Page 35 of Hoax and Kisses
I offer the crowd a broad smile, but I’m met with nothing but cold, dead silence. Okay, it’s fine. They need a minute to warm up. I get it.
In the front row, Rosie leans forward, giving me all her attention. Her brows pinch together, as if she’s trying to figure out what I’m doing up here, addressing them.
“I first came across Pine Falls in a documentary and instantly fell in love with the place. As I learned more about the town—its values and its people—my appreciation only grew stronger. And the more I discovered, the more I realized that your economic environment is missing a vital element.” I clear my throat, scanning the blank faces in the audience. “You see,” I go on, keeping my tone upbeat, “whether you like it or not, you’re the gateway to wilderness tourism. Every year, thousands of people stop in Pine Falls before beginning their epic journey away from their modern lives. But every year, it’s the same story. The streets and shops are too crowded, too crammed. You’re suffocating. It’s obvious that your blind spot is your lack of infrastructure to accommodate the influx that takes over your town each season.”
I pause, taking in the now inquisitive looks. I’ve piqued their curiosity, related to their issue, and empathized with their needs. I’ve got this in the bag.
“What I’m offering isn’t just a way to handle your problem. It’s an experience. A path to make space for tourists while partnering withyourbusinesses and helping them thrive. You’ll be at the core of it all. Because I’ll always ask myself, ‘How can this project serve your needs?’ and ‘How can we blend your expertise with mine?’”
“So,” a deep voice interrupts, “what you’re really doing is using fancy words to bullshit us into building an all-inclusive fucking hotel, is that it?”
I snap toward Matt, who pins me with a cold stare, not a hint of friendliness left on his face.
Gripping the podium, I pull myself straighter.
He thinks he’s the first man ever to try to intimidate me? In this line of work? Think again.
“It’s not an all-inclusive h—”
“What is it then?”
“It’s an experience that, yes, includes accommodation, but it’s so much more than that.”
One brow arches. “Will there be bedrooms available for guests to rent?”
“Yes.”
“Will there be a place where they can eat?”
“What’s your point?”
He lifts one shoulder. “It’s a yes or no question.”
I lean closer to the mic. “There will be dining options—”
“Then it’s an all-inclusive hotel.”
The crowd stirs, people exchanging concerned and even angry glances.
“It’s a clever use of Pine Falls unlike anything that’s been done before. You’ll no longer be a stopover town, but a destination.”
Matt scoffs, pushing off the wall. “A cleveruse?”
My stomach plummets. “That wasn’t the right choice—”
“On that, we agree. Pine Falls isn’t a tool to be used to whatever end you have in mind. And if you had done yourresearchproperly like you said you did, you’d know that this town is already a destination.”
“That’s right!” a man shouts from one side of the room.
“We run successful businesses, and we work our asses off year-round to welcome visitors and to ensure they’re treated like our most esteemed guests. Since you’ve been playing the tourist for the past week, you should know that better than anyone.” Matt’s focus is unwavering, every one of his words sharp as a blade. “The last thing we need is yourhotel.”
Murmurs of agreement rise, mutters of “yeah” and “he’s right” coming from all directions.
Heart racing and throat dry, I glance at Rosie. I’m desperate for one friendly face, somebody who can understand I wasn’t trying to be deceitful. But her seat is empty.Shit.
“That’s exactly what I want too. I want to help your businesses thrive. All I’m asking is for a chance to present what we have in mind for this land,” I plead into the microphone, my grip on the podium tightening until my knuckles turn white.
“One more question, MissDelacroix, before you go.” He cocks a brow, a smirk on his lips. “Is it true that your father is Oscar Marchiatto? The very same businessman who wanted to build his monstrosity of a resort in our town two years ago?”
