The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,32
“It’s a beautiful area,” she said, unsure why she felt the need to give him some hope but unable to stop herself. “My background is in business management, and for my senior project in college I did a marketing plan for a small town in northern California. It was just outside wine country so it needed marketing and advertising that would entice tourists to make the stop.” She shrugged. “You have so much to offer here. It’s past time to look beyond Niall Reed’s reputation as a draw for Magnolia. That might have worked a decade ago, but it’s not enough.”
“I like the way your mind works,” Malcolm told her. “We need some innovative thinking around these parts. In fact, you could help—”
“Not me,” she said, holding up a hand to cut him off. “I’ve already told you I’m not staying in town. Now I need to get to the meeting. Have a nice day, Mr. Grimes.” She readjusted Spot in her arms and started across the street.
“Call me Malcolm,” the mayor shouted as she got to the other side. “All my friends do.”
“Bye, Malcolm,” she said, waving over her shoulder.
She’d planned to stop in the gallery but bypassed it and headed directly toward the dance studio next door. As she opened the door to enter, Carrie emerged from the gallery.
“I need to talk to you,” Carrie called, motioning her away from the door.
Avery glanced toward the front of the gallery and lifted a hand. “Late for my meeting. I’ll stop by after,” she said and walked into Josie’s dance studio.
Spot gave a tiny yip, and Avery felt her mouth drop open as she took in the lobby crowded with people, all of whom seemed to be staring straight at her. “Um...hello,” she said softly.
“You’re here. Late, but here. Thank heavens.” A tall woman who might have had a dancer’s build at one time hurried forward. Her graying hair was pulled back into a low bun and she had pale skin and ruby-red lips. Despite being at least twenty pounds overweight, she moved with the innate grace of someone who’d spent her life at a barre. “I’m Josie Trumbell and you must be Avery.”
Avery gave a slight nod.
Josie waved toward the people smiling hopefully at the two of them. “We’ve been waiting.”
“I thought we had a meeting scheduled.” Avery noticed that Josie seemed intent on not making eye contact with her. “To talk about your lease,” she added even though they both knew why they were supposed to meet.
“Tried to warn you,” Carrie muttered from behind Avery’s left shoulder. She hadn’t noticed her sister enter the dance studio behind her.
“And who is this adorable creature?” Josie reached out her red-tipped fingers to scratch between Spot’s ears. The dog preened like the attention was her due.
“This is Spot.” Avery leaned closer to Josie. “Why are these people here?”
“They’re the parents of my students,” Josie explained in a voice that carried. “The children have something special planned. As many who could make it came in early just for you.”
“Oh, no.” Avery tucked Spot under one arm and held up her free hand. “This is a business meeting.”
“How can we discuss the studio’s future until you understand what my classes mean to this community?”
“I’m sure they mean a great deal. I just don’t ca—” Avery broke off when the crowd surrounding them seemed to surge forward at her words. She had the sneaking suspicion she might be subjected to an old-fashioned tarring and feathering if she didn’t make time for whatever Josie had planned.
This wasn’t fair. How could she be expected to care about a bunch of people she didn’t know? Magnolia wasn’t her town, and she hadn’t made the mess of Niall’s finances. From what she understood, he’d raked in plenty of profits from his art back in the day. Maybe if he’d been more responsible with how he handled his money, the people who’d depended on him wouldn’t be in this predicament now.
She glanced at the faces of the parents in the lobby, a sick pit opening in her stomach. She didn’t want to be the bad guy