"What do you mean?" you ask.
"I'm not totally against you buying the building." It won't be you buying the building, but you don't see benefit in clarifying that point. "It depends on what you do with it, and what else you want to buy downtown."
"Maybe a coffee and a pastry?"
Hayden ignores your statement and sits in a theater chair. "Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see this building cleaned up and re-used. Nothing sadder than an empty building. It's like a reminder of someone's dead dream. Plus, think of the great electrical work that'll have to be done to make sure this whole place is up to code."
"So this is a potential job for you?"
"Couldn't bid on it, and wouldn't, either. Conflict of interest." You didn't know Hayden could be that serious. "Thing is, your college is like mold. Creeps in everywhere if you're not careful."
Dr. Ellison explained that your job today was to listen to Hayden, not to convince them of anything. But what a coup if you could forge a greater rapport with them.