Page 25 of Save Me
Kyle laughs.
“Obviously, I said no. There’s nothing wrong with him. I just think he’s tired of living that life. Anyway, I’m glad you called. I hope I didn’t ruin things for him with you.”
“No, it’s okay. We aren’t serious.” What an ironic claim, given where I’m heading now, which is as serious as it gets. “Listen, I hope you guys come back to Mermaid Beach again, and when you do, we’ll make up for the lost hour next time.”
“Oh, we will definitely be back, and absolutely! I was actually going to leave a review for your company. I’m gonna go do that now.”
Mention of a review brings back my conversation with Ronan on the cruise. My cheeks flush. “Okay, well … until next time!”
We end the call, and I take a few moments to digest everything Ryan said. Sure, she and Ronan are friends, but I’d like to think she wouldn’t steer me toward him if he were like, say, Connor—whom she seems openly willing to drive a bus over at the first opportunity. Girl code still exists, doesn’t it? I don’t know many whowould lie about their manwhore friend when it comes to dating them. My gut says Ryan wouldn’t.
Which means Ronan was telling me the truth. He’s looking for a relationship.
I peer up at the doctor’s office as a burst of nervousness explodes in my stomach.
I doubt he’s looking for this.
7.Ronan
“These numbers aren’t accurate.”
“I pulled them from the booking system?—”
“Which does not include the contract with GrayStone that Mr. Wolf’s assistant confirmed an hour ago,” Belinda says crisply. “Please send updated figures to everyone in this room immediately.”
Minnie’s head bobs in obedience.
There’s a long pause, and then Belinda’s eyebrows arch. “Immediately means now, so that this meeting isn’t a waste of time.”
“Oh. Right. Okay. Give me five minutes!” Minnie dashes out, her tablet pressed to her chest.
Poor girl. I can’t imagine what being Belinda’s assistant is like. It might be worse than working under Henry. Every time I’ve seen Miles, he’s either running or bugging out on caffeine.
“Will one contract make that much of a difference for our purposes today?” Lena asks, voicing a question on the tip of my tongue.
Belinda’s heels click at a leisurely rhythm as she rounds the desk. “That one contract is an eight-figure commitment from a major company. It is one of the largest ever booked with Wolf Hotels, that Henry himself wrangled, and it will all but cement Mermaid Beach’s record-breaking first year results, which is Henry’s stretch goal. So, yes, I’d like you to see this contract and understand what is expected of you.”
Lena and I share a high-browed glance as Belinda does her lap, her short skirt hugging her curves.
Meanwhile, a brunette I haven’t met yet sits across from us, her oversized rectangular-frame glasses magnifying large eyes on a small face. She hasn’t uttered a single word, and Belinda hasn’t introduced her, but that hasn’t stopped the woman from staring at me like an owl sitting on a branch.
Not many people can make me uncomfortable. This one? I’m resisting the urge to squirm.
“As one of you is well aware, and one of you is painfully oblivious about”—Belinda cuts a glance at me—“in addition to your roles running departments at this hotel, you are expected to network and sell Mermaid Beach as a prime location for multiday large-scale events. These events are critical to our success. The meeting room bookings and catering tabs that come with events are substantial, as you can see.” She gestures at our open tablets in front of us.
I scan the file that lists our various rates and whistle. “Twenty-five grand for a coffee station? Jesus, what are we serving? Do animals shit out these beans?” I watched a documentary on kopi luwak. No, thank you.
Owl Girl’s jaw drops.
“Eloquent as always, Ronan,” Belinda murmurs. “Beverage stations are just the tip of the iceberg. The more we bill, the more profit we make, and Henry has set steep targets for us. Some say too steep,” she adds under her breath, and I hazard thatsomeis her. “But regardless, we are expected to aim for it. All this is to say that the Events department is an invaluable partner for us, which is why Eleanor here”—she gestures to the stranger in the room—“reports both directly to me as well as into head office. She is our boots on the ground to ensure every event operates without a hitch. She has her own team of coordinators. Eleanor, you know Lena. This is Ronan.”
Right, Eleanor from Events. I remember seeing that name in the org charts now, as well as a few emails about the first golf tournament. I smile at her.
She averts her soul-searing gaze.
“Eleanor and her team have been working very closely with me for the media open, but they are neck-deep in planning events. Expect to receive weekly updates and regular meeting requests from her going forward.”
Can’t wait.
