Chapter 5
The whole town was abuzz with the arrival of the men working at the window factory. They had brought in a crew of eighteen men and set up travel trailers on the property to house them.
Randall Camery, who owned the local motel, was upset when he learned the men would not be staying with him. Upon hearing the news, he had taken his complaint to the Mayor.
“Damn it, Andrew, how is it legal for them to stay out there? Isn’t there anything you can do?”
Andrew understood why Randall was upset, but it was beyond his control.
“I’m sorry, but they aren’t breaking any laws. Their travel trailers are self-contained, they have running water, and they brought in a big generator to use until they get the power on out there. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do.”
“That’s bullshit. When we had the town meeting, you promised that this whole thing would be a benefit to the town. I want to know when it’s going to begin helping us. They brought in their men, so they didn’t hire any of the local contractors. Now, they are housing those men, so they aren’t staying in my motel. What’s next? Are they going to bring in their employees to make the damn windows?”
Andrew did not know what he could say to ease the anger and betrayal Randall felt. He knew that Randall had expected the work crew to stay at his place. Randall was planning to make some long overdue improvements to the motel with the extra money.
Andrew did his best to remain calm and in control of the situation. The last thing he wanted was Randall having a complete meltdown.
“Why don’t we wait and see what happens? I’m sure there will be more people coming, so they may be staying with you in your motel.”
Randall knew there was no sense in protesting. He just had to admit the obvious. The days for his little motel were coming to an end.
“You’re right, Andrew. I believe in time this town is going to learn this whole thing is nothing but one big lie. I don’t think they ever planned to become part of our community.”
Realizing there was nothing he could do to change this situation, Randall stood and offered his hand to Andrew, “Take care of yourself, and tell Nancy hello for me.”
Andrew took the offered hand and returned Randall’s firm handshake.
“I will. Why don’t you go home and relax for a bit? Everything will work out for the best. I’m sure of it.”
“I sure hope so because I have a feeling that we’re in for a rude awakening. Oh, well, thank you for your time, Andrew.” With that statement, Randall turned and walked out of the office door.
“Goodbye, Mr. Camery; it was nice to see you again,” Maggie said as she looked up from the paperwork scattered across her desk.
“Goodbye, Mrs. Anderson; it was nice to see you again, as well.”
Randall nodded his farewell while he walked past her desk. “Take care of yourself, and tell your grandmother that I said hello.”
“I will.” Maggie knew that Randall had been sweet on her grandmother for years. However, now that her grandfather had passed away, she did not understand why he had never asked her out on a date.
“She speaks of you often, and how much she enjoys visiting with you at the weekly Book Club meeting. Maybe you can take her out for a dinner date sometime? I’m sure she would love to go.”
Randall had to admit the suggestion caught him by surprise. While attracted to Ester, he never thought she would return his interest. He looked at Maggie and could see Ester in her eyes, and suddenly he felt uncomfortable.
“I…I guess, I could. Do you really think she would want to go out on a date?” He felt his face flush and realized he must look like a nervous schoolboy.
Maggie grinned at seeing the excitement on his face. “Of course, she would. She’s always talking about you, and how much fun she has with you. I think you should just do it.”
“Well, if you think I should.” Randall drew in a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled, trying to find the inner strength to accept the challenge.
Maggie held his gaze, fighting her desire to laugh at the terrified look on his face.
“Thank you, Maggie. I must be going, but I promise that I will call your grandmother this afternoon.”
Randall grabbed the doorknob and stepped out into the hallway with a renewed sense of hope that things might be going his way, after all.
Once the door had shut, Maggie grabbed her cell phone and dialed her grandmother.
“Gran, you’re not going to believe who I just talked to.”