Possibly both.
I take another sip of scotch and lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk.
Why did she apply here?
That’s the real question. Her degree is specific to outdoor recreation and tourism. Not exactly the Belicourt’s forte. Sure, we host the occasional poolside party or sponsored skiing event, but for the most part, she’ll be handling corporate conferences, local political fundraisers, extravagant ballroom weddings, and holiday galas.
Hardly the outdoor adventures she studied for.
And truthfully, most locals avoid working at the hotel unless they have to. It’s too flashy. Too formal. Too expensive for their liking.
But Harleigh Storm applied willingly.
And according to Peter’s notes, she impressed everyone in the interview.
Still …
I’m about to click into the HR notes section when a sharp knock echoes through the office door.
I don’t look up from the screen.
“Come in.”
The door opens a second later.
Diana steps inside, closing it quietly behind her.
She moves with the calm efficiency of someone who has been a part of running this hotel longer than most of the employees who report to her have been alive.
Tall. Professional. Impeccable. Poised with perfect posture. Her dark hair is pulled into a sleek twist at the back of her head. She’s wearing her usual tailored slacks—deep charcoal today—with a silk blouse the color of champagne topped with the signature Belicourt blazer.
She pauses just inside the room, her eyes briefly scanning the office, like she always does, before her gaze lands on me.
“Good afternoon, Porter.”
I lift my glass slightly in greeting. “Diana.”
She walks forward and takes one of the navy chairs in front of my desk, crossing her legs and leaning forward. The velvet cushion dips slightly under her weight. She tilts her head as her eyes flick briefly to the computer screen.
I don’t bother closing the file.
She notices everything anyway.
“Reviewing the new hires?” she asks.
“Just one.”
Her eyebrow arches ever so slightly.
“Harleigh Storm.”
Diana’s expression shifts almost imperceptibly.
“Ah,” she says. “She’s why I’m here actually.”
I lean back again. “You spent the day with her. What was your impression?”
“She’s not our usual management candidate,” Diana replies. “But she seems eager.”
