“Sure,” I say, growing more interested by the second. “We have to wait for Calypso’s family, but if you don’t mind, we can talk at my offices afterward.”
“That’s fine,” Emilia insists. “We appreciate your time.”
Calypso squeezes my forearm and leans toward my ear. “I’m going to run to the restroom, but don’t feel pressured to stay. I can have someone take me home.”
I shake my head. “I’m staying here.”
She excuses herself, and I turn back to the couple. “What do you know about the building?”
Emilia pulls out her phone. “We have some pictures. It’s been abandoned for over a decade, so we just need to know if we’re going to lose money on this building; it’s expected to sell fast.”
“We were lucky to receive an offer to sell first,” Brielle explains. “We moved to Amada Beach about five years ago, and we own a few commercial rentals. We offer affordable, controlled rent to help small businesses. This would be completely new, though.”
“What is it? Another mixed-use property?” I ask and take Brielle’s phone. On the screen is the old hotel that closed down about fifteen years ago. I only know that because it shut its doors during one of my summer trips.
There are thousands of hotels in San Diego, but none within Amada Beach’s limits. The two options in Aurora Hills are much more luxurious than most people can afford, and they aren’t as family-friendly. Not only that, but Amada Beach’s hotel is a beachfront property.
The inaccessibility to a hotel is partly why rentals fill up so quickly—something I had to learn the hard way.
Now I’m excited for a few reasons. “Wait, do you want to reopen the hotel?”
Both women nod emphatically.
“We think it would be great for the town,” Emilia says.
Brielle adds, “Hundreds of jobs, more space for tourists, and it’s a part of Amada Beach history.”
I shake my head, not in disagreement but in awe. “You’re right. I’d love to be a part of this, especially if you’re open to going greener.”
Emilia nods. “We’ve heard how much you’ve done for Pippa and the studio in that regard. Brielle and I wanted to see it with our own eyes first, but we had to track you down immediately.”
This feels like a fever dream—so much bigger than anything I had envisioned for Maddon Construction in the next five years.
The hotel is ten stories with a variety of amenities. A gym, restaurant, pool, ballrooms, and more. This project would keep Maddon Construction busy for the next two years, at least.
For the next few minutes, Emilia and Brielle excitedly tell me about the property and their growing plans for it. We’ll have to go over this again when we sit down to talk potential numbers, and again once the sale goes through, but my anticipation is growing along with theirs.
Ten minutes pass before I realize Calypso still isn’t back from the bathroom. Subtly, I look around the large space. The crowd is dwindling, and I see some of our family and friends nearby… But no Calypso.
When Emilia’s explanation comes to a pause, I cut in. “Hey, I’m sorry—I need to find Calypso, but we can meet at Bella Donna’s if you’re hungry. It’s on me, and we can discuss options.”
“Sure,” Brielle agrees easily. “Calypso’s welcome to come, if she wants. Since this is an informal meeting and all.”
I nod. “I’ll ask her.”
They turn out the doors, heading back to their car. My stomach is souring the closer I walk to the bathroom hallway. Telling myself it’s probably nothing, I come to a quickhalt as soon as I see Calypso and Stefan staring speechlessly at each other. Except she’s cradling her cheek and blinking back tears.
“What thefuck?” I growl, charging toward Stefan.
Chapter Forty-One
Calypso
Stepping out of the bathroom, the only thing on my mind is getting back to Liam. I’ve never met Brielle or Emilia, but none of their tenants have complained in the years since they bought a few rental buildings. They seem like good people, and this could be the next big project for Maddon Construction.
Liam’s only waiting on me, but I’ll push him out the door if I have to.
I turn down the hallway and run into someone. My body immediately goes cold. It’s not Liam—it’s Stefan.
