“How’s our lovely Sunset Siesta treating you?” I asked.
“About the same, I suppose.” She glanced down at her drink. Harper had been the general manager of our family resort for ten years, and she wore the mantle of responsibility like an albatross around her neck. “Though we’ve got some serious issues to tackle. The repairs are piling up, and I’m starting to think we need a nose-to-tail remodel of everything.”
“Renovations? What kind of fun updates are we talking about?” Chase probed as he leaned in slightly, his curiosity piqued at the architectural subject change.
“Everything from outdated furniture to kitchen equipment that belongs in a museum,” she replied, shaking her head. “I mean, we can only patch things together for so long.”
“Sounds like a blast,” I said with a slightly smug grin. “Nothing says beach vacation like a new toaster.”
“Very funny, Eli,” she groused. “I just wish I had more resources. We’ve been scrambling to make ends meet, and it feels like I’m chasing my tail half the time.”
“Maybe it’s time to take a page from my book and focus on the essentials—sun, sand, and a cold beer,” I joked, clinking my glass to hers. “Who needs fancy renovations?”
“Right, because that’s the answer to everything.” She rolled her eyes, but her tiny smile told me she appreciated the distraction, even if just for a moment.
“Seriously, though,” Chase interjected, turning to face her. “Have you thought about reaching out for outside help? You know, maybe bring in someone who can take a fresh look?”
“Believe me, I’ve considered it,” she replied. “But every time I think about it, I get stuck worrying about costs. It’s like walking a tightrope without a safety net.”
“Look, if anyone can figure it out, it’s you,” I said. “You’re basically the heart and soul of this place.”
“More like the person holding it all together with duct tape,” she quipped with a rueful smile.
“Hey, at least it’s colorful duct tape.”
“True, but I’d still prefer solid foundations over flashy colors.”
“Solid foundations, huh? Sounds like a fancy way of saying boring,” I teased, but there was a twinge of seriousness in my voice. As I glanced around Tropical Hops, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the entire resort mirroredour conversation. Braden’s vibrant bar was a burst of life, laughter, and creativity, while the rest of the resort felt… well, tired. The faded paint and worn furniture spoke of better days, though I had to admit I liked things the way they were. Change was rarely a good thing in my experience.
“Eli,” Harper said, shaking me from my thoughts, “the resort is overdue for some serious renovations. We can’t keep pretending everything’s fine when it clearly isn’t.”
“Hey, let’s not get too dramatic. A little faded paint adds character.”
“Character or not, we need to face facts.” She turned, her warm brown eyes narrowing slightly. “Chase, what do you think? You’ve seen more resorts than anyone here.”
Chase blinked, visibly taken aback. “You truly want my opinion?”
“Yeah. You’re the architect, right?” Harper asked.
“Uh, well, I mean—” He rubbed the back of his neck, a bit of color creeping onto his cheeks. “I’d say you need to address the structural integrity first. Roofs might need reinforcement, and those air conditioning units are ancient. They probably suck energy like a black hole.”
“Great, and how much would that cost us?” The lines in her brow grew deeper. “A fortune, I bet.”
“Well, it won’t be cheap,” he admitted. “But maybe it’s worth it to prevent bigger issues down the line.”
“Jeez, you two are downers. May I remind you that it’s Friday night?” I added, ready to change the subject. “Do we have to discuss business crap?”
“Economics aside,” Harper said, sighing softly as she ignored me completely, “renovations are something we have to consider. Maybe Julianne has some ideas.”
“Julianne.” I grimaced and gave up on happier topics. Just her name soured my mood. “Oh, joy. If the conversationis anything like the last chat I had with her, that should be a fun time.”
“Come on, Eli,” Harper said, a teasing smile forming on her lips. “Just think of it as a chance to show off your charm.”
“Charm? With Julianne?” I snorted. “Please. She’s completely charm-proof. The woman is made of ice. Nope, count me out for this fight. Besides, I have my own battle to wage with her Monday morning.”
That made Chase’s ears perk up. “Oh? Do tell.”
I scowled as I recalled the dive I’d led that morning. “I need to talk to her about authorizing new dive computers. They’re practically antiques at this point. I mean, we might as well strap a sundial around our wrists and call it a day. Divers are complaining left and right—lost signals, glitches, you name it. It’s like we’re sending them down there with one foot in the stone age.”
