Page 45 of Unexpected Entanglement

“I’m down with that!” Alex joined in.

“You got yourself a good team?” Chris asked the chef.

“We’ll find out tomorrow. O and I will start basic training tomorrow for the kitchen helpers. The bakers I have full confidence in. Sheila and Donna know what they’re doing. I just need them to deliver by a certain hour.”

“Where’s Oliver?” Rowan asked.

“He went to start dinner. You’ll taste some authentic Korean cooking tonight, baby!” Alex said.

“That’ll be a first on this island, I’m sure.” Rowan grinned. “Wait till Connor Gibbes hears about that.”

Alex seemed to understand the local dynamic and, for once, sounded serious. “People need to understand just because something is different doesn’t mean it’s bad. Besides, we’re not serving it to paying guests. I know tourists want to look for the local taste.”

"Sure, but a bit of fusion should help make the food here unique compared to the places in town," Chris suggested.

“Hell yeah,” Alex agreed. “When the inn opens for real, we’ll have guests for over two nights. We’ll need a more extensive menu. I’d create a weekly menu based on local fare but with fresh twists. I’d feature the farm’s freshest offerings of the week.”

“You’re thinking about the inn menu? Like a real full menu?” Rowan stared at her friend as if she didn’t expect it.

“Bright Head isn’t just any inn, Rowan. It’s a destination. And any destination hotel needs a superb restaurant,” Alex claimed.

“That’s right,” Chris agreed. “Plus, dining experience and spa services are the biggest draw for day guests to places like Bright Head.”

“Who would come here as day guests? We’re a ferry ride away from the mainland. Our clientele would be tourists who book to stay here,” Rowan said.

“You forget the locals. Some people would love to come here for special occasions: anniversary dinner, graduation party, date night, or Mother’s Day brunch. And I’ve never met a lady who would refuse a day in a spa for a treat,” Chris spelled out.

“I’m not forgetting them, but I don’t have a spa or a world-class restaurant just yet,” Rowan pointed out.

“You gotta have the vision to make it happen, girl,” Alex said.

A light bulb flipped on in Chris’ brain. “Is Connor Gibbes married?” he asked.

Rowan frowned at his question. “Yeah.”

“Is his wife active in the community?” he followed up.

“I think so. I’m sure she heads some committee or club or something. Why?” Rowan asked.

“Maybe she’s the key to getting Connor Gibbes into your corner,” Chris suggested.

“Wait, what am I missing?” Alex looked confused.

“The inn has gotten some pushback from the community,” Chris explained.

“You didn’t tell me that,” Alex looked at Rowan.

“So many things are happening. I haven’t had time to update you on everything,” Rowan evaded.

“Then how comes he knows?” Alex side-eyed Chris.

Rowan didn’t seem to register Alex’s comment as she was tracking a truck coming up the driveway. “Speaking of the devil, you’re about to meet him.”

Both Alex and Chris turned to her. “Who?”

“Connor Gibbes.”

fifteen

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