Page 40 of Paradise in Progress
“We’ll be in touch by the end of the week, Miss Reed.”
I stand from my seat and reach across the desk to shake Martin’s hand. The gesture catches him off guard. With a firm grip, I thank him again for taking the time to meet with me. Before I have a chance to walk into the hallway, I pause and turn around when he calls my name.
“For what it’s worth, it says a lot about your character that you have uprooted your life to live on the island until these issues are resolved. Most companies, especially ones that we have worked with in the past, would never send someone down here. They would require only over-the-phone conversations. I appreciate your dedication to meet with me in person, and to provide many options to showcase your resort’s promise to the local people.”
“It’s a lovely island, Martin. I’m happy to be here. And for what it’s worth, I’m a small-town girl. The idea of big business is scary, and I’ll do everything in my power to assure the locals we’re not here to push anyone out or destroy anyone’s business.” With a nod and a tight-lipped smile, Martin dismisses me, and I leave his office.
“Have a lovely day,” I call out to the receptionist.
One thing’s for sure, I’ll kill everyone with kindness because that’s what closes business.
Making my way across the parking lot, I spot Jayden talking to a young group of kids. His body language is carefree, laughing at one of the boys. He spots me coming and smiles at me from across the lot.
“Oh, she’s pretty,” one of the girls says.
“Miss Reed,” Jayden greets, standing up straighter. I send him a warm smile, one that finally meets my eyes. A weight feels like it’s off my shoulders, and I can only hope that today’s in-person conversation will change their minds. It seems to have affected Martin. His demeanor completely shifted as I stepped out of his office.
“Hey, Jayden,” I greet before turning my attention to the group of kids. “Hi, kids.”
They smile warmly. “This is my cousin, Charlie, and his group of friends. They were heading to the park to play soccer.”
“How fun. I played soccer when I was younger.”
Their eyes widen, making me chuckle.
“Really?” Charlie asks, and I nod. “Wanna come play with us?”
“Miss Reed has to get back to the resort for a lunch meeting,” Jayden answers for me. I raise an eyebrow in his direction. I don’t remember having any more meetings on my calendar today. He nods at my silent question.
“How about another time?” I ask the group of children, who look to be around the age of ten. They cheer before shouting their goodbyes as they head off to the park.
Turning toward the car, Jayden goes around to the driver’s side. “I didn’t know I had any more meetings.”
“Mr. Nelson sent me a text message informing me to bring you back to the resort as soon as you were done.”
“Oh,” I answer as the two of us climb into the car. “Thank you.”
As we make the thirty-minute journey back to the resort, my mind spins as I try to uncover what our meeting could be about. The IT department has managed the workaround for the internet as they continue to troubleshoot the major issues. Construction on the new entryway should be completed by the end of the week. I’m handling the approval of the new villas. Nothing comes to my mind that would be pressing.
Reaching inside my work bag, I slide out my phone. No new emails or text messages from Tristan. Then my stomach sinks at the realization. What if it’s not with Tristan, but with his father? What if I’m getting fired since I don’t have the approval today?
No, no, no. That can’t be happening.
Arriving back at the resort takes longer than usual. It would have been fine, and a welcomed break, but my anxiety won’t stop creeping in. Every minute that passes, the worse the feeling becomes.
Jayden parks under the overhang and makes his way to my side of the car while I gather my things. Stepping out, I smile at the young man. “Thanks, Jayden. Looks like you shouldn’t have to drive me around for a few days.”
He grins back at me. “It was no trouble at all, Kennedy. If you need anything, send me a message.”
With a wave, I turn on my heels to head inside the resort. But I come up short when I find Tristan standing outside. He’s dressed so casually that it has me pausing. My gaze travels down from his perfectly symmetrical face to where the button-down is left undone, exposing his tan, chiseled physique, then to his shorts that hug him deliciously, showing the black ink peeking out. But it’s his shoes that have me pausing.
“Are you wearing Birkenstocks?”
He shrugs. “Thought I’d embrace the island lifestyle. How did I do?”
“I didn’t take you for the hippie type, Nelson. What’s next? Going to grow your hair out and sport a man bun?” With one foot in front of the other, I close the distance between us, unable to take my eyes off the man in front of me. Truth is, seeing him like this has my heart doing palpitations. If it wasn’t for the fact he looks like a literal island god, I might have thought I was having a heart attack.
“Don’t give me any ideas, Firecracker. Besides, you should know by now I like to keep you on your toes.”
