Page 4 of Sunset Tides
She shook her head. “Not with things like this.”
Rob cut in. “Yet still, you’re an important member of Grindstone. The guys at Carriageway aren’t farmers – they don’t understand the value of century-old apple tree lines or the aged whiskey in your cellar.”
“No one cares about that,” Fiona said glumly.
“Our customers do,” Lucy snapped, shooting Rob a look.
That one was too defensive. He needed to be more convincing. “Of course, and that’s what Carriageway doesn’t understand. They also don’t understand how difficult it’ll be to sell everything off. They may not recoup their costs, and all they want to do is cut and run.”
Lucy narrowed her eyes. “How long has this one million dollar problem been hanging over your head, Fiona?”
“Since Harry sold the farm. Three years. I’ll tell you about it later.”
Lucy was killing Rob’s pitch with her questions. He kept a synthetic smile on his face, but he wanted nothing more than to shut this pushy woman out of the office and lock the door.
“We can go over the details soon,” he said, “but I wanted to introduce myself and let you know there are other options. Options that could save the farm.”
“What company do you work for?” asked Lucy.
“It’s called OSS. Obringer, Sterling and Sullivan.”
“Sounds local,” she said with a smile.
Ah, sarcasm. A tool for the witless. “We’re based out of New York City, but we have an office in Seattle.”
“New York City.” She sat back and let out a deep breath. “You must know a lot about farms.”
“I can’t claim I do, but I’m willing to learn. We care a lot about small businesses.”
Lucy nodded. “Right. What other small businesses have you saved?”
“Lucy,” Fiona said in a low voice. “He’s not the enemy.”
She shrugged. “He may not be the enemy, but it doesn’t look like he could muck out a stall in that suit.”
Rob knew he shouldn’t have worn a suit. He just hadn’t had time to change when he’d gotten to this miserable island. As far as he was concerned, it was on the other end of the world, and on top of that, the ferry he’d taken was an hour late.
Time to call Lucy on her bluff. “I’d be happy to help in the stalls.” He stood and removed his suit jacket, laying it on the chair.
“Please. You don’t have to do that,” Fiona said, waving a hand for him to sit down. “This is very interesting, Rob. I’m going to talk to Alan from Carriageway and see what he thinks.”
“That’s all I ask. And if you need any help in the barn – ”
“No.” Fiona smiled for the first time. “That’s kind of you, but thank you.”
Rob could feel Lucy’s eyes on him. He shot her a look and shrugged his shoulders. “The offer is always on the table.”
Lucy cleared her throat and stood, announcing, “Well, you look exhausted, Fiona, so I’ll leave you in peace. I can show Rob out.”
Now she was kicking him out! She was going from rude to outright irritating.
No need to show his annoyance, though. Rob smiled. “Thanks, Lucy. I’ll stop by tomorrow. I’ve got some calls to make and – ”
“Of course!” Lucy opened the door, motioning for Rob to step through.
He cleared his throat. “You have my card. Please feel free to reach out any time of day. I have a small office on the island and – ”
Lucy cut him off. “Thanks a bunch, Rob. Let me show you to your car.”
