The town meeting took place in the Calder Bay library auditorium. I went because the project notice said residents could speak, and because I wanted the Vale board to see me as a person instead of a line in a press release.
A hundred people filled the chairs. I sat near the aisle with Nina and Ruth. Julian sat at the front beside Celeste, wearing the same dark suit he'd worn to the press event.
The board chair described the resort as a source of jobs and year-round visitors. Celeste presented renderings of the hotel, the cottages, the spa, and the new harbor walkway.
Then she showed a slide with a photograph of my shop.
"Juniper & Stone will provide local products and help preserve the character of the orchard," she said.
I stood before Nina could put a hand on my arm.
"My business i
