AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The lobby is bustling with activity as guests and staff hurry around, making sure everything is in order for the big event. The high ceilings and open spaces make the room feel alive, and the warm, inviting decor brightens the atmosphere.
"Harper!"
I look up from my notepad and see Mr. Reynolds waving to me. His jovial smile instantly brightens my day. "Yes, sir?" I walk over to him, checking off items on my to-do list as I go. He's surveying the scene with a proud look on his face that makes my heart soar.
"Everything looks great! The renovations are finally finished, and it's time to bring the old girl back to her former glory." The sparkle in his blue eyes mirrors my own excitement. The history of the resort is long and rich, and it's an honor to be a part of its revival.
"We're ahead of schedule, which is great news," I say, running a hand through my hair. The grand reopening will go off withouta hitch, and the guests will love what you've done with the place."
"I know they will, dear." He gives me a pat on the back. "Harper, your parents would be proud of you. You've taken this resort and turned it into something special. Something worth remembering. We're so grateful to have you on our team."
I’m thankful for his praise. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me."
"Any word from Deacon?" he asks. "I never saw a response to his invitation, and Charlene never mentioned anything."
"No, sir. Nothing yet."
Mr. Reynolds sighs. "That boy. I don't know what's gotten into him. How could he miss this? I can't remember the last time I saw my granddaughter. Such a shame."
I'd heard Deacon had a daughter, but I've never met her. Apparently, his wife took off shortly after the girl was born, too overwhelmed with the responsibility of motherhood. Deacon was left with a child to raise on his own. As much as I dislike the guy, that takes courage, and I have to admire him for it.
"Charlene really wants him here, you know."
As if summoned by her husband's words, the glamorous matriarch appears. She's wearing a gorgeous, old-fashioned ballgown full of lace and ruffles. The jewel-encrusted tiara in her silver hair adds to the regal image. Charlene looks beautiful.
"Mark is right, you know," Charlene says, placing an arm around my shoulders. "Deacon should be here. This is his family's legacy."
I bite back the sharp retort on my lips. I know she wants her son to be excited for them, but sometimes I wish everyone would just move on like I have. He hasn't come around for years, so why would he start now? I give her an understanding smile, though, not wanting to upset her on such an important day.
I just want to mention in case you're keeping track, that I didn't bring him up this time. I've completely stopped thinking about Deacon. Completely.
"I'm sure he has his reasons, Mrs. Reynolds." I look down at my notepad, checking the task list for tonight's reopening once last time. "He has a business to run, after all."
"Business," Mr. Reynolds snorts. "Enriching the wealthy at the expense of others, I don't like it. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds—it's all prioritizing money over people."
"Mark, you're exaggerating," Mrs. Reynolds says, with a pout. "Deacon works hard and is always ethical with his investments. He cares about his clients and has provided well for his daughter. I think he's doing fine, dear."
The more they talk about Deacon, the more I feel like there's an oven turned to broil inside my body. They deserve a son who at least pretends to care, and he is nowhere to be seen. Can't they see him for what he is? They always make excuses for his behavior, and it's exhausting. But that's a conversation for another day. For now, I just let it go because I am no longer speaking his name as I mentioned once, twice, or maybe five times now.
A waiter walks by with a tray full of tall, elegant flute glasses. He says it's a Sparkling Berry Champagne Cocktail. Yes, please. A fresh raspberry sits delicately on the rim of the glass and a sprig of mint is an added garnish.
I take one and thank the waiter. The first sip is amazing, the flavor is out this world. The herbs refresh my senses and I refocus. Fun, I'm having fun tonight, and I'm not worried about anything else.
Taking a deep breath, I slip into the persona of a genial, capable, hostess, ready to welcome everyone to the gala. Over by the stage, I see Lydia waving at me to indicate they're ready for the Reynolds.
Mark and Charlene walk up the stairs hand-in-hand in front of me, looking happy and confident. When it's finally quiet, I introduce the Reynolds. They are grinning from ear to ear as they wave to the applauding crowd.
Mrs. Reynolds begins her speech. "On behalf of the Reynolds Family, we thank y'all for being here tonight to celebrate the grand reopening of this beautiful place."
The crowd applauds again.
"It means so much to us to know that we are loved and supported by this community. My husband inherited this resort from his father many years ago. And we are proud of the fact that we have kept this place running with only limited help, and no big corporate sponsorships. However, recent developments in the market have made it clear that we need to keep up with the times if we are to maintain the love and respect y'all have for this resort."
A few cheers and whistles burst out, making Mrs. Reynolds smile fondly at the gathering crowd. She is visibly moved by the love and support.
"It is our hope that we can provide steady jobs to the local community and bring tourists to our beautiful part of the country. Here at the Reynolds Resort, we will work tirelessly to make sure your stay is enjoyable, exciting, and magical. Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing and talented staff, who work hard to make this place a paradise."
More cheers fill the lobby. Mrs. Reynolds’ words are full of emotion. A hush falls over the room as we all wait for her to continue.
