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Down the path, Thad scurries around setting up the hot chocolate bar by the welcome desk. He’s placed glass jars filled with snowman-shaped marshmallows, peppermint candy canes and cinnamon sticks next to the commemorative Hungry Llama mugs. As we approach, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. “Wow. You guys. This looks incredible.”
I go over my list and finish delegating tasks when I see Austin and Miles pull up to the front parking lot. My brother exits the SUV wearing a vintage ski jacket and maroon corduroy pants, followed by Austin. I can’t help but stare. He looks like he’s stepped out of a winter sports catalog wearing trim jeans, a black puffy coat, a beanie, and a thick scarf wrapped around his neck.
Miles spots me and waves, looking downright giddy. He tugs at Austin’s coat and points to the Bert snow sculptures lining the walkway. I make an adjustment to the welcome banner and head over to greet my bosses. Austin’s eyes are already on me, scrutinizing.
“Welcome to Crystal Mountain,” I say with my brightest smile pasted on. “Should I walk you through the resort before the buses arrive?”
Miles grips my shoulders and pulls me into a hug. “Shay, this looks so fantastic. I can’t wait to see the rest.”
“This way.” I motion toward the grand double doors, noting that Austin has yet to even say hello. Jerk.
Sexy jerk.
No. No. No. No.
Pushing all thoughts of sexy Austin out of my mind, I open the door and lead Miles and Austin through the lobby to the ballroom where most of our group meetings will be held. The chalet’s high, vaulted ceilings are adorned with chandeliers made out of elk horns. Hungry Llama banners hang elegantly from the walls, alternating with large projection screens. At the front, a raised podium stands proud, ready for the speakers. Rows of plush chairs are neatly arranged behind small desks, each with a branded notepad and pen.
“Wow,” Austin murmurs, visibly impressed. “This is…incredible.”
“We managed to pull it all together.” I try not to react to Austin’s praise. “The podium’s fully set up with our technology. Paul from IT will be here to guarantee we have a seamless transition between presentations. Someone on my events team will be on standby at all times to concierge any needs we might have over the next three days.”
Miles nods appreciatively. “Shay, I agree with Austin. This looks dope.”
“Well, there’re other things for you to see.” I gesture toward a door at the rear of the ballroom and lead them in that direction. We venture down a corridor lined with doors. “These are the breakout rooms,” I explain. “Each is set up for smaller groups to brainstorm and strategize.”
I open the doors for them to peek inside. It’s a cozy space, with comfortable seating arranged in a circle. A smart board hangs on one wall, while another displays a beautiful mural of the ski runs on the mountain. Branded stationery packs are placed at each seat.
Austin examines the setup, then looks at me, eyebrows raised. “Every detail is perfection, Shay. This… This is rad.”
I can’t help the genuine grin that spreads across my face. “Thank you, but there’s even more.”
Our tour continues down the corridor that loops around and connects with the main entrance. The dining hall is a vast space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the snowy landscape outside. Large, round tables, draped in deep-blue tablecloths, dot the room. Various iterations of Bert are the centerpieces.
Along the back wall, the hotel staff is setting up an elaborate buffet. The cold food is already out, a tantalizing display of smoked salmon, fruit, bagels and three different flavors of cream cheese.
Miles whistles appreciatively. “Holy shit. This is beyond what I even imagined. You’ve turned this retreat into an experience. I can hardly wait for everyone to get here.”
“It’s important for the executive team to feel appreciated.” I nod enthusiastically. “If there’s one thing I learned in fundraising, people are willing to give ten thousand percent if you treat them well.”
Austin is subdued, but the admiration in his eyes is impossible to miss. “You’ve done an impeccable job.”
“I want everything to be perfect.” The compliment, notably coming from him, hits different. Makes my heart race.
Austin’s gaze lingers on mine, the intensity and electricity between us is unmistakable this time. “Well,” he eventually says, clearing his throat, “it’s impressive.”
The sincerity in his voice takes me by surprise after so many days of him being so, well, shitty. I can’t help but blush. “I…I…um.”
“I told you she rocked at this stuff.” Miles slugs Austin in the arm. “Admit you were wrong.”
Austin rolls his eyes. “Never. We still have to get through the next three days, Stodge.”
Aannnnnd, jerk Austin is back in a flash.
Miles wraps an arm around me. “I knew you’d pull it off. But honestly, I didn’t expect anything remotely this cool. It’s fantastic! It’s almost like we’re a grown-up company now.”
There’s still a lot to do before the buses arrive, so it’s time for me to extricate myself. “How about we get you checked in before everyone gets here?”
“Good idea.” Miles and Austin follow me to the check-in desk.
