“Are they going to make crazy demands?”
I considered it before answering. “I’m familiar with the woman and I don’t think so. I’m assuming her fiancé won’t be a problem.”
It wasn’t entirely true. No one went on reality TV toavoidthe spotlight. I wasn’t sure how Kristen had ended up with someone like him. I would like to think my ex had better taste than that, but then again, I only saw what the camera wanted us to see with her fiancé.
“Good. I trust you to make the right decision. You know how much Carmel meant to your mother, and me.”
As if I could forget. My parents had taken what was a standard-issue hotel and turned it into a five-star resort, which changed the tide for the rest of the properties in their portfolio. The Carmel Luxe had leveled up what a Ashford property could be, and it was my great honor to continue their work.
“Listen, the reason I called is because I’m hosting a lunch for you and your brothers at the house on Sunday. You’ll be there, yes?”
Also very typical of my father; issuing an invitation assuming attendance was a given. But after his cancer scare, this kind of summoning could mean something very bleak.
“Hold on, are you okay?” I asked quickly.
He chuckled. “I guess I’ll have to spend the rest of my life giving a preamble before every invitation. Yes, Drew, I’mfine. Healthy as a horse.”
“Okay,” I replied, still dubious. “But I wasn’t planning on heading back to LA until Harrison’s gender reveal party in two weeks. Can’t we talk then?”
“There’s no time to talk at a party. Just show up, okay? I promise you I’m fine. More than fine. I’ll leave it at that for now.”
“Okay then,” I replied.
His reassurances didn’t make me feel any better.
“I need to run, I have another call scheduled,” he said. “Love you.”
It was still a shock to hear him say it after a lifetime of stilted, formal goodbyes. But then again, the health scare had finally pushed my dad to work through unresolved issues, like trying to heal the fractures in our family before it was too late.
“Love you too. See you Sunday.”
We hung up and I forced myself not to spiral about what was going on. I had too much to do. First up? Making nice with Kristen and her meathead fiancé, a final push to get them to sign on. I just hoped that the guy didn’t take the opening to pitch me on some nutritional drink or exercise program. Personal trainers were theworst.
I still had no idea what she saw in Carter that made him marriage material, but what mattered now was making sure they had their wedding here.
I strode through the lobby, greeting our regulars with a quick nod. I was nearly to the meeting room when I was stopped by a sight I’d never imagined was possible.
It was Mrs. Barclay, making her way towards the door with three perfectly mannered dogs beside her. There was no chaos, no barking, just four beings in perfect, silent harmony.
Damn. Emilia had been right.
Not that I’d ever admit it to her, if our paths happened to cross again.
I paused outside the meeting room door to rearrange my face into a welcoming expression and strode in.
A young woman with a tablet and earpiece jumped out in front of me to block me. “Hiii,” she grinned at me. “Were we expecting you? I thought everyone scheduled for the meeting was already here.”
I fought to maintain my smile. “I’m just dropping in. I’m the CEO of Ashford Resorts—I wanted to personally welcome Kristen and Carterand make sure they had everything they needed.” And I wasn’t leaving until they agreed to have their wedding here, but I left that part out.
“Great, that’s great,” she said. “But before you go any further I need to make you aware of the cameras in use. In order to interface with anyone in this room you first need to sign a release form that gives us the right to use your likeness on the show. If you refuse to consent you’ll have to wait outside until they’re done.”
I couldn’t hold on to my smile anymore. “Did you not hear what I said before? This ismyhotel.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome,” she agreed. “Sign here, please.” She held the tablet out to me. Damn, they’d picked the right person for the job, because she wasn’t backing down. “It’s not a guarantee that you’ll be on the show,” she explained. “It’s just a protective measure. I’m sure you understand.”
I had to give her points for standing her ground, and I wasn’t about to make waves at such an important moment. I could fight back over who was actually in charge here once they’d signed the contract to have their wedding with us.
“Fine,” I said. “I just need a moment to read through it.”
