Pulse picking up, Matt crossed the foyer in response to the summons from the doorbell.
Andrew Thompson had arrived with his bid. Hopefully one that was affordable and offered a workable timetable. Because after hearing nothing but praise from three of his former clients yesterday, he had no qualms about hiring the man.
If the bid didn’t meet his parameters?
He’d have to expand his search for a contractor to Coos Bay and Bandon, losing precious time with every day that passed. Time Kay couldn’t afford. She’d sunk too much of her nest egg into this up front, and if she didn’t begin generating income soon, her assets would continue to dwindle.
Matt opened the door to find not only Andrew on the other side but also an unfamiliar young woman.
“Good morning.” He extended his hand to Andrew. “Thanks for coming so fast after my call.”
“Like I said, the bid was ready.” Andrew motioned toward the woman. “This is my wife, Paige.”
Matt shook hands with her too as he introduced himself, her icy fingers suggesting she had a major case of nerves.
“I brought Paige along because without her help I couldn’t meet the timetable outlined in the bid. I want to be sure you’re comfortable with our two-for-the-price-of-one proposal.” Andrew flashed him a stiff smile.
His wife intended to help him on the job?
That was unexpected.
But if it expedited the work, why not?
“I’m open to that.”
“If you have a few minutes, I can review the bid with you rather than just drop it off, in case there are any initial questions. I can also explain Paige’s role.”
“Sure. Come on in.” He stepped back to admit them, waving toward the back of the house. “Let’s talk in the kitchen. It’s too cool this morning for the terrace.”
They followed him to the rear of the B&B, tension radiating from both of them.
As Vienna had intuited that day at the wharf, they must be uber-stressed about their situation.
“Have a seat.” He indicated the dining table off to one side. “Would you like coffee or tea?”
When both declined, he picked up his mug from the counter and took a seat. “I apologize again for the delay in getting back to you. It took a couple of calls to reach one of your references. But I heard only glowing reports from everyone. I’m more than ready to see the bid.”
“The numbers and timeframe are all in here.” Andrew removed several stapled pages from the manila folder he’d set on the table in front of him and handed them over. “I’ve itemized the items so you can adjust the scope of work if necessary to accommodate the budget.”
Matt moved his mug aside and set the papers in front of him. “Let me take a quick pass and see if any immediate questions pop up. I’ll give it a more thorough review later and call you if anything else comes to mind.”
The room fell silent as he skimmed through the detailed, professional, and comprehensive document.
Andrew had done a stellar job.
While there was much to digest, he homed in on the two most pertinent pieces of information—timeframe and the bottom-line cost.
Timeframe popped up first.
Four weeks.
Shorter than Andrew had originally estimated, no doubt due to the assistance of his wife. Longer than was ideal, though. Kay would have to oversee the last part of the project alone, since his break from the vet practice would be up in three weeks. But if the price was right . . .
He zipped through the detailed spec sheets and flipped to the last page. Did a double take at the total-cost number near the bottom.
That couldn’t be correct.
Had he misread something?
He went back to the beginning, gave the document another pass—and found his answer.
The estimates for materials were reasonable. It was the labor charge that was way out of line.
He looked over at the Thompsons, who were perched on the edges of their seats. “The labor cost is much too low for four weeks of work. Could there be a mistake here?”
“No. The number is correct.” Andrew exchanged a glance with his wife. Covered the hand she’d fisted on the table with his. “I need the work, Mr. Quinn.”
Paige leaned forward, posture taut. “We consider the labor for this job an investment in our future. If you’re happy with the work, we hope word will spread and more jobs will come our way. We’d like to make a new start here.”
If ever a couple deserved a second chance, it was these two.
Matt zeroed in on the number again.
The temptation to accept the bid as written was strong. The total was far below the budget Kay and he had put together, and it would leave a significant amount in reserve for the softer changes Vienna had recommended.
But taking advantage of other people’s adversity wasn’t ethical.
Neither was keeping them in limbo about the job.
He set the sheets aside and wrapped his fingers around his mug. “From what I can tell after a quick read, your bid is well within our budget. And I can live with a four-week turnaround. Where I’m running into a roadblock is the labor. While I appreciate your willingness to work for such low wages, that’s not fair to you.”
“Opportunity has value, and that will more than make up the difference between what I’m charging and my normal wage.” Andrew kneaded the edge of the folder between his thumb and index finger. “And we put in enough to live on.”
“I’m also hoping to get a job at the café in town or another restaurant nearby to supplement our income,” Paige said.
She was going to work two jobs?
Given their dire straits and their commitment to building a new life, he’d have to figure out how to structure an arrangement that was fair to all of them.
“I’ll tell you what. Let me give this a more careful read and talk with my sister. It’s really her call. Sound fair?”
“Yes.” Andrew drew in a lungful of air. “Would you like us to explain how Paige would be involved in the project?”
He picked up his coffee and leaned back. “Yes.”
As the two of them clarified her role, and Andrew made it clear they would have to be on-site far beyond normal working hours in order to accomplish the four-week turnaround, the wage they were charging became less and less adequate.
Maybe he ought to offer to help with the painting part of the project. He wouldn’t know where to begin with a drywall patch, but he could wield a brush. And what else did he have to do around here except walk on the beach, anyway? Besides, if he helped paint, it might speed up the job.
Definitely worth thinking about.
Matt drained the last of his coffee as the man finished. “I appreciate all the information. As far as I’m concerned, you have the job. But let me talk with my sister about the labor piece. May I call you later today?”
“Yes. That would be fine.” Andrew scooted his chair back, and Paige followed suit.
Matt stood and led them to the door, following them out as they exited.
“The gardens are pretty.” Paige paused to examine the beds on either side of the covered entry.
“My sister loves flowers, and they love her back.” He inspected the ground, where weeds had already begun to encroach in the week since his arrival. Stifled a sigh.
One more chore to add to his to-do list. There was no money in the budget for a gardener.
“I could take care of them for you while we’re on-site.” Paige leaned down to examine a hydrangea flower. “I had a garden at home.”
At the wistful note in her voice, Andrew slipped an arm around her waist.
Okay.
These two were getting the job, even if he had to supplement Kay’s budget from his own savings to pay them what they deserved. He could always position it as a loan if she balked at an outright contribution.
“I’ll mention that to Kay too. Expect to hear from me by early afternoon, unless I have trouble connecting with her.”
“Thank you again for the opportunity.” Andrew shook his hand.
Paige repeated the sentiment.
He remained by the front door until the truck disappeared down the drive through the trees, then turned back toward the house.
As he entered the foyer, his cell began to vibrate. After closing the door behind him, he pulled it out and checked the screen.
This must be the day for his support crew to check in.
He put the phone to his ear. “Good morning, Vienna.”
“Morning. I hope this isn’t too early to call.”
“Not at all. I just finished a meeting with Andrew.”
“You decided to let him bid?”
“Yes. All his references were stellar. He dropped off his numbers a few minutes ago, which are much lower than I expected. I can fill you in at our next meeting.”
“Speaking of that . . . are you at the B&B?”
“Yes.”
“If you have a few minutes, I could swing by now. I have a ton of research to share, along with recommendations and costs.”
“That would be fine. My whole day is open, and I’d like to get everything rolling here as soon as possible.”
“Watch for me in twenty or thirty minutes.” The line went dead.
Matt continued toward the kitchen to brew a second cup of coffee, lips curving up in anticipation of another one-on-one with Vienna.
“Something—or someone—out there is perking you up.”
As Cora’s observation replayed in his mind, his mouth flattened.
Despite the tingle that had zipped through his nerve endings during their meeting Sunday on the patio, he wasn’t interested in anything but Vienna’s business acumen.
That didn’t mean he was immune to her charms, however. But awareness and attraction weren’t the same thing. And he wasn’t attracted. Lonely, yes. In the market for romance, no—as he’d told Cora. He’d had his chance to fill his life with love, and he’d blown it.
Twice.
Gut clenching, he gritted his teeth.
His interactions with Vienna had one purpose, and one purpose only. To help Kay. Period.
And he’d keep that priority front and center, no matter how much he might be tempted to let his guard down and crack open the door of his heart.
By the time she arrived twenty-five minutes later, he had his game plan ready. Light and easy, that’s how he’d play this. Grateful but not beguiled.
He swung open the door, paying zero attention to the black leggings that showcased her spectacular legs or the soft, touchable sweater that hinted at her curves. “Welcome back to Beachview soon-to-be-something-else B&B.”
“I have ideas on that score.” She lifted the satchel she was toting.
“Come in.” He ushered her into the foyer. “I thought we’d sit in the kitchen in case the fog descends.”
Not likely, with clear blue sky stretching to the horizon, but the utilitarian, commercial-grade space was far less atmospheric than the terrace—and far less apt to engender another electrical storm.
He hoped.
Motioning to the table as they entered the room, he detoured toward the coffeepot. “Would you like a cup? Freshly brewed.”
“Do you have tea, by chance?”
“We do.” He retrieved the well-stocked tea caddy Kay had prepared for the guests that had been in short supply. Set it on the table. “Let me nuke you a mug of water.”
While he did that, she began unpacking her satchel, and when he joined her three minutes later, there was a fat file folder to her right and her laptop was booting up.
“I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I know you’re on a tight timetable, so I’m going to throw a bunch of stuff at you today. First, though, I have good news. I’ve decided to extend my stay in town and help with the redo and rebranding. Assuming you’d like me to.”
He set her mug of hot water beside the laptop and took a seat, his spirits ticking up. Maybe he was going to be able to pull off this project for Kay after all.
“A safe assumption—if we can afford you.”
She waved that aside as she selected a tea bag. English Breakfast, not one of the more exotic varieties Kay stocked. “No charge. As Mom pointed out to me, this gives me an excuse to prolong my vacation and add a plum item to my resume.”
He shook his head. “We can’t ask you to do all this work for free.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering. A successful image makeover will give me bargaining power for my next career move. That’s worth its weight in gold. And I’m determined to snag a primo job.” She smiled as she swirled her teabag through the water.
His gaze got stuck on the endearing dimple that dented her cheek.
Somehow he managed to shift his attention back to her animated blue eyes. “I’m sure you will.” His voice roughened, and he grabbed his coffee. Took a gulp. Tried not to wince as the scalding liquid sluiced down his throat.
A beat passed as she squinted at him, but then she continued. “The real question is whether you can afford to tackle the ideas I’m going to offer. If we’re too constrained budget-wise, it will be tough to do a full-scale high-end rebrand.”
“We may have more capital to work with than anticipated.” He filled her in on Andrew’s bid and the man’s plan to meet the timeframe he’d outlined.
Her forehead wrinkled. “So they’re both willing to work here for a wage that isn’t adequate for one person, let alone two?”
“That’s the offer on the table. But I’m not comfortable taking advantage of their hard luck. I doubt the amount in the bid for labor would even cover rent.”
“That may not be an issue. From the conversation I overheard that day on the wharf, I have a feeling they’re living in a tent.”
He blinked. “Seriously?”
“I could be wrong, but that’s the impression I got from the snippet I heard.”
“Do you think they’ve been living in a tent all the weeks they’ve been wandering around?”
She lifted one shoulder. “It’s cheap housing if you’re low on funds.”
He took a more careful sip of his coffee, an idea beginning to percolate in his mind. “I wonder if they’d accept a room here for the duration of the job as a supplement to their wages.”
“I like that idea. It would definitely beat living in a tent—or a hotel room, for that matter.”
Only someone who was very dense would miss her broad hint. She wanted him to extend the same offer to her. And he did owe her for the work she was planning to do gratis.
He tapped a finger on the table.
Maybe he should consider it. After all, having her under his roof 24/7 with chaperones present was far less dangerous than inviting her to stay with just the two of them on-site.
Until he got buy-in from the Thompsons on his idea, though, it was safer to act oblivious.
“Living in a tent for a weekend is fine.” He kept his tone conversational. “Living in a tent for weeks would get old. If Kay endorses the idea, I’ll broach it to them later today.”
Unless he was mistaken, a shadow of disappointment swept across her eyes as she lifted her mug and took a sip of her tea.
Understandable.
Staying here would not only be more economical for her, it would also be safer. As she’d already admitted, commuting from Bandon in the frequent fog was stressing her out. Even driving around in Hope Harbor could get dicey when the town was blanketed in mist.
Nevertheless, he had to play this smart.
She set the mug back on the table and opened the folder without making eye contact. “Did your sister have any suggestions for names?”
“No. I think she’s open to recommendations. Do you have any?”
“I do. Over the past two and a half days, I solo brainstormed, researched beachy themes and local customs, did a word association exercise, and put together an online survey question to test the top three names I came up with.”
“Who are you planning to survey?”
“It’s already done. I know a number of influential travel bloggers from my previous job, and I tapped two of them with a large following to post the link to the question. Here are the results. I circled the winning name.”
His guilt ratcheted up.
He and Kay were going to owe Vienna a huge debt.
The least he could do was offer her a free room in exchange for all her work. He ought to put his personal feelings aside and do the right thing.
But it wouldn’t hurt to wait until the Thompsons weighed in on his offer, assuming Kay approved. Once he issued an invitation, he’d be on the hook to honor it.
He took the sheet she held out. “Have you been spending every waking hour on this project?”
“A fair number. But to tell you the truth, it’s been fun. Much more rewarding in many ways than working on a team like I did in my prior job. I get to run the show here. With customer input, naturally.” She motioned to the paper. “See what you think.”
He gave the page his full attention.
The survey question was at the top of the sheet.
“If you wanted to book a secluded, romantic getaway at a small, intimate inn, which of these names would most entice you to investigate the property?”
Matt read the list of six names, homing in on the circled one that had won a far higher percentage of the vote than any of the others.
Sandcastle Inn.
“As far as I’m concerned, that’s a winner.”
“I think so too. Let’s hope your sister concurs.”
“I can almost guarantee she will. It has all the qualities you described in our last meeting. Whimsy and fairy tales and romance.”
“Those are the feels it gives me too. Once we clear the name with her, we can move full speed ahead on the rebranding, beginning with a teaser campaign. I asked Mom about local resources, and she referred me to Marci Weber Garrison, the editor of the Hope Harbor Herald, who also has a PR business that does websites. I’ve already talked to her and have preliminary costs.” She pulled out another piece of paper and passed it over too. “I have contacts for these sorts of services from my previous job, but I like to keep business local whenever possible.”
He gave the price sheet a quick perusal. “I don’t know much about website creation, but these amounts don’t seem out of line. And as I said, thanks to the low rehab bid, we have more money in the budget than expected. I’ll get Kay’s sign-off on this today.”
“Once we have that, we’ll take down the current site while Marci dives into creating the new one. We’ll populate it with scenic images and close-up shots at first, until the inn is rehabbed and we can get interiors. I can take the initial photos. If Andrew could give façade repairs priority, that would allow us to post exterior shots faster. We’ll continue to add photos to the site as work progresses. That will build excitement and anticipation.”
At her rapid-fire download, he reached behind him for the pen and notepad he kept on the counter for to-do list items. With all the information Vienna was throwing out, he’d need a script to work from when he talked to Kay. “Won’t it be hard to attract guests without any reviews?”
“It could be. That’s why it would be smart to offer an incentive to early guests. One suggestion is half-price rooms for the opening week. It also offers the inn a window to work out kinks before full-price guests arrive.”
“I can see the logic in that.”
“But there are tactics we could use to jump-start business too. I have one in particular in mind. It’s more involved and will cost some bucks, but it could pay huge dividends.”
“How many bucks are we talking about?”
“That depends on a number of factors. I can price it out if you’re interested in the idea, see if it fits in the budget.”
“Kay mentioned taking out a loan if necessary—assuming projected occupancy rates would justify that step. Do you have any data on that?”
Vienna nodded and riffled through her file. Pulled out another sheet. “I ran occupancy stats for inns on the Oregon coast in the same category as this one will be.”
Of course she had.
While Bev Price came across as a bit flighty, her daughter appeared to be totally buttoned up.
She passed him the sheet. “I calculated projected profit numbers based on the occupancy rates I found. This should be a very lucrative operation.”
A quick scan was all it took for him to concur. “You’ve convinced me. Now tell me your idea for jump-starting the business.”
“Remember those travel bloggers I mentioned? They have huge followings. If they go on a trip and write a glowing blog post about their experience, bookings for the places mentioned tend to skyrocket.” As she talked, energy pinged off her, and animation lit up her face.
He tried hard to focus on the business they were discussing instead of the vibrant woman across from him. Really hard. “So how do we get these bloggers to visit?”
“After the inn is ready, we invite them for a two-night stay, all expenses paid. After the soft opening would be ideal, to give us a chance to work out any glitches. We also keep them entertained while they’re here.”
“Entertained how?”
She smiled. “This place is loaded with activities, according to Mom. We can cram their days full if we want to. Take them to the lighthouse and Shore Acres State Park. Give them a tour of the town, with a stop in the meditation garden at St. Francis Church. Treat them to tea at the lavender farm. Set up a tour at Bayview Cranberry Farm, complete with a sample of their famous cranberry nut cake.”
Mind whirling, Matt jotted furiously. “I had no idea there were that many things to do around here.”
“And let’s not forget the food. Travel bloggers love to write about local specialties. We should take them to Charley’s for tacos and Sweet Dreams bakery for cinnamon rolls and brownies. Gourmet breakfasts, plus delicious treats and beverages in the afternoon here at the inn, are a must. Then we send them home to spread the word.”
“Wow.” He continued writing as fast as he could, trying to capture everything she’d said. “This is a lot to take in.”
Her dimple reappeared. “Sorry if I overwhelmed you. I’ve been living and breathing this, so it’s all front-and-center in my mind. Why don’t we pause here, and I’ll answer any questions you have?”
He went with the first one that popped into his head. “Tell me about the gourmet breakfasts and afternoon treats. What do you have in mind?”
“For breakfast, smoothies or a fruit plate, followed by eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles with fresh fruit, locally sourced sausages. Those sorts of entrées. And there should be home-baked muffins and pastries. Afternoon treats could be anything from a charcuterie board to tea and scones.”
Matt frowned.
While Kay was a decent cook, their budget growing up had only allowed for simple fare. But it was possible she’d upped her game in preparation for her new life here.
At least he hoped she had.
He jotted a note to ask her about that during their call later.
“I like all your ideas. I know Kay will too. I don’t see any problem with the half-price soft opening from a budget standpoint, but I’m concerned about the all-expenses-paid trips. What kind of dollars are we talking about?”
“Airfare would be the biggest cost, but we could invite bloggers who live within a reasonable distance. There’s one in Portland who could drive down. Once they’re here, it’s just food and organized sightseeing.”
“Organized like with a tour guide?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t have to be an official guide. As a matter of fact, it may be more charming to use locals. When I mentioned this to my mom, she rattled off several candidates, including a man who ran a successful tour business in town as a teen and is now a respected expert on area history. And she offered to lead the tour of the tide pools herself. We were down there the other night, and she blew me away with her knowledge.”
“We’d still have to pay the guides, though.”
“Maybe not. Mom thinks people would do it for free. Apparently if someone in Hope Harbor is in need, everyone rallies. Many of the residents have met your sister, and Mom said they’d all like to see her succeed here.”
Was this place for real? No one did anything for free anymore.
Except, it seemed, in this unique little seaside town, where seagulls spooned, dolphins frolicked, and famous artists served up tacos on the wharf.
Vienna’s lips curved. “I know what you’re thinking. I had the same reaction. Hope Harbor reminds me of the line from The Wizard of Oz. We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. Or, in my case, Denver.”
“All I can say is that if Kay had to buy a white elephant somewhere, I’m glad it was here.” For multiple reasons. Including the skilled carpenter whose timing had been impeccable and the vivacious hotel expert across from him who’d dropped from the sky.
It was almost like a miracle, even if divine intervention had been sorely lacking in his life these past two years.
“I think she’s lucky the B&B is in Hope Harbor too. Now that I’ve laid out my marketing ideas, shall we move on to décor?”
“That’s not my forte, but I can listen and pass on information to Kay.”
“You may want to pull your chair closer. This is where the laptop will come in handy. It’s easier to show you what I have in mind online.”
Getting close wasn’t smart.
But what excuse could he offer to keep his distance?
He edged his chair over, steeling himself against the familiar, slightly floral scent emanating from her skin as she showed him countless photos related to decorating, furnishings, color schemes, and amenities.
When she wrapped up an hour or so later, he had a dozen pages of notes.
And a raging case of hormones.
“I think that’s it for today, except for costs.” Vienna pulled yet another sheet from her folder. “I did a rough budget for everything I’m suggesting. Bear in mind that most of these are one-time expenditures. At least until the next major redecoration, which should be far down the road. And with this investment, you’ll have a world-class inn.” She handed over the page.
He gave it a fast once-over, dropping down to the number at the bottom of the page.
Whoa.
That put a damper on his hormones.
Any construction savings, plus a big chunk of Kay’s contingency fund, would be gone after this project.
But he couldn’t disagree with any of Vienna’s suggestions. If his sister wanted to create a successful high-end inn, she’d have to bite the bullet.
“I’ll share this with Kay.” He tried to school his features to hide his shock.
“Let me know what she says. If you’d like to give me her email, I can send her the links to the decorating references I showed you.”
“That would be helpful. Photos will be far superior to my descriptions.” He recited Kay’s email address as Vienna entered it into her phone. “I can also set up a conference call if you like.”
“Let’s see what she says about the ideas and the cost first.” Vienna shut down her laptop and slid it and the file folder back into her satchel. “If everything’s a go, I’ll take measurements and start placing orders ASAP. We should also set a firm opening date. I’d build in a few days after Andrew’s finished to get all the furnishings in place.” She glanced at her watch and stood. “I have a lunch date with Mom, so I should get going.”
He rose and followed her to the door. “I don’t know how to begin to thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“Like I said, it’s been fun. And I’ll benefit from this too. Let me know what your sister says.” With a farewell wave, she strode to her car, stowed her bag, and rolled down her window as the engine revved up. “Don’t forget the drive will need to be repaired too. Potholes don’t make a great first impression.” She grinned, waggled her fingers, and drove off.
One more item to add to the repair list.
As the dust settled behind her car, he ambled back to the kitchen and picked up their empty mugs from the table, mouth flexing at the hint of peachy color on the rim of Vienna’s.
Hesitated.
He ought to call Kay instead of staring at a lip-printed mug. Update her on his meetings with Andrew and Vienna and check on Cora. Then he should call Andrew and lock him in for the job.
And he would. In a minute.
But first, he sat back in his chair, set the two mugs side by side on Kay’s table, and for just a moment let himself pretend that someday there could again be two mugs on his kitchen table.
Even if that notion was as unsubstantial as the fairy tales and dreams and fantasies Vienna had used for inspiration as she conjured up a new name for his sister’s floundering inn.