Bennett raised an eyebrow. “The old Gutierrez parcel? I heard about it from a real estate colleague, but I didn’t think it was on the market.”
“It’s not, officially,” Boz replied, easing the cart to a stop. “But word is the family’s ready to sell once the legal issuessurrounding the estate are settled. Might be worth keeping an eye on.”
The men climbed out of the cart and gathered their golf clubs. Bennett considered this information, mentally calculating what properties like that were going for these days. Even with his real estate background, he knew the numbers wouldn’t work with the city’s current budget constraints.
Hal seemed to read his mind. “You might want to broaden your thinking when it comes to fundraising. A capital campaign could work if you get the right people involved.” He paused, then added casually, “Carol might appear at a fundraiser if she’s available. She has a new tour coming up. Next year, we would consider a more substantial contribution.”
“The immediate need will be to stock the bookmobile. The librarian who runs it, Libby, has been running it as a private venture.”
“Why is that?” Hal asked.
“She lost her job at another library during cutbacks but loves what she does. Pretty genius, if you ask me.”
“I’ll call Tyler,” Hal said. “The least we can do is help stock it until other plans are developed. Libraries serve a vital role, and it’s an embarrassment that we don’t have one.” He shook his head. “Carol and I struggled when we were young. I spent a lot of time studying in a library, needing the quiet space I couldn’t find at home. And folks over fifty like me need books to keep their minds active.”
Hal was right. For every year that passed without a library, kids might fall behind in their studies. Young mothers need the story time break to get out of the house. And small business owners need the wealth of information and resources to support their families and employees.
It wasn’t that Bennett didn’t think Ivy could manage this effort. It was a question of time.
She was right to be upset. Many small towns were losing their libraries, and he didn’t want Summer Beach to be among them.
“I appreciate that, Hal. Really. Let me talk to Ivy about the festival they’re planning. Maybe we could expand it into something larger.”
Clark clapped a hand on Bennett’s shoulder. “Just let me know when and where. The department can help with security and logistics.”
“And I can fast-track any permits the library might need,” Boz added. “It’s for a good cause.”
As they walked toward the clubhouse, Bennett felt lighter. He’d come to the golf course looking for a break from problem solving. Instead, he found allies in a challenge that had been troubling him and Ivy for months.
Sometimes, a mayor’s work took place in unexpected locations, like the back nine of a golf course on a sunny afternoon.
He didn’t want to take anything from Ivy’s efforts or risk her thinking he doubted her abilities.
Far from it.
He hoped she’d take this news in the spirit of cooperation for the good of the community. They still had a long way to go before the new library was built.
18
Ivy could hear the construction crew arriving in the car court as she dressed. Over quick bowls of cereals in the cozy kitchen of their quarters over the garage, Bennett told her about his golf game, what Hal had offered about the library, and the lot Boz mentioned.
While she digested this news, he leaned against the counter, peeling an orange. He handed her a slice. “I hope you don’t mind me dipping my toes into the deep waters of your business.”
Ivy smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Come on in. If you start drowning, I’m a certified lifeguard.”
She’d once felt like she was the one drowning—drowning in debt, lack of experience, or demanding guests. But since then, she’d gained experience and learned to accept help wherever she could find it.
She popped the fresh orange slice into her mouth. “I should call the probate trustee to see if he knows anything about a reserve account for the library and art museum Amelia planned.”
Outside, the hammering began.Thunk, thunk, thunk.
“Come with me to the office,” Bennett said, raising his voice. “I know him, and we can call from there.”
Ivy appreciated this. “You’re officially part of the team.” She kissed him and took his hand.
Taking the rest of their fruit, they rushed out and climbed into Bennett’s SUV for the short drive to City Hall.
After greeting Nan and Boz on their way in, Ivy sat on the other side of Bennett’s desk in his office. He closed the door, though she could still hear the muffled sounds of the city administration at work—phones ringing, printers humming, people discussing municipal matters.
