"You've done your research," Maverick observed.
"I'm ready for a new challenge." I needed something to focus on besides Aspen, and I always lost myself in a new project. "But it's not ours yet."
Maverick set his phone aside. "I'm confident you'll land the contract if it's a good one."
It was nice that they had faith in me, but sometimes I wondered where it came from. Was it just easier to let someone else handle the business side of things, or did they really believe in my abilities? "It's just an initial consultation."
Morgan touched my shoulder. "I'm confident you'll get it."
It felt good that they believed in me, even though their trust was misguided. They didn't really know me. How could they when I'd hidden so much of myself from them?
I had no interest in enlightening them now. What good would it do to tell Hudson? It would only make them doubt me and my abilities. It was best to keep that locked up tight.
The inn was a new potential project, and it would be good to get my mind off Aspen.
I hoped Aspen didn't quit. Which was ridiculous. We weren't friends. If she wanted to blow up her life, it was her decision. But I was worried about her, and that was dangerous. My family had been a big source of my discontent growing up, and it was better not to get close to people. Those kinds of connections tended to wrap their tentacles around every avenue of life and squeeze at the worst times.
We finished our beers, talking about work. I promised to keep them advised about the new inn.
When I got home, I debated reaching out to Aspen but decided against it. Maverick knew her better and said to give her some time. I just hoped she didn't wait too long. We had to get started on this project soon.
Chapter 9
Aspen
I'd been going through the motions ever since Cooper confronted me in the office. I’d thought about quitting but I couldn’t seem to go through with it. And I needed to forward the estimate to Eve. I should review it first and compile the information into some kind of summary or spreadsheet but I felt overwhelmed. Why would she want my opinion on something big like this?
I didn't know anything about contracts or estimates. Why had I thought I could do this? I felt almost crippled with fear as I sat at my desk. Every task felt impossible. I was an imposter. I didn't have any experience running a town or large events.
I also hadn't heard from Cooper. He probably thought I was a basket case who couldn't handle my job, and he'd be right. I let everyone down. It was only a matter of time before Eve realized she'd hired someone who was too incompetent to run her business.
I focused on what came easier, the upcoming holiday events. The first one was the Cocoa Crawl. Each shop offered hot chocolate and sweets when you stopped in. There were sales, and shoppers could get a jump start on holiday shopping.
I essentially followed Eve's plan for this event from last year. I was just reviewing the parking plan when there was a knock on my door.
"Come in."
Eve walked in.
"What are you doing here?" I'd thought she was avoiding the office for the rest of her pregnancy.
"I thought I'd stop in and see how things are going."
My face flushed. "I'm just reviewing the Cocoa Crawl information from last year."
She rubbed her belly as she sat at the chair across from me. "Is that next? It's so weird not to be the point person for everything."
I tried to curve my lips into a smile, but it felt brittle. "I've got everything handled, so you don't need to worry about a thing."
She smiled. "I knew I could count on you."
Wasn't I supposed to tell her that I didn't have everything handled, and she should hire someone else?
She sighed. "Did you have any questions about how it went last year?"
I chewed my lip, wondering if I should tell her about my fears. "What if we have more visitors than last year?"
"We could offer a shuttle for guests if the parking lots fill up. We don't want to overload the downtown area."