Page 39 of Paradise in Progress
Lana: Just checking in! I miss your face. The house is way too quiet without you.
Me: Miss you too! Gah, how are the plant babies?
Lana: Surprisingly, I’ve kept them alive. How’s hottie mc hottie?
Me: As annoying as ever.
Lana: You like him.
Me: Why would you think that?
Lana: You didn’t correct his name *wink emoji*
The entire drive tothe administration office, all I could think about was last night. Tristan wanted a truce, and while I thought it was sillyto ask, I’m glad he did.
Guilt swam in my stomach as he recounted everything he’s had to endure in his life. Suddenly, the Golden Boy nickname tasted sour. Never once did I stop to assume that his life wasn’t as easy as I made it out to be. I just assumed that he was the typical rich boy who flooded the streets of NYU. I never thought he might not have wanted this lifestyle.
Jayden drives us through the winding roads as I stare out the passenger window. This is now our third drive to Castries together, and I refused to sit in the back seat. He might be chauffeuring me around, but I won’t treat him like the help. Besides, we've spent hours in the car getting to know each other. Jayden is nineteen, a huge American football fan, and loves cars. It’s why he took the job at the resort, since we have luxury cars on standby to use for guest transportation.
Pulling into the parking lot, Jayden wishes me good luck as I step out of the pearl-white BMW. With a tight-lipped smile, I thank him before closing the door behind me. Poor guy has had to spend the last few days keeping himself busy while I wait. Fingers crossed today is the day I get my meeting.
The receptionist's eyes snap to mine as I enter, and I watch the wall go over her eyes. Clearly, she’s as annoyed at seeing me as I am being here for the third time.
“Martin is ready for you.” Her voice startles me.
“Good morning!” I let my cheeriness make up for her lack of welcome. She harrumphs in return.
Heat clings to my skin as I walk across the lobby and find my way into Martin’s office. I rap my knuckles against the closed door, announcing my entrance, before stepping inside the quaint office. Sitting behind a desk is Martin, the man I've been desperately tryingto talk to all week. His wire-framed glasses sit perched on his nose as he watches me enter his space.
“Ah, good morning, Miss…” he trails off, shuffling through papers on his desk.
“Miss Reed, but please call me Kennedy.”
“Right, of course. Kennedy Reed from Nelson’s Signature Hotels and Resorts,” Martin replies, his voice dripping with false niceties.
As I take a seat across from him, he squirms in his chair. “You’ve been a hard man to track down.”
“Work never ends,” he pauses with a sigh. “I understand Nelson’s Signatures is interested inexpandingthe resort.”
“Yes, sir.” Removing the file folder from my purse, I flip open the manila cover and hand him over the documents. “We’ve put together a detailed proposal outlining all of your concerns, as well as providing the blueprints for your inspection.”
He purses his lips as he pulls the documents closer to read over. After a few seconds—but what feels like minutes of awkward silence—he shuts the folder and tosses it on his desk. “We’re primarily concerned with the environmental impact and precedent this project could set.”
I nod. “Of course. We completely understand your concerns, and we’ve addressed them in our proposal. Nelson Signature is committed to ensuring this project is environmentally sustainable and beneficial for the community.”
He scoffs. “Please elaborate how on earth your resort could possibly be beneficial to us locals.”
Nerves course through my veins as I stare at the man sitting across the desk. He’s not going to make this easy, which means, I’m going to paste on a pretty smile and win him over with my pitch.
“We understand the locals' concerns based on the negative feedback from the previous resort owners. The resort will fund several community projects, including school improvements and support for local businesses. We’ll also partner with local artisans and vendors to feature their work and products with our farmer’s market initiative. Jobs are reserved for locals, and we provide detailed training to ensure no one fails at their job.”
“These are promising initiatives, but we cannot guarantee anything.”
“We’re prepared to finalize a formal contract with the administrative offices to ensure that our promises are kept. I assure you, Martin, Nelson’s Signature isn’t the bad guy coming in to ruin your community.”
Martin leans forward on his elbows, his fingers steepling beneath his chin. “You’ve certainly come prepared, Miss Reed. I’ll need to review this proposal with my colleagues and discuss it internally. However, I am impressed with your pitch. You seem to have thought of everything.”
“Thank you, Martin. We’re committed to working closely with you to ensure this project benefits everyone involved. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I’ll be on the island for the foreseeable future.”
