“I’ve been looking at the renovation pictures and the resort looks beautiful,” Kacy says, switching back into business mode.
“Good, I’m glad some of our decisions are coming into fruition.”
I purchased a failing hotel just outside of Dallas, Texas. The thought of the 200 acres of nature is calming. My dream was to turn it into a wellness retreat where overstimulated people can escape and unplug from everything. One really helped me at the pinnacle of my stress and I want to provide a safe space for others. We’ll provide different levels of participation. People can do anything from checking in and opting to not be disturbed all the way to a full mental health and wellness program.
In college, I’d put so much stress on myself to try to be the next perfect son, career oriented and ambitious like Ambrose, but my reach for my idea of perfection drove me up the wall. When earning a B on an assignment sent me into an anxiety attack, I knew I’d gone too far. I took off a semester just to recalibrate. Now, I make sure to check in with myself mentally and refrain from over reaching. I’ve maintained a good work life balance in the seven years post college but there can’t be passion projects without stress especially since I’m my biggest investor.
“I know the chef you wanted didn’t come on board as planned but I have some very promising leads,” Kacy boasts as we head back to my penthouse.
“Oh yeah?” I ask as I land fully back into work mode. “Do you have any tastings lined up?”
Kacy, ever the foodie, smiles so hard that her cheeks take on a rosy hue. “That’s the exciting part.”
“Good because our projected grand opening date is in a few months and we needed a chef yesterday.”
“Understood. And we will do our trial stay a month before the opening.”
“Great, I can’t wait to test all the amenities and programs.”
A fall opening was important to me because I think fall is a great time for nature. It’s the calm before winter. Plus depression seems to rise in the winter. I want my retreat available for anyone needing time to reset.
My only hope is that what I envisioned fully translates into reality. Pushing my personal thoughts aside, we dive back into the details necessary to bring my dream to life.
∞∞∞
We fell into such a strong work vibe that I failed to notice it was evening until my stomach growled.
I shoot Kacy an apologetic look. “I’m ordering dinner now.”
She waves me off. “You don’t need to do that. I can just grab something on the way.”
“No, I insist,” I say as I swipe through my phone to the food apps. “It’s the least I can do for holding you hostage.”
Standing, I stretch a little before walking over to her. She looks up expectantly as I pass her my phone.
“Lady’s choice.”
Kacy blushes a little but I know it has nothing to do with me.
“Why are you shy all of a sudden?”
She looks away, embarrassed as the pink still tints her cheek. “It’s nothing.”
I sigh and sit next to her. “It’s something, so what is it?”
“It’s…It’s…stupid,” she mumbles with a self-conscious laugh.
I sit across from her, stretch my legs, and fold my arms with a smile. “Now I must hear it.”
Kacy shakes her head and squares her shoulders. “Okay. I’ll just own up to it. I love this new reality television show. It’s one of those dating shows,” I withhold the eyeroll as she speaks. “I know how you feel about The Bachelor and all that jazz.”
I chuckle at the memory of our very heated debate when she once had the audacity to suggest that I sign up for it. I’d rather really spend the time getting to know a woman instead of going on a million mini dates.
“Hate the idea but continue.”
“Well, this is one of those multiple couples love and games type of shows. Where we can vote on our favorites or who we want to leave the show,” her eyes light up as she speaks about the nonsense. “Each season takes place in a different location but this season takes place on a private island and they dress accordingly. The new host is gorgeous. I look forward to her appearances. All of the tropical colors look great on her brown skin.”
“And eating dinner here will mean I’m signing up to watch tonight’s episode with you.”
