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I don’t hesitate.

“The size of it. Voss wants to put twenty-four floors of glass beside brick and stone buildings that have stood for generations. The building will look out of place.”

The host turns to Eric. “What’s the reasoning behind the scale of the development?”

“Our research shows strong demand for more rooms near the Business District, especially from business travelers. This site sits right at its edge, which makes it a sensible place for a taller hotel.” He glances at me. “But Rachel’s right that Hartwell Boulevard has its own character, and we’ve taken that seriously. The lower floors use brick and stone that match the surrounding buildings, while the tower is set back from the street. That allows the hotel to fit the area at ground level while giving the city the extra rooms it needs.”

I lean forward to respond, but the host turns her next question to Eric.

“And how have you involved local businesses in your plans?”

“Rachel and I met with our neighbors on Friday evening,” he says. “She brought everyone together so we could hear their concerns and suggestions. No one knows Hartwell Boulevard better than she does, so her help has been valuable.”

I invited him to face a room full of worried neighbors. He makes it sound as though we planned a friendly listening session together.

“We came away with a list of improvements Voss has agreed to fund,” he adds. “Rachel’s making sure the street gets what it needs, and we’re in a position to help deliver it.”

“You attended the meeting yourself?” the host asks, as if he flew in to help after a natural disaster.

“Of course. It’s my project. I should be there.”

“I’m sure they appreciated that.” Her smile lingers a little too long. “What kind of help are you offering?”

Eric lists the repairs from the notes I handed him on Friday. At first, she glances at the cards in her lap. Soon, they’re forgotten. Her eyes stay on his face, and every time he smiles, she smiles back. I know that look. His answers aren’t the only thing she likes.

I keep my hands folded in my lap and let him finish. Maybe she’s genuinely fascinated by storm drains and broken paving stones, but I doubt it.

As Eric reaches the end of his list, the host leans toward him. I can tell she’s about to hand him another chance to explain how generous Voss plans to be, so I speak first.

“Those repairs will help, but they don’t answer the larger question. How will local businesses survive the construction? Years of noise, dust, construction traffic, and blocked sidewalks could drive customers away. Some of the shops on Hartwell Boulevard can’t survive that kind of drop in business.”

The host gives a brief nod and looks back at Eric. He sits comfortably against the sofa, his hands resting loosely on his knees.

“I’m glad you brought that up, Rachel.” He turns to me with a smile that makes it look as though I’ve helped him. “Voss plans to create a support fund for businesses affected by the construction. If they can show that our work caused a drop in revenue, we’ll help cover the loss.”

I stare at him. That’s more than a promise to fix drains and streetlights.

“You’d cover lost revenue?” the host asks.

“Where the loss is caused by our work, yes. We’d agree on a clear way to measure it with each business before construction starts. We don’t want our neighbors paying the price while we build.”

“And that would include the Hartwell?”

“Of course.” His gaze returns to me. “Rachel would have the same support as everyone else.”

“That’s a very generous offer.” The host’s smile widens.

“We want to be good neighbors.”

“Well, you’d certainly be welcome next to me.”

She giggles, and Eric gives her an easy smile. I bite the inside of my cheek.

“Rachel,” she says, finally looking at me, “with that kind of support, it sounds as though you’re fortunate to have Voss moving in next door.”

Fortunate.

I want to ask what happens when the construction ends and his hotel opens. Will Voss cover the Hartwell’s losses when our guests start booking rooms next door instead? Of course not. The shops and restaurants may gain customers from a new hotel, but the Hartwell will be left competing with a man who can cover their losses without blinking.