“So, what do you think? The rooms on the other floors will be more or less identical to these, depending on their size,” Lisa said, walking Diego back to the lift after showing him five rooms and a suite on the top floor. “The photographer has been in to take pictures of the finished rooms and the rest of the hotel so we can start listing the hotel on booking websites early.”
“Fantastic. I think it looks great.” The normally stern man had a small smile on his face, and his smile only grew when they got downstairs and headed for the bar. Nine weeks in and El Escondite was well on its way to looking presentable, and the outside space was pretty and tranquil. Lisa could already imagine it filled with guests, drinking cocktails, attending meetings, or lounging in the courtyard or by the pool. “I see you’re almost done here.” He glanced around, taking in the dining area and the round bar. The sliding glass doors were wide open, bringing the outside in, and the white, embroidered cotton curtains to either side were stylishly draped and secured to the walls with heavy tasselled tie-backs.
“Yes, there’s no water in the pool yet and the plants will need a little time to adjust to the new soil, but we’re almost done. As you know, we had some requests from the chef regarding the kitchen, but I think the extra investment will pay off. The more efficient it’s run, the less staff you’ll need.” Lisa had given the builders the afternoon off, so it was quiet and there was less mess to distract him from the new, clean layout.
“I agree.” Diego tapped the leather covered barstools, then ran a hand over the Spanish-tiled surface of the bar. It looked authentic and brought a splash of colour to the space that was decorated in muted colours and natural materials. “This is very nice. It’s all very nice.”
“Thank you.” Lisa had spent hours laying out the tables, just so he’d be able to envision it better. She’d also placed tables outside where the al fresco bar and dining area were situated, and dressed them less formally with herbs in Spanish pots and rustic water jugs the interior designer had ordered. Once everything was finished, the interior designer would spend two days going over each room and area, making sure every item was in the perfect position. “And in the back there, we have lounge pods, which offer privacy so they’re perfect for meetings. They comfortably seat four, but they can also be placed together, to create bigger meeting areas.” She pointed to the pool. “The pool has been relined and the new tiles make everything look fresh, contemporary and very Spanish. The kitchen will have a day and a night menu—both inspired by the local cuisine—and we’ll also have a room service menu. The karaoke room on the ground floor will be transformed into a large meeting room with a folding divider to accommodate multiple smaller gatherings, and the extra party room that was barely used will be a stylish business centre with printers, desks and a free coffee and water station. These will be done last as they’re the least work.”
“Excellent.” Diego walked over to the built-in stone benches by the pool that were lined with waterproof cushions and sat down, resting his elbows on the table in front of him. “So, we’re on schedule?”
“Yes, we are.” Lisa handed him her iPad. “Here, have a look at the new website while I get you a drink; I’ve brough some beverages. I’d like you to sign off on the website and the booking system and I also have some interesting advertising options to show you.” She glanced at the bar where she’d turned on the fridge, just for today. Nothing had been left unplanned and she felt pleased with her preparations for their meeting. “Wine, beer, water, iced coffee? I don’t have normal coffee, I’m afraid. The machine hasn’t arrived yet. And would you like an ashtray? I noticed you had one on your desk in your office, so I assumed you smoked.”
Diego arched a brow at her. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“It’s all about the details,” she said with a smirk.
“Let’s have some wine while we go through this.” He shot her a wink. “After all, it’s five o’clock somewhere as you English say.”
* * *
Half a bottle of wine later, most of Lisa’s plans had been signed off. Apart from a few tweaks, Diego was pleased with everything she’d done so far and that felt really, really good.
“Thank you so much for your time,” she said, straightening herself. “Next time you’re in Benidorm you’ll be able to stay at your very own hotel.”
“That is good news, but I may see you sooner than that.” Diego finished his wine, looked something up on her iPad before he handed it back to her. “I’m thinking of acquiring a hostel in Sitges. It’s about a four-hour drive from here.”
Lisa scrolled through the pictures, studying them at length. “Sitges… isn’t that the gay-friendly town close to Barcelona?”
“Yes. We’ve had a look around in the area; hotel prices are generally higher there and this came up for sale.” He paused. “Would you be interested in going there and taking a look? See what you think?”
Lisa frowned, surprised that her opinion mattered so much to him. “You want me to assess the venue?”
“Yes, you’re doing a great job with Sunset…” He cleared his throat. “Or El Escondite, as it’s now called, and I thought you might have some ideas about the one in Sitges; see if you can find potential there. It’s not exactly close, but it’s doable in a day if you’re driving.”
Lisa smiled widely, excitement stirring inside of her. Was she reading him right? She wasn’t sure where he was going with this, so she decided to just ask him outright. “Are you saying you’d be interested in using my services again?”
Diego tilted his head from side to side and smiled back at her. “Admittedly, yes. I think you’re a valuable asset.”
“Thank you. I’d be delighted to check it out.” She felt like hugging him but stayed composed, frantically thinking on the spot now that she saw a way into a new life. “But if we decide to work together again, I’d like to become a part of your team. An employee.”
Diego frowned. “Why would you want that? You’d make much more money as a consultant.”
“I know, but I’d like to stay in Spain, so I need a sponsor. I’ve met someone,” Lisa added, now unable to suppress a smirk.
Diego laughed. “Aha, so that was why you were so persistent with me in the first place.”
“Not necessarily. Most of all, I was dying to work again. But now that I’ve been here longer and it’s getting more serious between us, I really would like to try and build a life here.”
Diego nodded. “I understand. I’ll think about it, how’s that? And I’ll have to discuss it internally, of course.”
“That would be more than I could wish for.” Lisa poured them another glass of wine, pleased with how the day had gone and euphoric about the idea of a long-term opportunity with the Calvo Group. The man was warming to her. In fact, she was pretty sure he genuinely liked her too, and a little more alcohol while they shared some ideas wouldn’t hurt.
“It’s crazy what people do for love,” he said.
“Are you married?”
“God, no, not anymore. Three times divorced.” Diego waved a hand. “Never again but I appreciate your sentiment.” He raised his glass. “So, what are we toasting to?”
