Page 12 of Hargrave Flame Out
“Our maximum occupancy is sixteen,” Celeste blurted out.
“How do you remember that?” Natalie asked.
“The certificate is posted in the kitchen.” She caught the glance between her sisters and knew they would double check. No problem there. She was sure she was right. “There might be a few other things to line up if we switch to a whole house rental. We’d want to double check the insurance stuff.”
“Factor for a cleaning crew.” Natalie wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want to clean up after a week of fishing buddies or golf bros.”
Reed laughed. “Are you proposing a women-only retreat?”
Natalie gave him a side-eye. “If only we could get away with that.”
“No, we couldn’t be so blatant,” Veronica mused. “But we could decorate in a way that’s less appealing to the fishing-trip type. Ideally, we want to be the irresistible family vacation spot, right?”
Celeste nodded absently. Her mind was stuck on relinquishing the entire house to strangers. Yes, she could live with Veronica. It wasn’t as if her social life required a great dealof privacy. She enjoyed her quiet time just as much—if not more so—than Roni. Being roommates until she found her own house wasn’t the issue.
Could they still consider their childhood summer house as theirs if none of them called it home? Did that matter at all? Sure, they’d always be the owners, but would they make time to enjoy the legacy of it if they went this route?
Nothing is forever.
As much as she enjoyed the hands-on, day-to-day service, it was a full-time routine and required an open mind. Feeling the resistance in her heart was confusing, mainly because she could see the Hideaway becoming wildly popular and highly profitable, which would make it harder to shift the business model down the road.
Then again, she was way ahead of herself. If the Hargrave sisters knew anything, it was how quickly life could force you down different path.
“What else do we need to think about?” Celeste asked Reed. Maybe he would mention the nostalgia issues weighing on her heart so she wouldn’t have to bring it up.
With a sigh, Reed stood, leaning on the chair back. “Y’all are on the right track. I’d only advise you not to underestimate the value of that private beach. You can always up your rates on the location alone. People want luxury and privacy to go with it.
“If you want to grow without adding furnishings other than Celeste’s suite, I recommend adding to the rental package itself.”
“How?” Natalie stared up at him.
“You’ve got location. What about collaborations? There are ways to team up with other Brookwell businesses for experiences or excursions. Isn’t that all the rage these days?”
Natalie eyed him skeptically. “You know this how?”
“I pay attention.”
Natalie snorted. “Kirsten fills him in.”
“Of course.” Veronica’s relief was clear. “Thought I was in an alternate universe or something.”
Reed wagged his finger at them. “Stop acting like I’m an old man. Didn’t you like the bands who played at the festival this year?”
“We did,” Celeste confirmed.
Veronica’s cheeks went pink and she cleared her throat. “You’re suggesting something like baking lessons from someone at the Bread Basket or private paddle board lessons there in the cove with Miles or one of the other instructors from the sailing school.”
“Now you’re thinking.” Reed gave her his best proud-dad smile. “Upsell. It’s the fastest way to profit.”
The girls laughed as he went back to work.
“When I’m feeling better, I can talk to Lila about the baking stuff,” Celeste offered.
“Yeah, I want to run these numbers a little bit more,” Veronica said. “Then we’ll know the best time to block reservations if we choose to reset.”
“Anything that gives us more freedom is important. Essential,” Natalie added. “Celeste is an amazing hostess and I actually enjoy pitching in, but—” She stopped short, as if she’d finally realized she was about to offend one of her older sisters.
“Just say it,” Veronica urged.
