When they got to the base of the mountain, he declined Jon’s offer to stop at the OS for a drink. Waving off his friend, he then pulled his phone from inside his backpack. Kelsey had called earlier in the morning, but hadn’t left a message. Bob Russell had called, too. That seemed unusual, but maybe he had more news from the Copeland family.
Much as he wanted to kill Wade’s deal, he didn’t relish delivering bad news to Kelsey. Hell, if something had happened, she probably already knew it. Best he face the fire head-on.
He sat on a public bench near the gondola, propped up his skies, and dialed Kelsey. When she didn’t answer, he hung up and called Bob.
“Hello?” Bob answered.
“Hey, Bob. It’s Trip Lexington, returning your call.” Trip stretched his legs out. “What’s up?”
“The Copelands have pulled the deal to sell their land to Wade Kessler.” The man sounded drunk with excitement. Yet somehow Trip’s own sense of victory was tempered by the knowledge of Kelsey’s defeat.
“So it’s dead, for real?” He sat forward, gaze glued to the sidewalk.
“Yessir. Apparently Kelsey and Wade made a last-ditch appeal to the family the other day.”
That news surprised Trip, because other than her general vow to pursue this deal to the bitter end, Kelsey hadn’t mentioned that meeting. He cracked a smile at his firecracker’s determination, one of her most admirable qualities. His thoughts were interrupted when Bob continued speaking.
“Wade tried to downplay the negative aspects of that study, and promised to do a bunch of extra things to address everyone’s needs and concerns.” Bob chuckled. “Good thing the Copelands have been around the block before and knew enough to realize, once Wade owned their land, they’d have no control over what happened.”
Trip knew that wasn’t exactly true, either. They could’ve forced restrictions in the deed or other agreements that would affect the land. Not that he wanted to see Wade build shops and offices, but still.
“So, when did Wade get the bad news? Last night?” Maybe Kelsey had received a text after they’d left her parents’ party. That could explain the dip in her mood late last night, and why she wouldn’t want to discuss it with him.
“Nick couldn’t reach Kelsey, so he called Wade after church this morning.”
Trip wondered if Kelsey had turned off her phone this morning to rest without interruption. She probably called him after she got Nick’s message, ready to ream him out. Given her discomfort and mood this morning, the timing really sucked.
Bob continued, “Gotta hand it to Kessler, though. He’s a class act. Nick said he was polite. Told Nick to please call him if the family changed their minds.”
“I’ve got no personal problem with Kessler. He’s fair. But his goal is to make money, period. I honestly believe that development would’ve been bad, in the long run, for Sterling Canyon.”
“Hey, man, you’re preaching to the choir!” Bob chuckled once more, but Trip knew his own words had mostly been about convincing himself that hurting Kelsey had been for the greater good.
“Well, I’m sitting out here on a cold bench, so I’m going to hang up and head home.” Trip stood and lifted his skis. “Thanks for the update. You have a good day.”
Trip stuck the phone in the backpack, hefted his skis over his shoulder, and walked the few blocks to his home. After a quick shower, he called Kelsey again, hoping she was feeling better, and that she didn’t hate him for killing her deal. Maybe he’d pick up her favorite takeout for dinner as a peace offering.
“Trip, it’s Maura,” Maura said when she answered Kelsey’s phone.
“Maura?” His heart stuttered. “Why are you answering Kelsey’s phone? Did she get sicker today?”
Maura hesitated, as if trying to figure out what to say. “You should come over as soon as possible.”
His pulse sped up slightly as he frowned. “I was already on my way. You sound upset. Is this about Wade Kessler?”
“Wade?” Maura’s confused tone gave him his answer. “No. Just come, okay.”
“Hang on. Tell me what’s wrong.”
After a pause and a sigh, he heard her sniffle. His stomach dropped to his feet while he waited for an answer. “I’m sorry, Trip. Kelsey miscarried. I’m really, really sorry, for both of you.”
Everything went hazy for a second as he processed the news. Kelsey miscarried. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”