Chapter One
At eight o’clock sharp Monday morning the phone’s trill cut into Jennifer’s dark thoughts about her business. She glimpsed the long-distance number, probably a misdial or telemarketer. Then again, it could be a potential tenant, someone coming to Oklahoma City for an extended stay. She’d told herself to face reality and stop hoping for prospects, but her heart remained defiant.
Her professional tone disguised her excitement. “Hello, Alcove management. This is Jennifer.”
“Good Morning, I’m Troy Stanhope.” The voice was deep and slow, a rich chocolaty sound.
“How can I help you?”
“I saw your website. I’ve got a project startin’ up in a few weeks’ time and I need to lodge my crew of about forty men. Can you tell me ‘bout your place?” …show more content…
“We’d be happy to accommodate your crew, Mr. Stanhope. What’s the name of your company?”
“Call me Troy. My son Russell and I run Stanhope Construction, based out of Albuquerque. We’ll be general contractin’ a commercial mall in Coahoma.”
“I know the project well. Sunday’s paper had an article about it. They’ve named it West County Fair.”
“That’s the one.”
Coahoma was the center of a farming area northwest of Oklahoma City. Its residents were divided in their opinions about the mall. It would bring commerce, but Jennifer sympathized with those who wanted to keep the small-town feel. Coahoma wouldn’t be able to meet the housing needs of Stanhope Construction. Alcove Apartments were located on the western edge of Oklahoma City, one of the nearest businesses of its kind to the job site. Troy must’ve considered that.
“My foreman and I plan on bein’ in Oklahoma City through the weekend. Mind if we come take a look at your place?”
Jennifer’s hand shook as she picked up a red marker and held it over the calendar on her desk. “Not at all, will Saturday at ten work for you?”
“It’ll work just fine.”
“Great, I look forward to meeting you …show more content…
Not that she’d forget with only five days to go and no other interested parties.
“Have you looked at many other complexes?” She pressed her fingernails into her palm. Say no. Say no. Say
At eight o’clock sharp Monday morning the phone’s trill cut into Jennifer’s dark thoughts about her business. She glimpsed the long-distance number, probably a misdial or telemarketer. Then again, it could be a potential tenant, someone coming to Oklahoma City for an extended stay. She’d told herself to face reality and stop hoping for prospects, but her heart remained defiant.
Her professional tone disguised her excitement. “Hello, Alcove management. This is Jennifer.”
“Good Morning, I’m Troy Stanhope.” The voice was deep and slow, a rich chocolaty sound.
“How can I help you?”
“I saw your website. I’ve got a project startin’ up in a few weeks’ time and I need to lodge my crew of about forty men. Can you tell me ‘bout your place?” …show more content…
“We’d be happy to accommodate your crew, Mr. Stanhope. What’s the name of your company?”
“Call me Troy. My son Russell and I run Stanhope Construction, based out of Albuquerque. We’ll be general contractin’ a commercial mall in Coahoma.”
“I know the project well. Sunday’s paper had an article about it. They’ve named it West County Fair.”
“That’s the one.”
Coahoma was the center of a farming area northwest of Oklahoma City. Its residents were divided in their opinions about the mall. It would bring commerce, but Jennifer sympathized with those who wanted to keep the small-town feel. Coahoma wouldn’t be able to meet the housing needs of Stanhope Construction. Alcove Apartments were located on the western edge of Oklahoma City, one of the nearest businesses of its kind to the job site. Troy must’ve considered that.
“My foreman and I plan on bein’ in Oklahoma City through the weekend. Mind if we come take a look at your place?”
Jennifer’s hand shook as she picked up a red marker and held it over the calendar on her desk. “Not at all, will Saturday at ten work for you?”
“It’ll work just fine.”
“Great, I look forward to meeting you …show more content…
Not that she’d forget with only five days to go and no other interested parties.
“Have you looked at many other complexes?” She pressed her fingernails into her palm. Say no. Say no. Say