“Kat, you really have to try these,” he says, leaning forward, his eyes glowing. “I’ve never tasted anything like them.”
My mouth waters at the sight.
I take a small bite and smother my groan. Jax isn’t wrong. The pastry flakes off, and the filling is like an explosion on the tongue.
“Good, right?” he says with a grin, motioning to the rest of the plate.
I nod, trying to downplay my love for all things sweet.
“Let me know when you’re ready, and we can meet this afternoon to go through your ideas.”
I want, no need to get us back onto the topic of business. Our conversation last night was surprising. Jax appeared as passionate about my ideas for the new resort as I was. It was refreshing after spending months battling certain members of the board.
“Yourself? Do you have anything planned?”
“I’m meeting with the general manager, Mr Baskin, after breakfast,” I say. “Then I’m hoping to meet with his management team. The FHG transition task force was on site for over a month, working with the current team. I’m hoping to gain an understanding of any outstanding issues. The team we sent in raised a few concerns. I need to know if they’re still valid.”
Jax nods.
His iced coffee arrives, and he disappears off to get more food, returning this time with a mixture of Asian and British food.
“Where do you put it all?” I say, before I can stop myself. “You’re like Elijah.”
Jax grins. “I’m a growing lad.”
I shake my head and raise an eyebrow.
“Hey,” he says, holding up his hands. “I swam, the equivalent of one hundred lengths this morning, in open water.”
He taps the watch on his wrist.
“I’ll let you off,” I say sarcastically, his smile widening.
It reminds me that I need to head to the gym. I could run laps of the island, but I prefer the idea of a treadmill. Less chance of twisting my ankle on the sand.
I don’t say anything, just return to eating my fruit and yoghurt.
We continue in silence, but it’s not the awkward silence I feared. Instead, it’s comforting. Like being around an old friend.
When we’re done, I bid Jax goodbye and head to the manager’s office, situated inside the staff compound. This is the hub, at the centre of the island. It includes staff living quarters, the island’s filtration and sanitation units, water purification, a staff restaurant, and a shop. It has everything, or appears to have everything, that the staff may want. There’s even an undercover area where plants and vegetables are growing.
I pass the staff gym, where members of last night’s serving team are working out. Tam, our server, waves and smiles.
I return his greeting.
The general manager’s office is on the outskirts of the staff area. Still, I wanted an unfiltered look behind the scenes.
I knock on the office door.
It opens, and I’m greeted by a much less flustered Don Baskin.
“Good morning, Ms Frazer,” he says, with a bright smile, although it does not quite reach his eyes.
I don’t take it personally. I have that effect on people, it goes with the territory.
“Mr Baskin. Shall we get started?”
CHAPTER 17
