Page 9 of Hibiscus Heights

“I trust your judgment,” Ryan replied. “But I’ll look for your email.”

Trust but verify, Deb thought. The mark of a good leader. Ryan Kingston was more than the new owner of the hotel.

The hotel staff had accepted Ryan’s new ownership and management, but she’d heard comments from some of the hotel’s upper-class summer clientele. A few months ago, gossip had spread when it was revealed that Ryan’s parents had been immigrant workers in housekeeping and janitorial services. His working-class background endeared him to the staff. Many of them were friendly with his parents, who retired several years ago.

Ryan had grown up around the hotel before landing a scholarship and moving away. The Majestic was more than an investment to him; it was the foundation of who he’d become, representing the full circle of his journey.

Everyone gathered their materials and made their way from the executive offices looking confident, though Deb sensed an undercurrent of anxiety. Even with the best plans, a lot could go wrong. Once, right after she had finished a costly redesign project, a pipe burst, ruining her work before her clients arrived to see their new home. Fortunately, they had insurance, but this was their second home, so that compounded the repair process.

Still, Deb had built her reputation on exceeding expectations under pressure. This grand reopening would be no different.

April caught up with her in the corridor. “Who are you taking to the event?”

Deb gave a noncommittal shrug. “I hadn’t planned on taking a date. I want to be free to manage anything that might come up.”

“Then you should know, Whitley’s assistant has you down for a plus-one at our table. You’ll be with Ryan and me, Whitley and Ella. The mayor and her husband will also be there. Maileah and Junie will be at a nearby table with Sailor and Knox.”

Deb considered this. She used to take one of her brothers to events, but now they were all married and would be attending with their wives. And her nephews were far too young.

Deb replied, “Most of the men I used to know are married or moved to the mainland. That’s the problem with this age.”

“How about Adrian?” April suggested.

She and Sailor’s dad grew up together on Crown Island. “I think he’s dating that local artist. The one with the pottery studio near the marina.”

“Oh, that’s right. What about one of Blue’s friends?”

“They’re so young, I’d feel like I was babysitting. I’ll talk to Whitley’s assistant and have her seat another single person beside me. I don’t have time to think about this, and I’m not ready to risk a dating app.”

April raised an eyebrow. “Even for the social event of the summer?”

“Especially because of that. I’m there to work.”

“You should relax and have fun.”

Grinning, Deb nudged her. “I’m not dating the owner, so I have to shape up. Besides, I want to work the crowd. With all the out-of-towners and celebrities, I could land some interesting jobs.”

“Or meet someone?” April lifted her eyebrows and smiled.

“Please stop.”

April shook her head. “You’ll probably land a huge job that will take you away from Crown Island, and just as I’ve come back.”

“Took you long enough,” Deb said, grinning. “But you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

“Not even if Mr. Right shows up?”

Deb laughed. “I think he took the last ferry out. Look, I’m happy with my life. Why in the world would I want to change it now?”

“I can think of a few reasons.” April fanned her face and grinned.

Deb tucked her arm into her friend’s. “I’m not dead, just taking a break.”

They parted ways, and Deb made her way toward a meeting room that Knox’s team had just finished and needed her attention for artwork. While she walked through the wide hallways, she took a mental inventory. An antique bookshelf needed a repair, a palm tree should have a new pot, and a seascape could use a different frame.

As she approached the meeting room, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. She tapped the screen.

Heard you might need a date for the big event. I’m available. Call me.”

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