Page 40 of Spring Break with a Bodyguard
“Regrets?” There’s the faintest hint of vulnerability in the question.
I raise my head to look at him, making sure he can see the truth in my eyes. “Not a single one.”
The soft smile that spreads across his face makes my heart flutter. This version of Javi—relaxed, unguarded, his usual vigilance temporarily at rest—is still new to me.
But I like it. I like it very much.
Monday would bring meetings with Preston, decisions about my new role at Hollister Hotels, and undoubtedly more challenges. But tonight, with Javi’s steady heartbeat beneath my ear and the vast ocean stretched before us, I’ve found something worth far more than any career advancement or family approval—I’ve found where I truly belong.
EPILOGUE
TEDDY
Three Months Later
“I still don’t understandwhy this meeting needs to be at The Sandpiper,” Preston says as we pull into the parking lot. “The main conference room downtown has better facilities.”
“And I spent weeks designing that space specifically for presentations,” adds Crystal from the back seat where she sits with her tablet, reviewing notes. Her HarmonyWorks shop has been thriving since partnering with Hollister Hotels on employee wellness initiatives—another positive outcome from the chaos of the holidays.
I exchange a knowing smile with Javi, who’s driving. “Trust me, cousin. There’s a method to my madness.”
Preston sighs with the long-suffering patience he’s developed over the three months since my undercover housekeeping adventure made headlines. “There usually is.”
The Sandpiper looks different in the early summer light—the spring break chaos long gone, replaced by the steadier rhythm of summer vacationers. Families with beach toys, couples holding hands, the occasional business traveler wheeling luggage toward the entrance.
As we walk through the lobby, I’m greeted by name from all directions. Not as Theresa Holden, housekeeper, but as Teddy Hollister, Director of Staff Development and Operational Improvements—the special project position that evolved from my eight days scrubbing toilets and catching thieves.
“Miss Hollister! The new carts arrived yesterday,” Carmen calls from the front desk, where she’s been promoted to assistant manager. “The housekeeping team loves them.”
“Excellent! I’ll check them out after the meeting,” I promise, feeling the familiar satisfaction of making tangible improvements.
The past three months have been a whirlwind of activity. What started as damage control after the media circus has transformed into a genuine initiative to improve working conditions across all Hollister properties, with The Sandpiper as our pilot location.
New equipment, revised schedules with better work-life balance, a career development program that creates advancement pathways for hourly employees—all implementations that Preston, initially skeptical, now proudly highlights in investor presentations.
“Teddy!” Miguel’s voice booms as we pass the staff room. He hurries out, clipboard in hand. “Perfect timing. The mentor program has twelve new applicants from our sister properties. The word is spreading.”
I smile, genuinely delighted. Miguel accepted the position as training coordinator without hesitation, his years of experience now being used to develop the next generation of hospitality professionals.
“That’s fantastic. Set up interviews for next week?” I suggest, making a mental note to adjust my calendar.
“Already on it,” he confirms with a wink before nodding respectfully to Preston, Crystal, and Javi.
We continue to the conference room, where Brogan is already waiting alongside his fiancée, Wilhelmina “Willy” Genaro. The acclaimed interior designer has her sustainable design plans spread across one end of the table, deep in conversation with Karina and several board members. Willy’s innovative approach to green building has transformed not just the aesthetic of the Hollister portfolio but its environmental footprint as well—something that pairs perfectly with my staff initiatives.
“About time,” Brogan says as we enter, though his usual gruffness is softened by the smile he exchanges with Preston. “Willy was just explaining how the new sustainability standards will integrate with the staff training programs.”
Willy looks up, her creative energy practically radiating from her. “Teddy! I’ve been dying to show you the revised layouts for the staff areas. They incorporate all the feedback from your focus groups.”
“Can’t wait to see them,” I say genuinely. Working with Willy has been one of the unexpected pleasures of my new role—her commitment to functional beauty and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with my vision for staff spaces that demonstrate real respect for employees.
Crystal moves to examine the designs. “The living plant walls in the break rooms are brilliant. They’ll improve air quality and staff well-being simultaneously.”
The presentation materials are prepared, the projector ready, everything in place for the quarterly review of what the press has dubbed “The Hollister Method”—our ground-up approach to hotel management that’s generating industry buzz.
“Can we get started?” Preston asks, checking his watch. “We have a lot to cover.”
“Not quite yet,” I say, glancing at my phone. “We’re still waiting for?—”
