Page 56 of The Summer Island Swap
‘Please. Don’t hold back. If you’ve had the slightest spark of inspiration, I’d be so appreciative to hear it.’
‘I just think the conservation project will falter if you don’t somehow open it up to tourism as well. But then what do I know?’ I added brightly.
Sharing my idea with Margot – wouldn’t that be going behind Rick’s back? He’d already quashed it and yet… I so desperately wanted to help. And I hadn’t been given time to explain the detail to him. Perhaps I could tell his gran and then they could discuss it together. Maybe he’d listen to her.
My hands felt clammy as she adjusted her leopard print glasses.
‘Carry on.’
‘That’s it, really.’ I didn’t know what to do for the best.
‘Anything, Sarah. Really. Your tourism comment – you might be onto something.’
She looked so desperate. I took a deep breath. ‘I work in a budget hotel but I want to make a step into the luxury side of hospitality. I’ve been researching that area of the industry for months.’
‘I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some fantastic hotels over the years. My husband and I especially loved Ocean Allure in the South of France – a pink turreted villa surrounded by magnolia and lemon trees with a pool cut into rock, marbled floors and soundproofed walls.’
‘Well, I’ve had an idea – about how your family could bring in more income,’ I said, feeling awkward. ‘I imagine it’s a delicate subject but Rick did tell me a little about how—’
She held up her hand. ‘You and I can speak as businessperson to businessperson, no?’
‘Of course.’ I sat a little taller. It felt good to be taken seriously – to be treated as an equal by such a successful entrepreneur as her.
‘Then don’t feel embarrassed – Crocker & Crowleyisin trouble. Please. Share your thoughts. And thank you for spending your time on this.’
‘The house and beach huts – your home is gorgeous. With the pool. Exotic surroundings. The table outside. Plus the cinema room. The gym. And piano.’
Talking of which, the music had stopped playing. Instead I heard laughter. Were Jonas and Benedikt drinking the beer? Were they getting closer?
‘Yes. Family love staying there. We invite my sister’s brood. My husband’s relatives. My precious Caribbean paradise has nursed people through broken hearts, divorce and bereavements. Throughout the summer guests come and go. Evenings are the best, with fairy lights outside, rum cocktails flowing and card games under the stars. The youngsters enjoy a midnight swim. Malik sometimes mans the bar if we’re having a party – I’ve made several friends in Tortola over the years.’
‘How about… just until the shoe business gets back on its feet, or at least consolidates its position – Rick mentioned you’d decided to focus on trading from just four stores…’
She nodded.
I leant forward. What harm could it really do? With building enthusiasm, I told her all about my luxury hotel plan.
Margot didn’t speak for a few moments. My pulse raced and I braced myself for rejection. A strained look contorted her friendly features and she took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes before slipping them back on.
‘I’d completely understand if you didn’t want to lose your privacy here,’ I said. ‘It’s a real bolt hole from the strains of city life. And Rick’s not keen. He’s worried any tourists would impact on the island’s nature.’
‘But we have to be practical. And the build is almost complete…’
‘You could trial the idea. If it didn’t work out well, nothing lost. But if did… who knows about the future? You might build a few more beach huts. A venture like this could be good for the shoe company and Seagrass Conservation.’
‘Yes… I can see that. Yet we are almost into the middle of July…’
For a moment I hardly listened. I swallowed. Stared at the screen.
Someone like Margot liked my idea?
‘If I worked flat out this week, I could get a website up and running,’ I gushed. ‘You could offer a discounted rate to start – for guinea pig customers. You’ve got all the bedding. The beach huts are fully furnished. They have internet connection. Initial costs wouldn’t be huge. Rick said the kitchen is almost finished.’
‘But he’s busy with his wildlife work. Lee and his parents are needed here in England. I’m not due to visit until September. I could fly over earlier but these days I’m not completely confident I could manage all of—’
I took a deep breath. ‘Let me help. I’ll set it up. I’ve been itching to change direction for so long now. I’d be thrilled to be part of something like this… for the next three weeks until I go home, that is…’
‘I couldn’t ask you to…’
