Page 84 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"She does more than breakfast. She does the happy hours and the cookies…" Her voice trailed away. "Which you don't like, either."

"I love them, but they're costing you too much. And this beach picnic tonight—why are you paying for everyone's dinner? That should have been a separate event fee."

"It's because of the eclipse. It's a special event."

"You have too many of those. The most important thing for you is to sell rooms. Until your bookings are consistent on a year-round basis, you're not bringing in enough income to cover the extras. You probably need to cut the hours of some of your workers as well. Do you need someone at the front desk in the evenings? Can you cut Victor's hours back?"

"His girlfriend is pregnant. He needs the hours."

"That's not your problem."

"He's my employee. I can't be heartless."

"He's not even that good of an employee. I've seen your notes."

"He's getting better. He's young."

"And the cook's daughter? Why did you pay her top dollar for taking a tray around a cocktail party? You could have set the appetizers on a buffet."

"She's saving for college."

"And you're not running a charity, Lizzie. These people are your employees, not your family."

"They can be both."

"You need to get to profitability first, then worry about family and friends and helping everyone else out."

"And?" she asked hopefully. "Do you have a plan?"

He wished he did. "Honestly, I'm not sure there is another option besides selling out. This offer is good. You'd still want to negotiate, see if you could get more, but you'd end up in the black and so would your investors."

"But I wouldn't be running the inn anymore."

"Well, you would be, but it wouldn't be yours."

"I've worked for a lot of chains, Justin. I know what it's like to be an employee. I've put in so much time and effort…to end up being another staff member. I don't want to do it. But…" She drew in a breath. "I might have to do it, because it's not just my money or my time on the line."

"Is anyone asking for their investment back?"

"No, but when I first asked for money, I told everyone I'd try to at least get them their initial investment back within four years. I have another year to go on that promise."

"That buys you some time."

"The things you want to cut are why the inn is popular. Guests don't just come here for a cute, charming bedroom. They want the beautiful breakfast, the happy hour on the patio, the people who make them feel like they're at their home away from home. Just ask your grandmother. She's my customer. And she keeps coming back because of what I offer."

"You need more guests like my grandmother every day of the year. Which brings us to marketing. You need to rethink your advertising and your marketing plans."

"I don't spend that much."

"Exactly. But what you are spending might not be targeted appropriately."

"Shay thinks we should sell Noah and Alice's story to some travel magazines. Their romantic reunion might create new interest in the inn."

"That's a great idea. And your ghost should be more prominently featured. Find out more about the girl who is allegedly haunting my room and talk her story up."

"Everything you say makes sense. I just need to find a way to make an objective decision and not an emotional one."

"Good luck with that," he said dryly.

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