Page 37 of Meet Me at the Grand

Leaning against the table facing Liam, Seb unbuttoned his shirt sleeve and rolled it up to his elbow. First one, then the other. “Son, the thing you need to know about Dani is that she lives and breathes this island. This whole thing was her idea.”

“I knew that. She’s clearly passionate about the rebuild, about this town. I didn’t understand at first how much was riding on this, but once I did, I slaved away at the plans. I tweaked and restarted. I even got advice from a few colleagues of mine, which I never do. But I wanted it to be perfect.”

For her. And not just because she was a client.

Because she was…Dani.

The realization hit.

Oh man, he liked her. How had he letthathappen?

Liam loosened his tie. “Anyway, I really thought I’d nailed it. Clearly, I was wrong.”

Seb considered him before nodding at the now-blank projector screen. “I actually think you did a bang-up job. I love the facelift you gave the hotel, including the addition of the villas and the more modern lobby. But that hotel doesn’t mean as much to me personally, and Dani’s got a whole host of memories tied up in that place, in growing up there. If Dani’s motivations are what I suspect—to get her siblings all back here—the way to do that isn’t to change the offering. It’s to remind them of what they’ve given up.”

“That makes sense. But given your understanding of today’s tourists and their expectations, do you really think that building an exact replica of the past would be as successful as what I’ve designed? Because as much as I want to please Dani and the entire council, they aren’t my only concern.”

“I know. Your father has staked a lot on this project. I respect that you want to create plans that are going to speak well of your company.”

“I’m glad you understand. I wish Dani did too.”

“Maybe you can get her to come around. And I think with a few tweaks, Tara and Patrick could probably be persuaded to approve your plans. Janine is likely a lost cause.”

“I figured that too.” Liam paused. “So you agree that for the most part, my plans would be successful here?”

Seb stroked his fingers along his smooth chin. “As popular as the Grand was in its heyday, there were always travelers looking for the latest amenities. I mean, the rooms didn’t even have a television, and some guests loved that. Others didn’t. Some wanted a spa to relax in. Room service. A private porch they didn’t have to share with their neighbors.”

“So…” What was Seb getting at?

“So, do I think sticking with the old will have as much success or even fetch the kind of price that a more modern version would—especially if Daniel Sullivan decides he doesn’t want to buy it back after all? And that’s always a risk, knowing that man and his hot-headed temper.” Seb paused. “No, I don’t.”

“I don’t either.” And that would mean Liam’s dad would be out a significant amount of money when it came time to sell the property.

It was quite possible that going the way that Dani might want things to go would result in a huge risk. And for what? He loved history as much as the next person, but preserving it didn’t always pay the bills.

“What can I do? Dani pretty much told me things were over.”

Which should be fine if only there wasn’t that internal tug, that desire that had only grown through Liam’s little bit of time with her. The desire to help her. And according to Dad, Stone Development was Jonathon Island’s only hope for getting this project accomplished.

“Guess you’ve got to convince her otherwise.” Seb stood again, snatching his cell phone and stuffing it into the clip on his belt. “You always were a charmer, Liam, even as a little tyke. Find a way to show her that modern doesn’t have to be the enemy.”

After gathering the last coffee carafe, Seb walked out of the conference room, leaving Liam in the silence that buzzed with the white noise of the heater whirring in the background. How was he supposed to show Dani something modern while they were in this town that oozed history and everything she was familiar with?

An idea came to him, so sudden he almost wondered if it was divinely inspired. But was it too big a risk? Maybe it was better to just walk away.

Then again, he’d never know if he didn’t just try.

Pulling his cell phone from inside his jacket, Liam dialed the Los Angeles office.

“Stone Development, this is Marianne speaking. How may I direct your call?”

“Mare, it’s me.”

“Well, hi, shoogs. How ya doin’?” The sounds of keyboard typing filled the phone receiver. “We haven’t heard hide nor hair of you in a few days.”

“I’m okay. Having a little bit of difficulty convincing this client to go the more modern route.” He paused. “Is Douglas Kutcher still giving Dad grief in Minneapolis?”

“Yes, in fact. He just called again this morning, but your dad’s been in meetings all day. Why?” she asked. “Surely you aren’t calling to get the scoop on that when you’re knee deep in problems yourself.”

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