is firm. “Maybe I do. What's wrong with that?”

He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. “Have you forgotten the photo scandal? The entire town turned against us. Against you!”

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