“I promised Avery I’d wait until the resort opened and do a first run down a groomer, but I’m thinking I may not be able to keep that promise.” Grey sighed. “Seven weeks seems like forever away.”
Trip didn’t want Grey to push too hard, but being restricted to groomers? For God’s sake, that seemed extremely cautious for such a strong athlete. Surely there was a better compromise. “The forecast is predicting a huge storm this weekend. Maybe Sunday you and I can hike up the inbounds trails and rip up deep pow, maybe dodge some trees in the glades?”
“Technically that would be ‘resort’ skiing.” Grey smiled, but Trip knew his friend was likely a little anxious about testing his knee. In any case, Grey shifted gears. “I’ve got something planned this afternoon, so if the ‘Concerned Citizens’ are still meeting here at four to plan the next steps in scuttling Wade’s project, count me out.”
“That’s fine. I’m good to go.” Trip set his hand atop a thick paper report sitting on his desk. “Got a copy of the impact study right here.”
“How’d you get that?” Grey craned his neck to look at the papers. “Shouldn’t it only have gone to Wade and the Copelands?”
“Does it matter?” Trip leaned forward. “I thought you supported doing whatever it takes to make sure this deal doesn’t happen.”
“I don’t want to see anyone come in and upset the balance of town, but you gotta know, your leading the charge is going to get you in trouble with Kelsey.”
“Neither of us has made a secret of our opposing views or promised to back off. One of us won’t be satisfied with the outcome, but it’s not personal.”
Grey shook his head. “I know you aren’t that dumb.”
“Just ’cause I’m not pussy-whipped into backing off my own principles so Kelsey can get her way, doesn’t make me dumb.” Trip tossed a frustrated wave at Grey. “She’s got no right to be angry. I’m not mad at her for not backing off and giving me my way, am I?”
“Not the same thing because Kelsey has a bigger stake in this than you.”
“Bullshit. Money isn’t the most important thing at stake.” Trip poked the document with his index finger. “This study shows potential adverse impact to the surrounding residential properties, surface and groundwater risks, displaced wildlife, and other issues. I’m not saying the sky is falling, but there’s got to be a better use for that property than luxury shops and office buildings.”
Grey shrugged one shoulder, his desk chair creaking as he shifted his weight. “I’m sure Wade will offer solutions or compromises to deal with the stuff in that report.”
“Maybe, but we don’t have to make it easy.” Trip eased back into his seat. “Current zoning height restrictions might pose a problem for him. If he needs town’s approval for a special exception permit, that’s another place we can make some noise.”
“When you get so fired up, it seems personal. Don’t piss Wade off so much he cuts off our access over his hotel property.”
“We’ve got a recorded easement. As long as we meet the terms of that agreement, we’re safe. Besides, I’m not sticking my name on everything. I’m merely coordinating the efforts. The retailers are way more vocal at this point.” Trip smirked and grabbed one of Grey’s suckers from the jar. “After the meeting tonight, Bob Russell’s going to get together with the youngest Copeland and try to persuade him to hold out for another opportunity. Something better will come along. That should help Kelsey get over whatever disappointment she feels when this deal falls through.”
Grey’s expression revealed doubts. “For your sake, I hope she sees it that way.”
Chapter Sixteen
Trip knocked on the window of Kelsey’s office before he breezed in through the front door, whistling. The entire room smelled faintly of her flowery perfume, which caused him to smile.
Kelsey remained seated behind her desk, pen in hand. He noticed she’d pulled her hair away from her face with the antique hair combs he’d bought her in Denver. Her silken locks flowed over her shoulders and hugged her chest. As always, she looked feminine and delicious, despite her absorption in her work. If she weren’t eating for two, he’d probably suggest skipping their dinner plans altogether and going straight to bed.
“Hey, gorgeous. Ready to go?”