Page 26 of Paradise in Progress
Elysha’s eyes widen and her demeanor immediately changes. “You sly, girl.”
“Please, let me explain,” Kennedy says, her hands going up in defense. Elysha’s eyebrow raises, as if permitting Kennedy to keep going. “I’m a small-town girl. I grew up in a tiny town in Ohio and, believe me, I understand what big corporations can do to small businesses. But let me just say, I’ve done hours and hours of research on how the previous resort owners hurt local businesses. I’ve implemented policies to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Nelson Signature doesn’t want to hurt locals. In fact, we want to work with local businesses.”
Elysha tsks. “That’s what you all say. You get us to trust you, and then, bam, you find a way to screw us over.”
“What if I told you that Nelson’s wants to find a local bar where buses of tourists can stop on their way to the resort? The driver of the buses will be in charge of paying for the guests' drinks while giving you a twenty-five percent gratuity.”
Her eyes widen, and I take a pull of the beer as Kennedy works her magic.
“We’d love to offer your bar the opportunity to work with us.”
A door opening has us all turning to see who’s entering. Our driver, Jayden, walks inside.
“Jayden!” Elysha exclaims. I turn to watch the woman take in the young man. “They have you working for them?”
He nods. “It’s completely different than the last owners. Theyactuallycare about their employees. We’ve been doing extensive training for months to help us grow and feel more comfortable with our jobs.”
“Do I have to decide today?”
“Absolutely not.” Kennedy reaches inside her purse for an envelope. “Inside is the proposal, along with my direct business card. Feel free to call or email me anytime with any questions you may have. You really do have a lovely bar. I saw it as we were driving and asked Jayden to stop.”
Elysha’s gaze finds Jayden’s, and he nods in agreement, assuring her Kennedy is telling the truth.
“Thank you. I’ve put years of hard work into this place. It’s more than just a business; it’s an extension of my home.”
Another smile brightens Kennedy’s face. Reaching into her cooler, Elysha slides two more bottles our way. “On the house.”
Grabbing the bottles, I thank the nice woman who has shared a part of her story with us. Kennedy shakes Elysha’s hand and reassures her that we aren’t the enemy on the island and that the company is doing everything it can to make sure the locals feel the support.
I replay the interaction the rest of the way to the resort as I nurse my beers and take in the sights. Jayden gives us a history lesson as he drives us through the mountainside, pointing out things in nature and historical markers. He even pulls over on the side of the road to point out a few celebrities' houses.
Turning through the large wrought-iron gates, I hear a gasp to my left.
“Oh my gosh.” Kennedy’s voice is laced with awe as she admires the changes to the resort.
Much like Kennedy, I’m immediately impressed with the remodel. Long gone are the dark stone colors, but in its place are soft beige stucco and neutral travertine tiles. The teakwood accents give the space an inviting feel.
“How’s it feel to see your designs in person?”
Her hand covers her mouth as she stares at the large building ahead of us. “It’s surreal.”
Jayden shifts the car into park before getting out and opening Kennedy’s door first. She steps outside in wonder as I open my door, not waiting on Jayden. Reaching into my wallet, I pull out a large bill and slip it into Jayden’s palm as I shake his hand. “Thank you for driving us and for the history lesson. You really do know your facts on the island.”
He nods. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity to work for your company. I’ll bring yours and Miss Reed’s bags into the lobby.”
Speaking of Kennedy, she’s no longer standing by the door. Instead, I catch a glimpse of her copper locks as she walks up the footpath. The warm, salty air mixes with the slight breeze as it swirls around us. With a hand in my pocket, I erase the space between us as we enter the lobby. A construction site greets us, as the entryway is still in the process of being switched to match the plans.
The exterior was the first phase, and now the construction team is busy making all the changes in the interior. We are approaching the eleventh month of the remodel, and the hope is to have the main location open in the next two months.
“Mr. Nelson.” A petite woman comes scurrying across the tiled floor, causing me to pause and wait for her. She stands in front of me, reaching her hand out for me to shake, which I accept. “I’m Destiny, the general manager.”
“It’s great to meet you, Destiny. Please call me Tristan. And this is…” I turn, wanting to introduce Destiny to Kennedy. Only, she’s gone. “I’m sorry, I was going to introduce you to our lead architect here with me, but I’m not sure where she’s gone.”
“No problem, sir. I’ll let you take in everything, and then I’ll show you both to your room.” Destiny smiles and turns on her heels before I have a chance to correct her by encouraging her to call me Tristan. While I am a Nelson, I hate being referred to as sir or Mr. Nelson. It feels weird, and I can’t explain why.
Glancing around the space, I don’t see any trace of the woman I’m stuck on an island with for the next month or longer. I take in the view as I make my way toward the back of the lobby. It opens up to a patio off to the side, where lounge chairs and fire pits reside. Down below is a view that encompasses the entire backside of the property, where cabanas and lounge chairs surround the main pool.
Past the tower, which overlooks the pool, are palm trees swaying in the wind and the gorgeous ocean view, with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Scanning over the sand, a flash of red catches my attention. Standing with her toes where the water meets the sand is Kennedy.
