Page 10 of Paradise in Progress
“You’re only supposed to say that to performers,” Victoria says.
A grin spreads across my face as I look at my sister. “Well, are we not about to see how well Kennedy performs under pressure?”
“Asshole,” she mutters, shaking her head.
A few associates have already arrived, taking their seats.
There’s a renewed energy in the room that comes with every project meeting. Between the nerves and excitement, the room is buzzing with anticipation of members ready to share their pitches.
Pulling open my notepad, I write down the date and what meeting this is about so it doesn’t get lost. I’ve learned the hard way, when it comes to management, it’s important to ensure the notes are detailed. During my first month on the job, I had so many meetings but never labeled what notes were from which one, if I took any at all. I was pulling out the wrong sheet for follow-ups and looking like I had no right to be in the same room as some of these people.
The first group begins their presentation and I’m instantly bored. Their design lacks creativity and, somehow, they manage to clash with the entire Nelson brand. Scribbling down notes, I try to keep my mind focused, but I can’t help but find a nervous Kennedy sitting stiff as a board in her chair as she chews her bottom lip.
I reach inside my pocket and pull out my phone discreetly. Clicking on the messaging app, I scroll until I find her name. It’s office policy that everyone shares their numbers with department employees in case of emergency or work-related issues. Selecting her name, I quickly thumb out a text.
Me: Relax.
Firecracker: New phone, who dis?
Me: Funny, girl.
Glancing over, I watch her as a— Wait, is that a smile?
Firecracker: You might want to pay attention. Maybe you’ll learn something.
Me: You’re up next. Show me what you got, Firecracker.
When she reads the text, her breath stutters. She’s nervous, but she has no reason to be. I’ve snuck a few glimpses at her project, and I know it’ll be the one we pick. All we need is for her to sell it to us, which might be where she struggles.
“Miss Reed, please present your project,” Xander calls from his seat beside me as everyone shuffles papers around in front of them.
Kennedy is quick to take the front of the room, and with the help of my sister, the two have the slides pulled up in no time. While a group worked on the design, Kennedy was the lead architect and Victoria was the lead interior designer, which means only those two needed to present.
Running her hands down her pants, Kennedy steels her shoulders. As her eyes find mine in a fleeting moment, I don’t miss the opportunity to wink at her. A slight blush covers her high cheekbones and my brother’s head turns toward me. With a shake, his attention turns back to the ladies commandeering our attention.
“Good morning,” she chokes out, clearing her throat. “I’m really excited to pitch our concept for the St. Lucia location. My team has worked diligently to bring you what we feel is the best option for a full facelift on the property while not only enhancing the luxurious feel but also benefiting your pockets and increasing revenue for the local economy. Our proposal focuses more on creating an exclusive feel for any guest, no matter if they are honeymooners who will never spend this much money on a trip again or the top one percent who experience lavish vacations regularly. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels affluent for their time on our property.”
Pausing, she nods to Victoria, who switches the slide to showcase their first rendering of the property. This slide displays a modernized version of the preexisting property to save time on construction.
She crosses the whiteboard, where the presentation is displayed, and extends her arm to the slide. “As you can see through this rendering, we’ve updated the outside of the resort in order to keep on a fast-paced remodel by replacing the existing exterior with a soft beige stucco and similar soft neutral travertine tiles mixed with rich brown teakwood accents to allow a modern, but warm, welcoming feel. Cream and light beige travertine and limestone pathways would invite guests to explore the property while taking in the lush landscaping.”
Victoria switches to the next slide, which is the first interior photo.
“As the resort is shaped now, you can see a giant wall takes away the immediate ocean views. By installing fifteen-foot-tall glass accordion doors, guests will immediately see the bright blue ocean of St. Lucia. This also allows the ocean breeze to greet our guests, along with our diligent staff.”
“Interesting,” one of the members of the development team says. I nod in agreement as I tap the ink pen against my chin, soaking in her every word.
Kennedy takes a brief second to look at my sister, the two of them engaging in a silent conversation before Victoria flips to the next slide, which is a rendering of the lobby.
“Now this might feel a bit bold, but I think it’s best to remove some of these large columns and install support beams across the ceiling. This might be a costly expense; however, opening up this space creates a more inviting feel to the lobby,” she explains, using her pen to show the space she’s discussing. “Instantly, guests can see every inch of the expansive space. In the center, it’s important to incorporate chairs and couches which you can see in these images. Victoria and her design team felt we should stick to warmer sunset shades such as corals and orange hues mixed with the reclaimed wood tables.”
“These are great design ideas, but we aren’t focused on those items at this time,” Harry Stewart, our Chief Development Officer, rudely interrupts. Kennedy’s cheeks redden with embarrassment.
Before he has a chance to berate her, I jump in. “While we are definitely interested in the design aspect. We know those items will come. What’s important right now inthismeeting is that we finalize your views on more of the design concept and elevating the resort.”
Her eyes meet mine, and I give her an encouraging nod and mouth,Keep going.
“Right, of course. I’m sorry to have wasted your time,” she starts again, flipping through her slides.
