Page 11 of Paradise in Progress
“No time has been wasted. These are important details as well, but let’s get to the bigger picture first,” Xander adds, calming the situation further.
When Victoria lands on the slide Kennedy’s been searching for, Kennedy picks up where she left off with a quick throat clear. The slide illustrates newly redesigned public spaces, including larger walkways, more cabanas, and shaded benches.
“With newly designed public spaces, this will quickly improve the flow of guests while enhancing the overall experience. This allows for each area of the resort to feel intimate and exclusive. Moving on to the technological integrations to bring the property to the same technology age as the mainland…” she trails off as she points out new items on the next slide.
“Inside each room, I’ve allowed integrations such as smart room controls and a virtual concierge, which allows our guests to order anything they need while not having to call the front desk for each request. As you know, our staff are busy either attending to or checking in or out guests. This elevates the guest experience because most people prefer having things at the touch of a button rather than speaking to someone over the phone.”
“But wouldn’t locals fear you’re taking away their jobs withrobots?” Harry interrupts, condescension dripping from his tone.
I cannot wait until Xander or I take over his position. It’s clear as day he doesn’t think a young woman, much less a woman as brilliant asKennedy, can handle this job. He’s stuck in the nineteen-fifties where he believes women should be at home birthing half a dozen children.
Kennedy doesn’t fluster at his interruption. Instead, she smiles and nods politely. The slide flips to photos of locals. “I’m glad you brought that point up, Mr. Stewart. To reassure locals that their jobs are safe and not being fazed out, by— What did you call them? Robots? We’ll implement job retention strategies and provide workshops to enhance their skills. Eventually, we’ll establish long-term contracts with local suppliers and support business initiatives, ensuring our property boosts the local economy without compromising the resort’s profitability.”
There’s my Firecracker.
Choking on my breath, I garner the attention of everyone in the room. Shit,myFirecracker? Where the hell did that come from? She isn’t mine; she doesn’t even like me.
With a slap on the back, my brother stares at me with a raised eyebrow. Breathing slowly, I’m able to stop the coughing attack.
Good grief. Get it together, Tristan.
“This is a great proposal, Kennedy,” Xander says, leaning back in his chair as he tilts his head to side, deep in thought as he stares at the final slide.
The rendering includes the entire property with all the upgrades Kennedy and her team pitched, down to the luscious jungle views, guests lounging in and around the infinity pool, and couples strolling hand in hand along where the clear blue water meets the white sand, while people mill about the property. The landscape is exotic, the design neutral and clean with pops of turquoise and shades of the sunset.
It captures the essence of paradise. Which is fitting, considering their pitch included the name: Paradise at Piton Peaks.
“There’s just something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it,” he adds, bringing his hand to his chin. Confidence melts off Kennedy’s face, doubt and insecurity taking over.
“What if…” I stand and make my way over to the screen before looking at Victoria. “May I?”
Victoria slides the laptop toward me, and I quickly backtrack to the first rendering, where she added the accordion doors. I stare at the drawing and feel her gaze bore a hole in the side of my head. I can only imagine that she’s cursing me out in her mind.
“That’s it.”
“What’s it?” Kennedy stands, arms folded across her chest.
“Right here.” I grab a black marker and point to the entryway that leads to the lobby. “You’re right, the view is immediately blocked by a wall of smaller windows. That definitely needs to go. But what if we shifted the entryway of the resort? Instead of keeping it where it has always been, let’s move it,” I say, drawing on the whiteboard, “over a few feet and clear out this deck and landscaping.”
Chairs rustle from behind me, where I’m pointing out my ideas on the whiteboard, her presentation reflected.
“If you look closely, you’ll see that these palm trees”—I circle them—“and walls are blocking the view from the upper level, but if we shift the walkway, close off the existing entrance, and funnel guests to this wall, which will become the new entrance. They will be greeted the whole way with the ocean view. They won’t need to wait to walk inside the lobby before saltwater blowing off the bright blue water greets them.”
Peering over, I watch Kennedy react to my idea. Steam is without a doubt building inside that pretty head of hers. What she has is a good idea, but by shifting the entire entrance, now that makes this entire project—
“Brilliant!” shouts Harry from behind me. “Mr. Nelson, that is exactly what this property needed. I knew having you included in this project would pay off.”
“It was an easy fix; anybody could have found this idea.” My words come out modestly, as I don’t want to rock the boat I’m finding myself in with Kennedy. This wasn’t my proposal, and I don’t want the accolades.
“Of course,” Harry says. “Miss Reed, please be sure to email Tristan your entire proposal with the new modifications he pointed out.”
“Yes, sir.” Her voice is meek, and I hate this for her. No matter what she believes, I’m not the enemy.
Xander stands at the front of the room and thanks everyone for joining us today. The meeting is dismissed, and before I have a chance to gather my things, Kennedy flies out of the door.
Dammit.
Chapter five
