Page 42 of Meet Me at the Grand

But there was one thing she was confused about. “I thought this property was under renovation.”

“We’re doing a section of it at a time, and all of it is complete except for the back corner. We’ve tried to minimize the disruption to guests and events so the hotel doesn’t lose as much money as it would if it was shut down completely. In fact, that’s what I’m thinking we’d do with the Grand once we begin. Renovate in stages, one wing at a time, so we can begin opening it sooner.”

Dani swallowed. Of course, they’d discussed the timeline before, but to see it lived out here, in person, was remarkable. They’d done a fabulous job of ensuring guests weren’t disturbed by the work going on somewhere upstairs.

She tapped her fingers along the extended handle of her suitcase and allowed her gaze to wander. She’d missed the bar when she first walked in and now saw it tucked away around the bank of elevators. A long leather bar top stretched along one wall, and small groupings of golden chairs held guests of the hotel—clearly guests that had a lot more money than the people that visited Jonathon Island. Or maybe Jonathon Island was just used to a certain type of tourist.

These people were businessmen and women dressed in suits and dresses and heels. She suddenly felt a little bit dowdy in her jeans, tennis shoes, and sweater. Piano music lifted from the bar, and she spotted a baby grand with a couple of circular sofas surrounding it. A man in a tuxedo played “Piano Man” for the crowd, many of whom were drinking wine, a few singing along. Another group sat in front of a crackling hearth on a leather sofa—epitomizing both opulence and coziness.

Much as she hated to admit it, Liam’s team knew what they were doing.

For Minneapolis, at least. Not for Jonathon Island.

“Okay, sonowwhat do you think?”

“It’s lovely. Exquisite, even.”

Liam smiled. “I’m glad you think so.”

“I do. But that doesn’t mean I think this type of treatment is right for the Grand. Our clientele is different.”

“Is it really, though? Aren’t the people who visit your island looking for the same thing as those who visit this hotel? Rest, rejuvenation, relaxation…”

“But look at all the business travelers.”

“You know who spends a lot of money?” Liam angled her shoulders toward the bar and pointed. “Those kinds of people. And with the conference center I proposed building on to the hotel near the ballroom, your hotel could host business travelers too.”

Huh. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“You’re thinking about what the Grand means to you, all the memories wrapped up in it, right?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. I just want to expand your horizons. To show you that sure, you can have the tourists who come to step back in time, but most tourists overall want the same thing—an unforgettable experience where they’re treated well and pampered.”

“But all of this”—she waved her hand around the room—“is still so modern. It’s opulent in a way that makes you feel like you should be wearing a fancy dress or suit just to fit in.”

“The old-timey pictures of the Grand show people pretty dressed up too.”

“That’s because there was a dress code after six p.m.” Dani smiled at the memory of Mom forcing her into her Sunday best to join Dad at the hotel for dinner. “But the style of the Grand is a lot brighter than this. Where are marble black-and-white checkered floors adorned with crimson and lime-green floral rugs, the average-height ceilings that make you feel tucked in and safe? The white pillars throughout the lower level, the gorgeous wainscoting and custom crown molding? You can’t see those details when the ceiling is so high. And it’s hard to feel welcome in a place that overwhelms you.”

“Even if it’s overwhelming you with awe?”

“Even then.”

Liam pursed his lips together and studied her. “I’m trying to understand here, okay? But you promised me you’d open your mind too.”

“You’re right. I’m not trying to complain.” She pivoted, now facing the reception desk again. “It really is a beautiful hotel, Liam. And you’ve done a great job here.”

“Wow. Two compliments in the span of a few minutes. Now was that so hard?” He elbowed her playfully and smiled at her with those boyish dimples, tucking his hand into the pocket of his slim-cut gray suit.

He looked at her expectantly, as if waiting for a reply. But much as Dani wanted to joke right back with him, she still didn’t know how much she could really trust Mr. Handsome. Being in his world only served to show her how muchthiswasn’t her.

But it was Liam.

It was no wonder he’d drawn the plans he had. Ofcoursehe had.

“Dani? What’s wrong?” Gone was the teasing, and in its place was concern. Real and true and genuine.

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