Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
We end the call, and I take a few moments to digest everything Ryan said. Sure, she and Ronan are friends, but I’d like to think she wouldn’t steer me toward him if he were like, say, Connor—whom she seems openly willing to drive a bus over at the first opportunity. Girl code still exists, doesn’t it? I don’t know many who would lie about their manwhore friend when it comes to dating them. My gut says Ryan wouldn’t.
Which means Ronan was telling me the truth. He’s looking for a relationship.
I peer up at the doctor’s office as a burst of nervousness explodes in my stomach.
I doubt he’s looking for this.
7. Ronan
“These numbers aren’t accurate.”
“I pulled them from the booking system—”
“Which does not include the contract with GrayStone that Mr. Wolf’s assistant confirmed an hour ago,” Belinda says crisply. “Please send updated figures to everyone in this room immediately.”
Minnie’s head bobs in obedience.
There’s a long pause, and then Belinda’s eyebrows arch. “Immediately means now, so that this meeting isn’t a waste of time.”
“Oh. Right. Okay. Give me five minutes!” Minnie dashes out, her tablet pressed to her chest.
Poor girl. I can’t imagine what being Belinda’s assistant is like. It might be worse than working under Henry. Every time I’ve seen Miles, he’s either running or bugging out on caffeine.
“Will one contract make that much of a difference for our purposes today?” Lena asks, voicing a question on the tip of my tongue.
Belinda’s heels click at a leisurely rhythm as she rounds the desk. “That one contract is an eight-figure commitment from a major company. It is one of the largest ever booked with Wolf Hotels, that Henry himself wrangled, and it will all but cement Mermaid Beach’s record-breaking first year results, which is Henry’s stretch goal. So, yes, I’d like you to see this contract and understand what is expected of you.”
Lena and I share a high-browed glance as Belinda does her lap, her short skirt hugging her curves.
Meanwhile, a brunette I haven’t met yet sits across from us, her oversized rectangular-frame glasses magnifying large eyes on a small face. She hasn’t uttered a single word, and Belinda hasn’t introduced her, but that hasn’t stopped the woman from staring at me like an owl sitting on a branch.
Not many people can make me uncomfortable. This one? I’m resisting the urge to squirm.
“As one of you is well aware, and one of you is painfully oblivious about”—Belinda cuts a glance at me—“in addition to your roles running departments at this hotel, you are expected to network and sell Mermaid Beach as a prime location for multiday large-scale events. These events are critical to our success. The meeting room bookings and catering tabs that come with events are substantial, as you can see.” She gestures at our open tablets in front of us.
I scan the file that lists our various rates and whistle. “Twenty-five grand for a coffee station? Jesus, what are we serving? Do animals shit out these beans?” I watched a documentary on kopi luwak. No, thank you.
Owl Girl’s jaw drops.
“Eloquent as always, Ronan,” Belinda murmurs. “Beverage stations are just the tip of the iceberg. The more we bill, the more profit we make, and Henry has set steep targets for us. Some say too steep,” she adds under her breath, and I hazard that some is her. “But regardless, we are expected to aim for it. All this is to say that the Events department is an invaluable partner for us, which is why Eleanor here”—she gestures to the stranger in the room—“reports both directly to me as well as into head office. She is our boots on the ground to ensure every event operates without a hitch. She has her own team of coordinators. Eleanor, you know Lena. This is Ronan.”
Right, Eleanor from Events. I remember seeing that name in the org charts now, as well as a few emails about the first golf tournament. I smile at her.
She averts her soul-searing gaze.
“Eleanor and her team have been working very closely with me for the media open, but they are neck-deep in planning events. Expect to receive weekly updates and regular meeting requests from her going forward.”
Can’t wait.
“Now, before Eleanor begins highlighting our upcoming events, I want to talk about the President’s Club. Again, this is more for you, Ronan.” She strolls by, enjoying every moment of my ignorance and her ability to remind me of it in front of others. “Each year, total profit dollars earned from contracts are tallied, and the general manager with the highest numbers wins.” Her hands curl around the headrest of a leather chair as she turns to face us. “I expect to win.”
“And what do you win?” I ask.
“Cash bonuses, jewelry, an exotic trip. One time was a two-week stay in Bali and this.” She taps the face of her diamond-encrusted watch. “Another time, it was a luxury cruise.”