“I wanted to talk to you about that piece of farmland,” he said. “The one that we’ve been mulling over for a while now.”
My heart started racing a bit, excited that my father was finally thinking about buying it. It was in the middle of a factory district, and the owner had been holding out forever.
“Is the farmer willing to sell?” My father nodded. “Dad, this is wonderful. I know that we own property across the country-“
“We own property in every state, son. From California to Alaska and New York. This company has expanded multiple times over the years.”
I nodded. “And Lord knows that most of the real estate we sell is worth millions of dollars. So, buying a piece of farmland might not seem that important, but I hope you’re interested in diversifying, Dad. Farmland could expand our portfolio and attract new buyers.”
“I’m on board with you, son. If we purchase the farmland, any ideas as to what we should do with it, though? Are we interested in running a farm, or would we use it for something a bit more industrial?”
“That’s a good question, Dad. I think we should consider keeping it as farmland. I know how important it is that we branch out, but as you pointed out, we own properties in every state. I say keep it local, sell it to another farmer or hell, start our own farm. Who’s to say we couldn’t do it? While most of the land around it is now industrial, it’s the only piece on that side of the county that is still zoned residential and agricultural.”
My dad was smiling from ear to ear, and I could tell that he was proud of me.
“I like the way you think, son.” He leaned forward across the desk. “Out of everything that I have ever taught you, what’s one of the most important rules of business?”
I sat back and rubbed my chin.
“To always invest in the local economy,” I said matter-of-factly.
My father nodded. “River Valley is our home, and America needs small, independent farmers. We could start our own farm, selling organic products and hire locals, or resell it to someone who wants to run a farm of their own. Just so long as we keep it in River Valley to support the local economy. I don’t think we should have an absentee landlord situation.”
“It would also help with sustainability,” I pointed out. “A new farm could sell their produce to some of the local stores, pump money back into the economy, and create new jobs.”
My mind was running a mile a minute. It wasn’t often that my father asked for that much input.
“Are you ready to take over this expansion?”
My mouth fell open. “What?”
“I want you to take over this expansion, Richard. You’ve proven to me that you have a good head on your shoulders. You’re business-savvy, too. Purchasing that farmland will be your new project.”
I fought back the tears forming in my eyes. My father was a good man, but he was never one to show too much emotion. “Are you sure, Dad? I mean, this has always been your department.”
He waved his hands in front of his face. “I’m getting a little too old to be doing all of these expansions, son. It’s time to pass the torch.”
He put a stack of papers in a manila envelope and handed it to me. After shaking his hand and leaving his office, I took a moment to look at my great-great-great-grandfather Byron’s portrait. As I held the expansion papers close to my chest, I knew he’d be proud of me for following in my father’s footsteps.
My stomach started growling as I walked back to my office. After glancing at my watch, I decided to get a bite to eat.
So, I sat down in my desk chair and pulled out my cellphone, my thumb hovered over Annie's contact information. Inviting her to lunch would be a perfect opportunity. I wanted to see how she reacted to me being in charge of the new project.
Knots formed in my stomach as I thought about Heather, who would have scoffed and rolled her eyes at me for being in charge of the new expansion. I could hear her chastising me for not going into business on my own.
I decided to ask Annie out in person. Even if she declined my invitation, at least I'd be able to see her.
7
Annie
After teaching my 11:15 AM yoga class, I made my way into the office and shut the door. Crystal was out to lunch, which meant that it was my job to oversee any students who wanted to practice yoga on their own today. I made some detoxifying peach herbal tea, and when it finished brewing, I decided to check in on Caley and Jude.
Since Julianna and Jake were on their honeymoon, Caley and Jude were staying with Mom and Dad. They lived a little way out of town, and Caley always enjoyed visiting them since it was like a mini-vacation for her. No doubt they were spoiling her, too. She usually returned to River Valley a few pounds heavier and with a few new toys and lots of new outfits after her visits.
As I dialed their house number, a few regular students walked into the studio. I waved at them through the office window. Most were senior members who enjoyed and supported each other as they learned more difficult poses.
“Hey Mom,” I said when she answered the landline phone.
