“And the indoor pool restored to its former glory, a period piece that makes guests feel glamorous, like they’ve stepped back into history.”
“I like the way you think.” He empties his glass. “And I’d love to complete these renovations with you by my side. But…it isn’t to be. My wife’s family have invested heavily in other projects and couldn’t spare the cash to invest, and I’m afraid I don’t have enough credit to borrow what we need. I’m afraid I’ve hired you to be here while the ship sinks.”
The sun is setting in a blaze across the ocean. Mr. Bancroft and I stare out, the beauty of the scene punctuates the disappointment we both feel.
“If either of my sons was in a position to run the hotel, I feel sure the Cruise’s—my wife’s family—could find some cash. But they won’t do it for me, or for Eleanor’s memory.”
He sighs, and gestures a waiter over to fill his drink.
If one of his sons could take over the hotel…If only he could find a way to trust Cruise.
“Let’s throw a party,” I suggest.
Richard Bancroft looks at me like I’m crazy.
“The ballroom is in good condition. The lobby looks great. We collect black and white photos of the heyday of the hotel, blow them up, create an exhibition. We throw a fancy party, invite everyone who might want to invest in the property. Fill their heads with nostalgia, and ask them to invest in the future of Seascape Villas.”
Bancroft stares out over the darkening sea.
“It could work,” he admits.
And even if it doesn’t work, it will give me time to soften Richard toward Cruise, to make him see that his younger son is fully capable of helping him revitalize the hotel. Convince him that Cruise is worthy of his love and his trust.
“I only have one thing to say to you,” he continues.
I stare across the table at him, lost in my victory. Everything is coming together perfectly.
“I don’t want you around my younger son, Cruise.”
The elation disappears.
“What?”
“My younger son, who lives in Villa Seven for the time being?”
“We’ve met,” I admit.
Richard chuckles. “From the rumors I’m hearing, you’ve done more than met.” He puts up his hand when I start to protest. “I don’t blame you, Maya. Cruise is difficult, and wild. It would be ridiculous to pretend the girls haven’t always loved him, though his mother didn’t raise him to—well, she raised him to respect women. Like I said, he’s a problem, and I want you to stay away from him.”
“Cruise helped. He’s helped with all of my renovation projects, to surprise you—” I falter.
“And that’s great. I appreciate his help. Maybe he can find a job somewhere as a laborer, but he isn’t going to be staying here. I don’t want him on the hotel property, and I don’t want him in your room. Do you understand me?”
My face flames. As an employer, he can’t tell me who to sleep with. Not exactly. But he could fire me, and we’ve come so far. Just a little more time. I know I can make Richard Bancroft see his son’s true worth.
So, I nod miserably.
“I want your promise, Maya.”
“I promise,” I whisper. Adding silently that I promise to stay away from Cruise until I can work out how to reconcile him with his father. The question is, how am I going to make that happen?
Chapter 15
A week later, the invitations have been printed and sent. The lobby gleams, gold and white and beautiful. The staff are at their stations, their retro uniforms perfect beneath the glowing fairy lights.
The black and white photos are a hit with the patrons, they line up to look, exclaiming.
I’m wearing heels and an elegant black dress. An orchestra plays in the ballroom. It’s all come together exquisitely, and yet, Richard’s admonition that Cruise not be included casts a pall over everything for me.
I’m still determined to bring them together; I just have to work harder. Make sure this evening is a huge success. Richard will be less stressed if he finds financial backers to help renovate the hotel. I’ll be less stressed if I can spend a few moments with Cruise. The last week has been hell. Even if I wanted to break my promise, I’ve barely had the opportunity.
I’ve worked long evenings, with Richard by my side. I’ve been up early in the morning. Twice, Cruise ran with me, but we couldn’t even slip away to the beach house.
My frustration is at an all time high. Before Cruise, I had no idea what I was missing.
Pushing away the desire that’s been building for the last week, I try to focus on the party. It is my party, after all.
Waiters circulate with gold trays of appetizers and silver platters of delicate champagne flutes.