Chapter 49
Grant was over the moon. Mack had now officially agreed to recommend The Palms for eco-certification and pursue a partnership. Her boss shook Erin’s hand amidst promises of raises and bonuses and a host of other perks to thank her for her hard work.
All of it seemed hollow, though. The head honchos had gotten what they wanted – their bottom line fulfilled – but none of them, including the general manager, had even deigned to speak to Mack about what it all meant.
Grant had left it all up to Erin, even going so far as to dangle losing her job before her eyes while she tried to get to grips with everything, as well as an apparent saboteur in the mix.
The luxury resort business was cut-throat in general, of course, with everyone vying for the patronage of guests, but still she felt a little used now.
By the hotel and Mack too, in a way.
Still, thanks to Eugenie Cooke’s warning, at least Erin had known better than anyone what was at stake and exactly how crucial it had been for The Palms to win Discover Earth’s seal of approval.
Competition in St Lucia was high, with every resort offering basically the same product: sun, sea, and sand, so older establishments like The Palms needed that extra something to make them a cut above the rest. And, most importantly, Mack’s forthcoming client patronage would ensure the business stayed strong and able to stave off unwanted investor advances.
Erin was glad of that, but where did it all leave her?
‘Everything in place for tomorrow night?’ Grant enquired now, snapping her from her silent considerations.
He wasn’t looking at Erin, but intently skimming through the contents of a file. She could see the light from the open window reflecting off his forehead.
‘Yes, Lily’s already pretty much got it all under control,’ she assured him.
‘Entertainment kicks off at sunset, though the barbecue will officially start at six. Food will be available till the dancing starts, then fireworks at eight and we let the bonfire die down before midnight,’ she divulged and her boss nodded his appreciation, though his gaze only left the file for a second to acknowledge her.
He was a tiny man with such a big job, one that Erin couldn’t help but think consumed him more than hers did.
Was he a good example of what she would become?
She shuddered at the thought.
‘Wonderful,’ Grant mumbled distractedly over the top of another file.
‘Forgive me,’ he added. ‘Mr MacKenzie requested going over the financials and confirming due diligence before Discover Earth officially rubber stamps our partnership.’ He smiled then, easing some of the wrinkles that had formed in his brow.
‘All work and no play, Grant. I hope you’ll come along and join in the fun tomorrow night? And don’t worry, it didn’t cost nearly as much as you think,’ Erin assured, and he laughed.
‘I don’t always care about the dollars and cents, you know,’ he countered, though she could still see the lines that divided his forehead into dunes.
Grant may not, but Head Office surely did.
‘No, but I’m sure you care as much as I do about keeping this place alive,’ she said, smiling.
She looked at him squarely, and his gaze finally met hers.
‘This is my priority now too, Grant. The Palms is part of my future and I want the best for it. So rest assured that I’ll do my utmost to help in whatever way I can. ’
His face was still as he considered her, then the tension in his shoulders visibly eased. ‘Thank you, Erin, but I never really doubted your dedication.’ He closed the file before him, then paused. ‘And I’m very sorry that I had to …’
‘Threaten my job?’ she completed his sentence, eyebrow raising in amusement at his discomfort.
‘I would prefer to call it … motivation, but yes, I suppose I did. I was under a lot of pressure to secure this recommendation, you know,’ he confessed.
‘I’m not young like you, Erin. Finding another position like this won’t be as easy for me if they suddenly decide that I’m surplus to requirements. The job is my life.’
His words echoed in her mind and shocked a little too. Because they were her own too. She’d uttered them to Mack that time while attempting to explain her first and disastrously bumbling attempt to convert him.
Now Erin’s stomach rolled a little at the words and how they sounded.
This job is my life.
Was that really the life she wanted?