Page 39 of Hoax and Kisses
He nods and holds up his phone, her LinkedIn profile pulled up on the screen. “She’s the business development head for Oscar’s group, Imperial Excellence. They have chains all over the world.”
“Not surprised,” I scoff as Lola peers over my shoulder. “Exactly who I thought she was.”
“But if you look closer at what she does,” James continues, his voice steady, “it says here: ‘Zoey Delacroix is better known for her work founding the Traveler’s Lodge chain, an affordable eco-friendly accommodation experience that’s been revolutionizing the hotel industry. These lodges partner withbusinesses in their area, from coffee suppliers to exclusive activities, and give them much-needed economic boosts.’”
A pit forms in my stomach. Okay, so she’s had one great idea. Doesn’t make up for the fact that she works for a massive conglomerate that is no doubt responsible for the disappearance of hundreds of small businesses, the wildlife essential to maintaining our ecosystems, and the spread of tourism to the detriment of local communities.
So what if she’s helped a few of them along the way? I’m sure I can easily find disgruntled companies and towns that would have a lot to say. One single article doesn’t mean shit to me. It doesn’t tell me how the people of those communities felt when her organization came in and took over.
“She also created an independent mentorship program. Look.” He clicks on another link, which opens a page titled Leading the Future. “Seems like she’s selecting a handful of promising start-ups in BC every year and investing in their growth.”
“That’s a lot of work,” Lola says.
“Leading the future,” I scoff. “Gotta love how humble she is.”
Lola rolls her eyes while James types her name into the search bar. When he hits Enter, hundreds of articles populate. One after another, they describe the projects she’s led since joining the company, and not only in BC. Thailand, Indonesia, Morocco. She’s been everywhere.
“Wait, scroll back,” I say.
He does, and one article in particular grabs my attention.
I lean in closer, squinting at the small print. “I didn’t know her dad was nearing retirement. Do you think she’ll take over?”
“She’s briefly mentioned here, but the journalist is floating other names as well. Hard to say. But she’s family. It would make sense.”
I hum. So she could be in the running to take over for her dad. And, conveniently, that’s happening at the same time she’s trying to get her project off the ground here. It’s just all… too coincidental.
“Looks like she got a degree in social science,” Lola says. “Wonder how that led her to what she does now.”
“Okay, fine.” I pick up the saucepan and take it to the sink. “She might not be as terrible as I originally thought, but I’m still not sold on her intentions in Pine Falls.”
Lola whirls around, brows furrowed. “But—”
“However,” I cut her off. “I’ll admit that it’s hard to be sold on something when I don’t know what that something is. And it’s my fault we don’t have the details. She deserves to be heard.” The guilt is back, a dull ache in my chest. “But I don’t know how to go about it now that the whole town hates her guts.”
James clears his throat. “There might be a way that could also benefit you.”
Before I can ask him what he means, Daphne bursts into the kitchen, dressed in her flower-covered pajamas. “Did you make my hot cocoa?”
I slide the mug to her. “Here you go. Extra whipped cream.”
“Thank you.” She wraps her fingers around it and takes a sip. When she puts it down, a little white mustache spreads over her upper lip. “Lola, do you want Matt to make you one too?”
“Thanks, Daph.” She jiggles her beer. “Already set with mine.”
“Okay.” Without another word, my sister takes her hot chocolate to the couch. A second later, the faint sound of the TV reaches us.
“HGTV?” Lola cocks an eyebrow.
“That’s all she watches. Gardening shows every night.” I take another sip of my beer and turn to James. “You were saying?”
“Factually speaking,” he starts, pushing his glasses up, “you’re a pillar of our community. Your store is thriving, and everyone knows and loves you. You’re very respected. You could… help Zoey get a second chance to advocate for her project by using your positive influence on the people of Pine Falls.”
“Okay… And how do you suggest I do that? I can’t force people to listen, and I won’t go around trying to convince them like I’m some kind of spokesperson. I won’t do the work for her.”
“No, but you can show them thatyou’vechanged your mind.”
“How?”
