Page 24 of Captiva Café

"Good point," Maggie agreed. "Let's develop a plan for that—perhaps a rotating selection of three main options each day, plus accommodations for dietary restrictions. We can frame it as our 'seasonal specialties' so it feels intentional rather than limiting."

Millie was scribbling furiously in her notebook. "What about check-in procedures? With full occupancy, we could have several rooms turning over on the same day."

"I've thought about that," Paolo said. "We should establish staggered check-in times when possible. We can offer early check-in, which might help spread out arrivals."

"And we'll need a better system for handling luggage if rooms aren't ready," Oliver added. "The storage area by the back stairs isn't going to cut it if we have multiple families arriving at once."

The conversation continued, diving into the minutiae of inn operations—laundry scheduling, coffee station restocking, bathroom amenities, beach towel management. Maggie felt a surge of pride as she watched her team tackle each potential challenge with practical solutions and creative workarounds.

After nearly an hour of detailed planning, Maggie raised her hand to bring the discussion to a close.

"Before we wrap up, there's one more thing I want to emphasize," she said, her tone growing more serious. "We're about to face the most demanding season in the inn's history, at least since I've owned it. There will be days when we're exhausted, when something goes wrong, when a guest is unreasonable or a pipe leaks or the delivery truck is late."

She looked around the room, meeting each pair of eyes. "On those days, I need you to remember why we do this. We'renot just providing beds and breakfast. We're creating a space where people connect—with each other, with the island, with a slower pace of life. Some of our guests are celebrating the best moments of their lives. Others are healing from the worst. Our job is to hold space for all of it."

Millie nodded, her usually brisk demeanor softening. "That's what makes this place special. It's not just the thread count or the scones."

"Though the scones don't hurt," Oliver added with a wink toward Iris.

"The point is," Maggie continued, "we need to support each other through this busy season. If you're overwhelmed, say so. If you need help, ask for it. None of us can do this alone, but together, we can not only survive this booking tsunami—we can actually make it something special."

Paolo stepped forward to stand beside her, his steady presence a comfort as always. "Maggie and I will be right there with you, doing whatever needs doing. No job too small, no hour too early or too late."

"Or too early AND too late, which is more likely," Maggie added with a rueful smile. "So, are we ready for this challenge?"

Iris straightened her shoulders. "Ready."

"Absolutely," Millie affirmed.

"Born ready," Oliver grinned.

"Count me in," Ciara added.

Maggie felt a lump form in her throat, unexpected emotion catching her off guard. This small group of people had become so much more than employees over the years. They were the heart of the Key Lime Garden Inn, the reason guests returned year after year with stories of feeling "at home" during their stay.

"Then it's settled," she said, voice slightly husky. "Starting today, we're in full busy season mode. Let's show Captiva—andmy suddenly famous mother—exactly why the Key Lime Garden Inn deserves every one of those five-star reviews."

"Speaking of your mother," Millie said, gathering her notes, "any chance you could get her to mention our cancellation policy in her next video? We're going to need a reference point when people try to change their reservations last minute."

"Or maybe she could model proper guest behavior," Oliver suggested. "You know, 'How to strip your own sheets and not leave wet towels on the hardwood floors—a Silver Wanderer's Guide to Not Being That Guest.'"

"With her signature wink," Iris added with a laugh.

"I draw the line at scripting my mother's videos," Maggie said firmly, though she was smiling. "She's already causing enough chaos on her own. But speaking of chaos, I should probably call and thank her for this reservation tsunami. After I lecture her about internet safety. Again."

"Tell her we've set up a complimentary 'Van Influencer' package for her next visit," Paolo teased. "Extra towels and a 'Do Not Disturb, Filming in Progress' sign for her door."

"Don't even joke about that," Maggie warned. "She'll have merchandise with her face on it by next week if we give her any ideas."

The thought of Grandma Sarah coffee mugs and t-shirts sent a final wave of laughter through the room before they disbanded to their respective duties.

As the meeting broke up, with Millie and Ciara immediately diving into a detailed discussion of check-in procedures and Iris heading back to the kitchen to draft revised breakfast menus, Paolo gently touched Maggie's elbow.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

Maggie nodded, watching her team disperse to their various duties with renewed purpose. "Just thinking about how luckywe are. To have found not just a place, but people who make it worth all the hard work."

Paolo's smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. "That's all you, Maggie. You're the one who built this family. That’s what the inn has become for both of us. We all are family."

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