Page 25 of Like You Love Me

“Good morning, Bianca.”

The decorated airman had retired from the Air Force and joined the marketing team. He was wearing navy blue pleated slacks and a light blue long sleeve shirt and tie that showed off his chiseled frame. He would be one of their biggest draws at the bachelors’ auction.

“Welcome back, Chavis. Please, come in,” she said, signaling for him to enter. She put her pen down and steepled her slender fingers as he stepped across the room. “Have a seat.”

“Welcome back to you as well,” he said as he lowered onto the chair, and the faint scent ofVersacecologne ruffled her nose.

“Thank you. It’s good to be back,” Bianca said, smiling and admiring the view. She was married, not dead. “I hope you had a wonderful vacation.” He had been out of the office since her return.

Chavez nodded. “The fourteen-day cruise to the Caribbean was nice and relaxing. I can’t complain.”

“Sounds wonderful.” She reached over for a manila folder and opened it. “I’ve read the report, and your project is a hit. I hear you won over the crowd at the board meeting.”

He grinned, and dimples appeared on both cheeks. “I think I heard something about that.”

“Modest, are we?” she said. His face became flush with embarrassment. “The Beaumont Hotel Vacation Club was built around your vision that heroes deserved to be honored and celebrated. Ever since Saundra announced the merger with MWR,our customer services reps have been on the phone nonstop scheduling vacations at our hotels around the world.”

Chavez had come up with an idea to support the U.S. Armed Forces members for their dedication and courage. The Beaumont Hotel Vacation Club offered two-night weekend stays at any of their hotels, including breakfast for a flat rate of forty-nine dollars. The CEO of Morale and Welfare Recreations had announced the merger at the first board meeting of the year, and the program was receiving heavy media attention. Not only were active duty and military veterans scheduling weekend getaways, but the exposure had drawn new guests to the hotel chain, curious to discover what the Beaumont Hotel had to offer.

“It was a hit, but I have to say working for this corporation has made my new job easy.”

Bianca grinned. “Well, I’m just glad to have you on my team.”

“I’m glad to be a part of this experience,” Chavez said, nodding,

“Well, since you have been doing such an excellent job, we want to come up with a new marketing plan for the coming year. In fact, our Biloxi hotel could use a new campaign to draw more visitors.” After Hurricane Katrina, many hotels along the gulf coast had been destroyed, and tourism suffered tremendously in the area. The city had cleaned up the coast in the last ten years, and new casinos and investors emerged. The Beaumont Corporation purchased a prime real estate property near Margaritaville; however, most of the hotel’s revenue was seasonal.

“I would really like for you to work with our marketing director down there and see if you can help come up with a plan to draw more guests to the area year-round.”

“Absolutely. I’ve spoken to the Keesler Air Force Base lodging office, and we have worked out a military rate to allow servicemembers to stay at the hotel while on orders. Most of the casinos don’t offer that rate.”

“Good idea. You understand much better than I do.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Chavis said and then started tossing out ideas on how to draw awareness to all the good the Beaumont Corporation was doing for the military community.

“My husband London served in the Air Force. After his father had a stroke, he ended his career and took over Clarence’s Fish & Chicken House.”

“I know the restaurant quite well.”

Bianca beamed with pride. “I think everyone does.”

“Well, whatever you want me to do, I am your man. I can give the marketing director a call.”

Bianca shook her head. “No, I have one better. In a few weeks, I want you to pack your bags and head down to the coast.”

“Fly down?”

Her brow rose. “Of course. Are you afraid of flying?”

“No, ma’am.”

She sighed in relief. “Excellent, then think of it as a spring break getaway.”

Chavez hesitated before saying, “I’ve never been fond of the south.”

“Well, if you’ve never been there, then you’re in for a surprise. That part of Mississippi has breathtaking views, and the culture and the people have a different perspective on life and leisure. Once you get there, you’ll see what I’m talking about.”

“I know the area quite well. I was stationed there once.” A far-off look in his eyes made her want to ask questions but told her that wasn’t a good idea. At least not yet. “How long should I plan to be there?”

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