“You’re quiet,” Luke observed as they passed through Dana Point.
“Just running through the presentation in my head,” Meg said, which was partly true. The other part—the part where she was questioning whether she’d lost her mind asking her old surf instructor to accompany her to what Brad insisted was a crucial client reassurance meeting—seemed less worth mentioning.
“How many times have you practiced it?”
“Honestly? I lost count after twelve.”
Luke laughed. “Sounds about right for you. Remember when you used to practice those debate speeches? I could recite them backward.”
Meg glanced at him. “You remember that?”
“I remember everything about those summers.” His voice carried something she couldn’t quite identify. “Including how you always got that little crease between your eyebrows when you were nervous.”
Meg’s hand went unconsciously to her forehead. “I do not.”
“You’re doing it right now.”
She caught her reflection in the rearview mirrorand, sure enough, there it was. She forced her face to relax.
“Meg.” Luke’s voice was gentler now. “You’ve got this. I’ve seen you work, remember? You’re brilliant at what you do.”
The San Clemente Resort appeared ahead of them, a sprawling Spanish Revival complex that cascaded down the bluffs toward a private beach. Meg had worked with them for months now, but seeing it in person again stirred something closer to inspiration. Her remote work had been successful, but Brad was convinced an in-person meeting was necessary to cement their confidence in the arrangement.
“Still impressive,” Luke said as they pulled into the circular drive.
Meg parked and checked her reflection one more time. Her hair had cooperated despite the ocean air, her makeup was intact, and her designer blazer made her look like someone who could manage multi-million dollar campaigns from anywhere.
“You look perfect,” Luke said, reading her expression. “Very corporate warrior princess.”
“That’s the goal.” She gathered her materials, then paused. “Luke? Thank you. For coming with me. I know it’s weird?—“
“It’s not weird,” he said firmly. “It’s what friends do.”
The word ‘friends’ hung between them for a moment.
The conference room overlooked the Pacific, floor-to-ceiling windows framing a view that could sell itself.Meg set up her laptop while the San Clemente team filtered in—marketing director James, general manager, CFO, and the property owner, Margaret Cassidy, who greeted Meg like the valued consultant she’d become.
As they entered the conference room, Meg handed Luke her laptop bag and portfolio case.
“Here,” she said with a slight smile, “you can be my assistant today.”
Luke raised an eyebrow but played along perfectly.
“Of course, Ms. Walsh. Where would you like me to set up your materials?” He arranged her presentation materials at the front of the room with professional efficiency, then took a seat where he could assist if needed.
“Meg,” Margaret said, extending her hand warmly. “So good to finally meet in person. Your remote work has been exceptional, but we’re thrilled you could come down to present the Phase Two strategy face-to-face.”
“Thank you for insisting on it,” Meg replied. “Sometimes the best ideas come from being in the space you’re marketing.”
"I have Brad Mercer joining us as planned," Meg continued, setting up the conference call. "Great to have you back, Brad," Margaret said warmly. Meg dialed and put him on speaker. "Brad, you're on with the team." "Good morning, everyone. Margaret, James, always a pleasure," Brad's voice came through clearly. "After reviewing Meg's Phase Two strategy, I have tosay—this is some of her best work yet. You're going to love what she's put together."
Margaret smiled. “Exactly what we hoped you’d say. Before we dive into the expansion plans, I have to tell you—the initial campaign results have exceeded every projection. Bookings are up thirty percent, and our guest satisfaction scores are the highest they’ve ever been.”
“The authentic local experience angle has been a game-changer,” James added, pulling up metrics on his tablet. “Guests are staying longer, spending more, and our repeat visitor rate has tripled.”
Meg felt a surge of satisfaction. “That’s exactly what we hoped for. Which brings us to Phase Two.”
She launched into her presentation with the confidence of someone who’d already proven her approach worked. The slides flowed seamlessly—expansion strategy, new promotion opportunities, and enhanced digital engagement. But as she spoke, she found herself drawing on insights she could never have gained from a San Francisco office.
