“Tell him, Tom.” My father wrapped an arm around my shoulders, clasping me in place. Somehow, I’d landed in hisprivate inner circle of confidants, and I wasn’t entirely sure how I ended up there.
“We have the plans for the next phase in the resort expansion,” Tom explained. “It’s massive and ambitious. We’re building a four-hundred-acre amusement park and a two-hundred-room extension to the resort. We’ve signed national restaurant chains and large retailers who have waited for this day.”
If my father succeeded, other large hotel chains were destined to follow.
“Son, you’ve been an instrumental part in changing the reputation of the resort.” My father deftly flipped the bound pages of the blueprints back to the second page.
“Is his silence a sign he’s waiting for a financial payday? If so, he’d be a true Richmond,” Tom said.
My father burst into an uproarious laughter as if that was my angle and gave me a hearty pat on the back.
The plans outlined the significant expansion of the resort, tripling the current size. I bent in to examine the blueprints more closely. There appeared to be a Las Vegas vibe, dazzling displays of lights and attractions, which seemed excessive for the tranquil beauty of Sea Springs. The proposed amusement park had multiple roller coasters, a big water park, a multi-screen theater, and a large digital arcade. It was a lot to take in.
“Will the city approve?” I asked.
“The governor’s in our pocket, young Richmond. You have a lot to learn,” Tom declared proudly.
“Where’s all this land coming from?” As I spoke the words aloud, I knew the answer. It wouldn’t be good. The land surrounding the resort was all owned by those who fought the resort in the first place. The expansion was destined to destroy them.
“With the bankruptcy, we can acquire the surrounding properties for a fraction of their value,” my father explained asif teaching me a valuable lesson. My heart plummeted. A strong sense of empathy washed over me.
“I’m needed on another call,” Tom said. “Well done, Dasham. Jack, we’ll talk more tonight.” The call ended abruptly.
Oh no.
“Go change your clothes. You’re finished with that absurd job. I’ve had breakfast brought in. Change and join me.”
My aversion to pretense and privilege had only grown stronger since my time in Sea Springs. After all the attaboys I’d received, perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence my photo was taken. Maybe my father intentionally exposed me to all the publicity. The thought of his cunning manipulation made my stomach twist. My actions had harmed Beau.
However, my father still had the ability to help Beau’s family. I needed to be candid and ask for his help. Despite everything, my father wasn’t a monster.
“They’ll be shorthanded without me,” I said absently, but also didn’t argue for the integrity of working until they found someone to replace me.
“Your sister’s removed you from the schedule,” he said, while rolling the plans up. “Change quickly. They’ve prepared the leek and prosciutto quiche you enjoy. It’s best served fresh.”
All right. His clear joy had me taking a deep breath. I’d never seen him so happy.
I made quick work of changing out of my clothes, relieved to never have to wear my lifeguard’s uniform again. Instead, I slipped back into my usual attire—polo shirt and plaid walking shorts. I searched out my deck shoes, sliding them on before having a quick check in the mirror.
The smells coming from the interior of the suite had me moving faster. The last few weeks had me suffering from acute insomnia, and an advanced eating disorder. I was never hungry and had a general lack of motivation for anything other thanbeing with Beau. Yes, after yesterday’s intimate encounter, I was now ravenous. My teenage guy appetite was back. I planned to eat the entire quiche by myself.
Besides, I needed fortification to be ready for the best birthday of my life. The sweetness of love overpowered everything. I was such a dork. Soon I’d be writing sonnets to Beau’s inner beauty.
“What would you like to drink?” a server asked, drawing me from my mental rough draft of said sonnet. My father was on another call, phone to his ear, gesturing me to the seat at an angle to his.
“What’re my choices?” I asked, glancing over the spread of food. My stomach growled a loud grumble.
“I believe we have everything available. If not, I can call down and have anything brought up,” she explained.
“How about some pineapple, orange, carrot juice?” My favorite juice from my travels overseas. I took my seat, with the napkin barely in my lap, before reaching for the quiche trowel.
I ate a few bites of the quiche, staying silent until my father ended the call and I heard the door click close behind the waitstaff. We were alone. “Is Mom joining us?”
“No. She’s planning our trip home. We’re leaving after the Fourth of July festivities. We’ll be home before nightfall.” He mirrored the energy I had toward our meal, digging in as if he hadn’t eaten in days.
“Can I keep the car?” I asked and went at my plate in the same way. With my mom not popping in at any moment, I didn’t have anyone to correct my eating habits.
“You deserve it. You were a natural out there and handled the press like a pro. I’m proud of you.” He reached for my hand, giving a soft squeeze.
