Page 3 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

D uke rushed ahead, wagging his tail, and thumped down by the side door. He cocked his head quizzically as if wondering why Deb wore a dress with heels instead of the shorts and sneakers she should be wearing for their morning beach run.

She bent to scratch the large dog’s neck. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I have an early meeting, boy. You’ll have to amuse yourself with birds and squirrels until I return.”

She let the shepherd-collie mix outside into the rear yard, where he immediately raced along the fence line, barking for her neighbor’s dog to join in the fun.

A terrier wiggled through the doggie door, and the pair of them lunged toward an old tree that spread its boughs across both yards.

“Good boys,” she said, smiling at their antics.

After locking the house and sliding on her sunglasses, she swung into the dusty silver Land Rover she used to haul items for her design business. She loved the old second-hand vehicle and how it kept running with minimal maintenance. As long as it did, it served her needs just fine.

Besides, who did she need to impress on Crown Island? Putting on airs here was a waste of energy.

When she arrived at the Majestic Hotel, she parked in the employee parking lot and hurried through the employee entrance and past the break room, saying quick greetings as she did.

Ryan was punctual, so she didn’t stop to chat.

At five minutes to the hour in the executive office, most of the team was already there. Deb nodded at Whitley, Knox, Gianna, and Junie.

“Good morning, everyone.” Leaning against a large mahogany desk, Ryan’s voice focused the room’s attention.

Ryan had an island executive look about him, with an open collar white shirt, trousers, and his favored Italian loafers.

His thick, dark hair was styled, and his eyes were alert, despite the early morning hour.

He was an effective leader, one who delegated and trusted his team, though he kept up with details.

In hospitality, especially at the luxury level, details were crucial. Having just acquired this hotel, Ryan paid close attention.

Deb sat in a leather chair beside Ryan’s desk to catch the cool morning breeze drifting through open windows. This meeting for the Majestic’s grand reopening was a weekly ritual, but with the official debut looming, a sense of urgency filled the room.

Ryan had planned an accelerated renovation schedule to take advantage of the summer demand, which she understood.

At one minute before the hour, Maileah rushed in. She wore a cotton sundress with a surfing print and carried her laptop and coffee thermos.

Deb knew Maileah was eager to make a good impression. This was the younger woman’s first important job on the island. Deb hoped Maileah could deliver what she’d promised.

Maileah’s eyes glittered with nervous excitement, and she blurted out, “I just checked the RSVP list, and it’s exploding. I saw at least thirty confirmations after the magazine hit newsstands.”

Ryan allowed a small smile. “Let’s start with updates. Please continue.”

Maileah opened her laptop. “We’re over three hundred confirmed guests now. The PR company has delivered on celebrity appearances. Several Hollywood actors and musicians are confirmed, plus a couple of baseball players from the San Diego Padres.”

Maileah paused before rattling off a few high-profile names before adding, “Sailor is in town. He’ll be with me, of course.”

Deb smiled as the younger woman’s face flushed. Sailor was a champion surfer whose star was on the rise.

Maileah leaned forward in her eagerness. “The media also reported that a significant part of the ticket sales goes to aid local organizations, including the new Injured Athlete Foundation. Our charity total is six figures and climbing. The social media plan is also on track.”

She handed out a printed update before sitting beside April.

Deb caught Maileah’s eye and nodded her approval, relieved she was performing well.

“Good work. Thank you, Maileah.” Ryan smiled with satisfaction before turning to Whitley, whose sunshine-yellow jacket brightened the room.

The general manager cleared his throat. “All our VIP suites are fully booked. As for our celebrity guests, I have assigned a special concierge so we can take good care of them from the moment of their red-carpet welcome under the porte-cochère . Additional security will be stationed discreetly throughout the property.”

“A step-and-repeat backdrop will be installed in the grand lobby for event photography,” Maileah added. “We’ll also have an outdoor photo area with a backdrop of ocean sunset views.”

Ryan nodded approvingly. “Chef, how is your staff doing?”

Gianna leaned forward with enthusiasm. She wore a white chef’s jacket, with her dark hair slicked into a bun at the nape of her neck.

She passed a printed menu around. “Here’s the revised menu, which I’ll have printed on thick linen paper upon your approval. We’ll have new signature cocktails inspired by Crown Island’s history. Everything will be locally sourced when possible, and I’ll provide that information to the media.”

Gianna had transformed the Majestic’s dining program since arriving on Crown Island by focusing on quality ingredients and adding innovative flair.

“And the merchandise we discussed?” Ryan turned to Junie, who sat beside her mother.

Junie rose when she spoke. “As guests exit, each one will receive a Majestic Hotel canvas beach bag filled with high-quality hotel-branded items. We’ll fill the bags with water bottles, visors, sunscreen, beach towels, and Crown Island guidebooks.

The summer resort collection will debut in the boutique and online the day of the event. ”

Ryan asked, “Has all the merchandise arrived?”

“I picked up the final shipment at the port in Long Beach,” Junie replied. “I didn’t want to take any chances. I had to make one replacement with a better item. I’ll deliver a filled beach bag to your office this afternoon for your approval.”

Junie and her late husband had run a large online shop, so Deb was confident that Junie knew what she was doing. She had flourished here on Crown Island after returning. Seeing how Junie and Knox looked at each other with such admiration, she wondered if a wedding might be in their future.

“I look forward to that, Junie. Thank you.” Ryan shifted his attention to April. “Media interest in the historical preservation aspects of the renovation is high. I’d like to involve the Historical Society to address questions. Will you work with Knox on that, please?”

“I’ll be happy to do that,” April replied.

Deb watched the exchange with satisfaction. Seeing her friend happy again after her devastating divorce reminded Deb why love was worth the risk. For most people, anyway.

“Knox, where are we on construction?” Ryan asked.

“The final punch list is ninety percent complete.” Knox consulted his tablet. He had overseen a prior construction project for Ryan before arriving at the Majestic last year.

Deb figured Knox had already been on site for his early morning inspection. He was usually the first one there, followed by Whitley.

“Guest room renovations were nearly finished yesterday,” Knox said, scanning the list.

“How about 418?” Ryan asked.

At the mention of that room, Deb coughed, and everyone shifted uncomfortably.

Knox stroked his chin. “About that room, we still need to troubleshoot the electrical outlets and air conditioning.”

“Let me guess,” Ryan said. “The air becomes curiously cold in spots, the lights malfunction, and the outlets work sporadically.”

“That sums it up,” Knox said. “We’ve tested several times.”

Laughter swept around the room, and Deb said, “I told you that’s our resident ghost.”

“Don’t waste your time on troubleshooting,” Ryan said. “If someone specifically asks for that room, we’ll let them have it. Otherwise, it’s one of the last we fill, and we let guests know about the potential for paranormal activity.”

Knox raised his brow. “I’d heard some talk about that, but I didn’t know that was real.”

Whitley spoke up. “Over the years, we’ve ascertained that Princess Noelle doesn’t like to be disturbed unless someone appreciates her occasional presence and pranks.”

“I wasn’t kidding about that,” Deb said to Knox. She’d been working closely with him for the last few months, and she was impressed with his skill and management style.

Ryan grinned and gestured to her. “Carry on, Deb.”

She rose to speak. “While we staged around incomplete areas for the magazine shoot, now everything must be camera-ready for the event. I’m coordinating furnishings and artwork right behind Knox.”

Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I heard some items haven’t arrived. How can we be sure all rooms are ready for the event?”

“About that,” Deb said, her stomach tightening.

“Most pieces arrived on schedule, but we’re still waiting to receive final overseas shipments, which have been delayed in customs. I have an agent handling that and am confident she can deliver.

However, I have contingency plans to use local artisan pieces that will work beautifully in their place if needed.

I’ve got it all under control. The Majestic will look exquisite, so you can count on that. ”

Ryan nodded his approval. “So far, you all sound prepared.” Admiration was evident in his voice. “I don’t need to remind you that we’re on the critical path. If issues arise or a subcontractor doesn’t deliver even the smallest detail, you’ll need alternate plans in place. Keep that in mind.”

Deb appreciated his confidence in them, but the real test was still ahead. This was her largest and most high-profile project to date. The grand reopening event would attract potential clients. Success here would cement her reputation beyond Crown Island.

“How is the current guest response?” Ryan asked.