microphone. Even from ten rows back Becca could see the shine from her lip gloss and the sparkle in her very blue eyes. They matched her sweater to perfection. She remembered how special she felt when those eyes were happy to see her. The tasting at Tangle Valley, just five days ago, seemed like ancient history.
Joey took a moment to regard the audience. She clenched and unclenched her fists, probably nerves. Finally, she took a deep breath. “The Jade is coming whether we like it or not. Elite Resorts has heard our complaints, they saw our written petition, and don’t care. The question is, how are we going to handle it? As a representative of the vineyard closest to the hotel, I’m worried for the flavor of my business. I’m concerned about the effect such a commercial property will have on the rustic, secluded ambiance we’ve always made our goal. Hell, we even use those terms in our marketing materials.” Joey swallowed. She spoke with conviction. And though it seemed public speaking wasn’t her favorite, she gained momentum as she went. “I don’t want the hotel here and do not plan to support it in any way. I hope you’ll stand with me on that front.”
Becca swallowed and her stomach turned over. Ouch. It was one thing to be unhappy about something. It was quite another to actively seek and hope for its failure. She glanced around at the faces of the audience members and watched as many took to nodding. This wasn’t going well.
Joey shifted her weight and continued. “We have to look out for each other, protect the small inns and bed-and-breakfasts owned by friends and family. As you know, some of them are very nice places to stay, even if they don’t come with an Olympic-size pool with a waterfall.” Becca suppressed an eye roll. “I don’t want to see town square riddled with fast food restaurants, and Walmarts along our country roads. That’s not who we are. What I do know is that this town has a lot of heart. We’re unique. One of a kind. That’s why people love to visit. Let’s hold on to that charm no matter who shows up.”
Nope. Uh-uh. Becca couldn’t let that slide. She stood, found the sign-up sheet, and waited for her turn to speak. She had to change the tone. It was the only way. She listened to another four speakers, each one met with emphatic head nods and applause. The tide was firmly against her, and she needed to change its course.
Finally, Big Mitch returned to the podium. “Next we’ll hear from Ms. Becca Crawford.” He looked around the room as her name was likely not recognizable to him, nor to the majority of the attendees. She stood from her seat in the back and walked to the front of the room, feeling the curious gazes firmly on her as she passed. Joey, she noticed, shifted uncomfortably in her seat when she saw Becca and quickly looked away.
She grasped the sides of the podium and relaxed into what she hoped was a warm smile. “Good afternoon, everyone. You may not know me just yet because I’m new to Whisper Wall. My name is Becca, and I’m a Florida transplant who loves wine and procedural TV shows, and is hopefully adopting a dog in about two hours from now.” She crossed her fingers. “Wish me luck on that one.” Many in the audience smiled back at that. “I’m always pumped for home decorating but somehow never get around to it. There are still boxes along the perimeter of my living room that have started to blend in with the furniture.” Several more people smiled. “I love to cook, but I burn things when I get distracted.” She shrugged. “Maybe you’ve been there, too. As for my day job, I’m the general manager of The Jade, the resort going in on the north side of town”—she gestured to Joey—“not far from Tangle Valley, a place I think might be the most beautiful on earth.” She tapped the podium. “I tell you all of this because I’m just a person like all of you, and I really happen to love Whisper Wall and everything that makes it unique. I don’t want to change anything about it. In fact, I want more people to experience its charm and am confident The Jade’s arrival will help that happen. More visitors, different visitors, who will enjoy your town, your wineries, and will hopefully