When the winter market went out for open bid, Ethan's company was on the list of bidders as well.
I wasn't surprised to see him outside the venue.
He approached me first.
"I didn't know your company was bidding, too."
"If you had known, would you have withdrawn?"
"No."
His answer made me look at him again.
Ethan gave a wry smile.
"You always hated it when I mixed work with our relationship. Fair competition is the only thing I can do now."
Finally, he had gotten it right.
We drew the third presentation slot.
Once I took the stage, I began with the business owners' needs, then explained foot-traffic patterns and how the costs would be allocated.
I used no exaggerated slogans. Every part of the plan could be put into practice.
One of the judges asked, "A central stage would draw
