Page 28 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

D eb paused with her friends at the entry to the Sunset Room, which was aptly named.

A bank of glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the ocean.

Countless marriages had been performed here at sunset.

While it was still early, the sun’s waning rays bathed the room in a golden glow.

Deb and Maileah had specifically planned the burnished bronze and sapphire theme around this time of day.

A pianist played off to one side, but instead of classical music, they’d agreed on upbeat contemporary songs.

The familiar pre-event energy was building. The next few hours would dictate their measure of success, and Deb was ready for it. The cocktail hour was purely professional, and she felt at ease in this role. At some point in the evening, she would undoubtedly see Grant.

That would be a different matter.

Ryan greeted them at the entry, impeccably attired in a dark evening suit. “You’re all right on time. Everything here is outstanding, and people are just arriving.”

Deb nodded toward a photographer, who motioned for them to gather for photos. These were important for marketing and social media purposes, so Deb and the others readily complied as Maileah orchestrated the shots.

The mayor arrived with her husband, and invited media and celebrities began to drift in. The photographer captured the growing crowd against the backdrop of the restored Victorian architecture.

Deb moved through the gathering, greeting guests and fielding questions about the design choices. A travel writer from San Francisco asked about the original fixtures they’d preserved, while a lifestyle blogger from Los Angeles wanted details about the color palette employed.

A journalist from a home and garden magazine spoke up. “Did preserving the historical design elements prove challenging?”

“At times,” Deb replied. “The key was respecting the hotel’s heritage while creating spaces that would be fresh and inviting. In addition, we sourced antique pieces that could have been original to the building, then balanced them with contemporary comfort.”

“And the historical accuracy?” asked a woman Deb recognized as a preservation specialist.

Deb brought April into the conversation. “April Raines is head of the Crown Island Historical Society, and she worked closely with us to ensure authenticity.”

April nodded. “Together, we researched important pieces, old logs, and photography, highlighting vintage pieces while also meeting modern guest expectations.”

The woman nodded her approval. “It’s rare to see this level of attention to historical detail in a commercial renovation.”

“Ryan Kingston insisted on that, and I was happy to oblige,” Deb said.

The woman inclined her head. “I heard you insisted on the preservation of historical elements, such as those in the Library Bar.”

Deb smiled. “That’s true. I was born on the island, and the Majestic Hotel holds special significance for those who live here.

Ryan tasked us with preserving it for future generations.

The renovation was a labor of love, not only for Ryan but for the entire team.

Be sure to talk to him as well and call on April for any historical details. ”

After the interviews concluded, Deb turned to April. “You’re very good at speaking to the media. I’m impressed.”

April’s cheeks flushed with excitement. “I was nervous at first, but it’s like teaching a history class. That comes naturally to me.”

After the press event, people moved into the main ballroom and spilled onto the veranda, greeting friends. Servers circulated with champagne and appetizers, and the noise level escalated as people exclaimed over the hotel’s new look.

Deb made her way to the delectable display of hors d’oeuvres. Seafood offerings were brimming with Dungeness crab legs, jumbo shrimp, ahi tuna ceviche, and caviar, all artistically displayed alongside floral arrangements and ice sculptures.

Chef Gianna was overseeing her team beside a carving station. The Hawaiian pulled pork made with pineapples and brown sugar smelled so good that Deb’s stomach growled. She pressed a hand against her abdomen.

Gianna’s eyes widened with alarm. “Oh, my goodness. I heard that. Have you had anything to eat today?”

“I nibbled on some fruit as I was changing.”

“That’s not enough for a metabolism accustomed to eating and exercising like you do. You must eat. And be sure to try the yellowtail jalapeno and black cod bites.”

Gianna motioned to a server to put together a plate for her.

Deb was grateful for Gianna’s insistence.

Guests had pulled her between conversations with hardly a chance to catch her breath in between.

A couple from New York had seen the magazine article and expressed interest in hiring her for their beach house.

A developer from San Diego wanted to discuss a boutique hotel project.

Another woman who owned a luxury spa took her card for a renovation project she was contemplating.

Each interaction held potential, but she was starving.

Gianna passed a plate to her. “Sliced Wagyu beef, grilled baby artichokes, broiled oysters, and lobster truffle tempura, along with my new specialties. I’ll send the servers your way, but this should help hold you over until dinner.”

“You’ve rescued me from certain starvation,” Deb said, smiling.

“Someone has to. And be careful with that gorgeous dress,” Gianna added, giving her a large cloth napkin. “Can you sit down for five minutes?”

“I’ll try,” Deb replied, glancing around. “This looks delicious, and I’d rather eat it than wear it.”

Five minutes. That’s all she needed. She found a table on the veranda and sat by herself. However, her solitude didn’t last long.

Maileah approached her, holding up her phone. “You’ve got to see this. Our social media engagement is blazing hot. The Majestic is trending, thanks to the influencers who are here. People love the work you’ve done. Maybe you’ll get a book deal next.”

“That was fast,” Deb said, her head spinning.

“Everything moves at warp speed online. You’re a star tonight.”

The validation seemed surreal. A year ago, Deb had been a local designer with big dreams. Tonight, she was being recognized for her part in the restoration of a beloved landmark.

Maileah peered at Deb’s plate. “I should get something to eat. Sailor has a mob around him, and he’s signing autographs. I’m trying to get used to that. Hold a seat for me, will you?”

“If you’re fast. I need to get back out there, too.”

Maileah hurried toward the sumptuous spread of delicacies. Glancing around, Deb spotted Kitty, looking elegant in a navy-blue silk sheath that showcased her diamond starfish necklace. Jen and Daniel were with her, so Grant couldn’t be far away.

She didn’t have to wait long to find him.

Grant touched her shoulder. “Everyone agrees that you’ve created something magical here.”

Deb looked up, and her heart skipped. He wore a formal suit well, and the sincerity in his voice caught her off guard.

“It’s been a team effort from the beginning. Where are the boys?”

“At the kid’s beach party. That was a great idea, and they needed that.” He hesitated for a moment. “Teddy has been pretty upset.”

Deb was instantly alarmed. “About what?”

“It’s an old problem, but I need to address it again.

A classmate posted a comment about the poor kid online.

Mason saw it because I won’t allow Teddy online anymore.

It’s too painful for him. However, it seems he overheard Mason telling my sister about it.

” He sighed and shook his head. “At least they’re having fun tonight. I’ll pick them up later.”

“Credit April and Junie with that one.” The children’s activities coordinator organized a supper and activities for the guests’ children this evening. Still, Deb was concerned about Teddy and Mason and hoped they were having a good time now.

Admiration filled his eyes as he stared at her. “You look sensational tonight. You’ve outdone every woman here. And the earrings are sublime.”

She waited, but he didn’t say anything else. “They were a surprise from my father, I think. Did you know anything about them?”

Grant shook his head, seemingly puzzled.

“My parents should be here, but I haven’t seen them yet. They’ll be seated at a table next to mine.” Her parents would likely want to invite him to their summer open house.

“I’d like to meet them again, but we need to talk first.” Grant’s gaze lingered on her as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

She wondered what was so urgent, but it would have to wait. “I’m dying for a glass of water.”

“I’ll be right back.”

However, before Grant could return, Matteo appeared with two flutes of champagne. He looked distinguished in a perfectly tailored suit.

“The evening is a triumph,” he said, offering her a glass. “I’ve been speaking with potential distributors for my wine. What a party. And your dress is extraordinary.”

She waited a beat, but he didn’t comment on her earrings. “Notice anything else?”

“Your jewelry is superb. Family heirlooms?”

“You don’t know?”

“I’m sorry. Know what?”

“Never mind. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“You should, too. This is your night as much as Ryan’s. I overheard a couple talking about how they wanted you to decorate their Hamptons beach house. You’ll be jetting all over soon. This is what you wanted, right?”

“It’s what I’ve worked for.” She’d yearned for this recognition for as long as she could remember. But was it all she wanted now?

As if reading her mind, Matteo said, “You always have the freedom to choose.”

“Excuse me,” Whitley said. “Dinner service begins soon. Would you take your seat so that others will follow?”

“Of course,” Deb replied, glancing around for Grant, but he had disappeared.

Matteo held his hand to her. “Let’s find our seats now.”