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“Oh, I think they’re just friends—” Juliana began.
Natalie blushed, and I jumped in. “We’re together, but it’s complicated. Natalie has her daughter, Delaney, and Delaney’s dad is in town.”
“We have two kids, so I get it. But I’m confident you’ll figure it out.”
“Now, what questions do you have for me?” Juliana asked.
“I’m living in the owner’s suite, and it’s small, and I’m a little worried about how it will be when guests are checking in and out. Will I have a life?”
Juliana frowned. “I’ve never lived on-site. At first, my sister, Ava, managed the place for me, and then I hired McKenzie. I think it’s important to have someone you trust on-site, but I don’t think it needs to be you. Especially if you have a family. You’ll want separation between work and home.”
Natalie chewed on her lower lip. “That’s what I’m worried about. But I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford it at first.”
“I researched Telluride, and I’ve seen the pictures. It’s adorable, and it’s the perfect location. As soon as it’s finished, you’ll be booked,” Juliana said with all the confidence of an experienced realtor.
“How can you be so sure?” Natalie asked her.
“From what I’ve read, you get tourists year-round there. Figure out how much you’ll need to bring in to hire someone. You can offer them free room and board.”
Natalie’s eyes were filled with concern. “Anyone I hire will be on call twenty-four seven.”
“Listen, it’s your business, and you can run it how you want. But I don’t allow my manager to be on-call twenty-four seven. From eleven to six a.m., the only calls that should come through are emergencies, plumbing, that kind of thing. If a guest forgot an item or needs a towel, that request should come in earlier. It helps if you think of things they might forget and put them in the bathroom with a note as to what’s there. That will cut down on a lot of calls. I have a folder that shows them the closest restaurants and bars, things to do, hours, et cetera.”
Natalie nodded. “That’s smart.”
“You want things to be as automated as possible. We’re working on an app so that requests are automated, and they can check in without stopping at the desk.”
“That would be amazing,” Natalie said.
“I can show you what we’re doing so you could implement it in the future.”
Natalie relaxed slightly. “I’d love that. Thank you.”
“Let’s do that tour now that the girls are occupied.” They left the room, and I was alone with Nolan.
Nolan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Juliana said you own a construction company?”
“My family does. It’s my dad, me, and my brothers.”
Nolan nodded. “Same here, except it’s just me and my brother. Owning a business keeps you busy.”
“It does, but for the first time, I’m getting the urge to slow down and have a life outside of work.”
Nolan smiled. “Does Natalie have anything to do with that?”
“Natalie and Delaney.” I wasn’t sure why I was comfortable sharing with Nolan. Maybe it was how similar we were, dating single moms and running construction companies.
Nolan shook his head. “I didn’t want kids when I met Juliana and her girls, but I didn’t stand a chance.”
I chuckled at his honesty. I wondered if he’d struggled with the decision of not being good enough or the right man for Juliana and her girls. “I’ve always wanted a family. I just haven’t had much luck in that department.”
Nolan straightened. “Hopefully, this time is different. The kids make it extra special. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for those girls.”
“Is their father in the picture?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Nolan grimaced. “He was difficult in the beginning, but we’ve gotten into a good schedule and rhythm. I think it helps that I’m here. He won’t mess with her or the girls because I won’t let him. Don’t tell Juliana that.”
I chuckled, admiring his confidence. “I won’t.”
