“I think you’re misunderstanding me, Lane. I’m not saying Ida should board up her doors and shut down. I think she should sell. She’d make enough to pay off her debt and still have a little left over for a modest retirement. Business wise, it’s a smart decision.”

“Ida will never sell. Thornton loved this place.”

“Are you sure that’s how she feels?”

Doubt flooded my mind. The truth was Ida had been pulling away from the operational side of things for weeks. Occasionally, she’d rally and jump into one project or another, but her stamina never lasted long. She just seemed spent. Like the burden of ownership was really weighing her down. I could easily see her wanting to sell. A surge of panic swelled inside. She couldn’t sell. Winding Way would never be the same.

“What if we don’t tell her how bad things are?”

Simon raised his eyebrows. “Why would we do that?”

“To buy us some time. We can make some changes, try to increase revenue, and get things under control without Ida having to worry about it.”

He shook his head. “You know I can’t do that.”

My shoulders slumped. “Why not? I know this place matters to her. We just have to get her through the rough spots.”

“I can’t do it because it’s not good advice. She deserves to have all her options presented. If she wants to try to save the inn, I’ll help her do it. But as a business professional, I can’t lie about what I’ve discovered or about what I think is her best option.”

“What if it’s what I’m asking you to do? Will you at least delay a little while? For me?”

“No, Lane. I won’t do it. And you shouldn’t ask me to.”

I huffed. “Of course that’s what you’d say.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, the measured calm in his voice finally giving way to something a little more defensive.

I stood, walking to the window, my back to him. I took a deep breath, then turned, my arms folded tightly across my chest. “Jamie was right about you. You really are all books and no passion.”

Simon: Jamie. Text your girlfriend. You can’t go out of town and never communicate with her.

Jamie: I’ve called her. But I’m busy. And so is she. It’s hard to sync up.

Simon: Try harder. Even just a few more texts will make a difference.

Jamie: Where is this coming from? Did you talk to her?

Simon: About inn stuff. She mentioned she hasn’t heard from you much and seemed disappointed.

Jamie: Got it. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll call her now.

Chapter 13