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“Why?”
I consider my words carefully. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t her. She was nice. Supportive. But there was no fire, no drive. Chloe didn’t have any real goals of her own. She was content staying in her world, happy with whatever I did or decided.”
Emily rolls her eyes playfully. “Well, maybe we should introduce Jaime and Chloe to each other.”
I laugh. “They’d probably be a match made in heaven, right?”
“Picture it: weekly brunches, matching outfits, and a picket fence.”
“Top it off with Sunday brunches and garden parties, and they’re golden,” I add, grinning.
We both burst out laughing, and it feels good.
“Speaking of work, we should sleep, we have a long day tomorrow,” I say.
She grins. “I’m so excited. Two weeks until the grand opening.”
“I know,” I say, the thrill of it vibrating through me.
We’re so close to the finish line.
We drift off, and I wake up to the early sunlight streaming through the blinds. After a quick breakfast, Emily and I make our way to the Army Base Riviera.
Every corner of the property is alive with activity. Workers move around in choreographed efficiency, carrying supplies, setting up equipment, adjusting and polishing surfaces until everything gleams.
Inside, the transformation is stunning. The lobby, once dull and neglected, is now a bright, inviting space with polished marble floors that reflect the soft, natural light filtering through large windows.
I make my way to the new reception area, where the sleek, modern desk stands ready.
The branding materials blend in perfectly with the modern, understated elegance of the lobby, each sign adding a touch of sophistication without overpowering the room.
I take a step back, crossing my arms as I survey the space, satisfaction swelling in my chest. This is everything Emily and I had envisioned.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Lakeside Riviera,” Emily says, standing next to me.
I hold my tongue. I’m not exactly jumping with joy at the disagreements that will come between us. We have vastly different ideas for the Lakeside Riviera. But this is not the time to think about that.
Emily and I go back outside.
Landscapers are carefully placing the last few potted plants by the entrance, adjusting the greenery, and smoothing out the freshly laid stone-paths.
The newly added outdoor seating area is coming to life with modern benches interspersed with native plants that give a natural, organic feel.
“This is so beautiful,” Emily says with a sigh. “Makes me want to book a room for a week and leave the world behind.”
I laugh. “That was the idea wasn’t it? Make our guests never want to leave.”
“Yes,” Emily says, then turns to me. “We did it Andrew.”
I nod. “We did.”
She grows solemn. “Your father hasn’t come by to see what we’ve done.”
“I’m not surprised,” I say. “And to be perfectly honest, I like it. You wouldn’t appreciate the other version of my father. He would have been in our faces all day, every day. This is his way of showing that he trusts us. He’ll be at the launch.”
Relief draws itself on Emily’s features. “I’m glad.”
“Speaking of which, will your father try and make it?” I ask Emily. I’ve noticed that she never talks about him, yet I’m pretty sure that he does communicate with his family.