Page 114 of The Right Garza
Since I began operatingBarefoot Runaway, I have learned a lot about myself, and one of those things is that I’m a tough boss. Not mean, but exacting.
It stemmed from the severe case of impostor syndrome I suffered when I first started. I’d felt like I didn’t deserve to be here, didn’t deserve this place. I felt like a fraud, a cheat with no experience.
Consequently, I came downhardon myself, pushed myself, determined to turn this place into something, determined tomakemyself deserve it. Determined to makehimproud of me and not regret his decision.
Out of that tight fist of determination bloomed a fair but fastidious boss.
I won’t apologize for it, though; for not being nice and delicate and too friendly with my staff. I am who I am now, and we are where we are because of it. Growing successful in less than a year, with a woman with no college degree or business education or prior experience at the helm.
The first thing I’d done was hire a top-notch marketing team and told them what I wanted to achieve. With their advice and Maggie’s help, I closed off the entire upper floor, built a separate entrance, and added some extra touches of luxury and amenities to those rooms. A floor designed for the famous.
From the back of the property, behind the gardens, I created a “secret” entrance and check-in for privacy protection. So no one would know they’re guests here unless they choose to be seen.
Then, I let the marketing team do their job.
There was quite a bit of comping in the beginning, with socialites and social climbers. No profits, which had made me anxious, but the team assured me it was the best route to getting the word out fast.
They were right.
Within a few months, word permeated the elite circles, and the bookings started to roll in.
Suffice it to say, things have been going pretty darn well. And now Tony Manson,megaOscar-winning movie star, our biggest A-lister so far, is checking in for five nights!
Of course,I should be here to micromanage this. I really should. But...well, there’s somewhere more important I need to be.
“Okay, okay,” I say with my hands up in surrender. “Just make sure Soraya is the one that greets him. Men always seem to respond, um,appreciatively, toward her.”
Monica laughs out loud. “I think you mean she makes men turn stupid.”
Yup. That’s exactly it. “And also make sure to—”
“Lexi,” Monica says slowly, patiently, and with a smidge of frustration, “I’ve got it. This is why you hired me, remember?”
Exhaling a deep sigh, I turn and face my second mother, remembering how her eyes had lit up with excitement and hope when I asked her to come run this place with me.
I love her. Had been worried about her and didn’t like that she was spending her nights crying on her living room floor, bathing in memories long gone.
Hiring her was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not just because it completely revived her. But her nurturing, gentle, and rational methods evened out my stringent and often chaotic ones. The staff fear me, but theyloveher.
I’ve also convinced her to move into the attached condo with Tillie, as it not only makes sense for work, but also brings her closer to her boys.
“You’re right,” I mumble. “I need to chill.”
Monica laughs again and offers me her bottled water. “Here. Drink some of this.”
As I take the bottle and guzzle water down, she gives me a knowing smile. “Are you sure Tony Manson is all you’re worked up about?”
I bite my lip and thrust the near-empty bottle back to her. “Yes, Madame Know-It-All.”
Her laugh follows me as I spin around and head for my car.
~
I arrive bythe skin of my teeth. They’ve just finished loading up the jeep with their badass paraphernalia, about to go off and do badass things.
Sunlight reflecting off their mirrored aviators, the hot, all-black wearing twins stop and glance in my direction as I careen into Red Cage’s parking lot like a bat out of hell and exit my car.
One twin nudges the other with his elbow, flashing a white grin, before jumping into the jeep.
