I settle on the bison slider with a side salad.
Diana orders something involving roasted vegetables and quinoa that looks ridiculously healthy.
The food arrives quickly, and for a few minutes, the conversation shifts into a more relaxed rhythm.
Or at least relaxed by Diana Fairchild’s standards.
Which still feels like sitting across from the Queen of England.
“So,” she says after a sip of sparkling water, “tell me about your degree.”
I brighten immediately.
“Bachelor of science in outdoor recreation and tourism management. It focuses on sustainable tourism development, guest experience design, and hospitality operations.”
She nods slowly.
“Relevant. Though I am surprised that Porter decided to hire someone straight out of college. He usually favors more experienced candidates.”
Translation: she can’t believe he hired someone so young.
“I do have experience. I spent the last two summers working for a luxury resort ranch.”
“Luxury ranch?”
“Yes. In fact, I’d like to eventually open a guest ranch myself,” I admit.
Her eyebrow lifts. “A ranch?”
I nod. “My family owns Wildhaven Storm. It’s a working horse ranch in Wildhaven, but we have a lot of unused acres I hope to build on. Something small but high end,” I clarify. “A place where people can experience the land but still have a luxury hospitality experience.”
She studies me for a long moment.
Then smiles.
“Well, the Belicourt will certainly give you exposure to luxury hospitality standards.”
I grin. “That’s the plan.”
Lunch wraps up quickly, and the real tour begins.
We exit The Elk Tavern and step back into the enormous great hall, where sunlight pours through the towering windows and glints off polished wood floors.
Guests lounge near the fireplaces.
A bellman rolls a luggage cart past us.
The quiet hum of a luxury resort in motion surrounds us.
Diana gestures toward the front desk. “Now I’ll introduce you to the leadership team that keeps the front operations functioning.”
We approach a small group standing near the check-in counters.
Diana’s posture straightens.
“Everyone,” she says smoothly, “this is Harleigh Storm. She’s joining the hospitality development department.”
Five sets of eyes turn toward me.
