Maggie waited outside for nearly two hours.
She sat in the reception area with her portfolio on her lap, trying not to stare at the conference room doors.
Frances brought her coffee.
Then another.
At one point, Maggie stood and paced.
Then sat again.
She watched the elevator doors open and close.
Employees passed carrying folders.
Telephones rang.
Somewhere, a typewriter clattered.
Ordinary business continued while the fate of the Starlight was being decided behind a polished wooden door.
Finally, at twelve forty-seven, the conference room opened.
Graham Pike emerged first.
He looked at Maggie.
For a moment, his expression was unreadable.
Then he nodded.
“Miss Bennett.”
She rose.
“Mr. Pike.”
“Your engineering solution was impressive.”
Maggie blinked.
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“I still have reservations.”
“I understand.”
“But you've answered more of my questions than I expected.”
Maggie smiled faintly.
“I'm glad.”
He moved away.
Then Walter Sterling appeared.
He approached her slowly.
“Miss Bennett.”
“Mr. Sterling.”
He looked at the portfolio in her hands.
“My son tells me you grew up in the theater.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And your father worked there.”
“For thirty-two years.”
Walter nodded.
“Mine was a carpenter.”
Maggie looked surprised.
“He built furniture in Brooklyn before the war.”
She smiled.
“Then he must have understood buildings rather well.”
Walter considered.
“He understood that things worth making were worth making properly.”
There was a pause.
Then he extended his hand.
“Congratulations.”
Maggie's heart stopped.
“I'm sorry?”
“The board has voted to pursue the restoration proposal.”
For one terrible second, she could not comprehend the words.
Walter continued.
“Approval is conditional upon final financing, satisfactory legal arrangements, and the completion of the engineering review.”
Maggie stared.
“But—”
“We believe the proposal offers a viable alternative to redevelopment.”
Her eyes filled.
Walter's expression softened almost imperceptibly.
“It was a close decision.”
She swallowed.
“How close?”
“Close enough that you should be proud.”
Maggie laughed through her tears.
Walter shook her hand.
“You've done something difficult, Miss Bennett.”
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“Now I suggest you do something considerably more difficult.”
She looked up.
“What?”
“Make it work.”
Maggie smiled.