42. Theo
42
THEO
Sitting at my desk, I stare at the numbers on the screen in front of me. The resort's financials are solid, even though I had to scale back some of the original plans. Revenue is up, bookings are steady, and guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
I read a couple of the most recent Google reviews.
“Fun place with kids. We went bowling every afternoon, and the kids never got tired of it!”
“I have a love/hate relationship with the casino on-site. Definitely had fun!”
“Great place for people of all ages. No need to drive places to relax. Everything is right here.”
I smile at the reviews, proud that I’ve created exactly the atmosphere I was aiming for. All the hard work, the late nights, and the stress have paid off.
Still, I can’t just sit back now. I’ve never been the type of person who can just rest on success and assume I’ve reached it. I’m always striving for something else. And right now, it’s time to think about the next step, the next investment. There’s always another challenge to take on, another opportunity to seize. I’ve been eyeing a few properties in the area, places that have the potential to be just as successful as the resort. But this time, I want Mia to be part of the decision-making process. Maybe that’s just an excuse to spend more time with her, but I don’t care.
I find Mia in the kitchen of her bed and breakfast, chatting with one of the staff. She looks up as I walk in, her face lighting up with a smile that never fails to make my heart skip a beat.
She finishes her conversation with the staff member quickly, then comes over and gives me a quick kiss. "Hey, Theo, how’s everything going?"
"Great," I reply, feeling a rush of warmth at her touch. "I was just going over the numbers for the resort. I’m doing really well, even with the changes I made. But now it's time to think about the next project."
Mia’s eyes sparkle with interest. "What do you have in mind?"
"I’ve been looking at a few properties. I thought we could check them out together. I’d love to get your input if you’re not doing anything else today." I pull out my phone and show her a couple of properties.
She nods eagerly. "I'd love that. When do you want to go?"
"How about in a couple of hours? I need to finish up something at the resort, then I’ll be ready.”
Mia squeezes my arm. “Sure. I’m going to prep the welcome packets for my guests coming in this afternoon, then I’ll be ready.”
A few hours later, we’re driving along the coast, heading to the first property on my list. It’s a charming old inn with a lot of character, but it needs some serious renovations. As we walk through the empty halls, Megan points out details she likes.
“Look at that lighting fixture! It’s so unique.”
“It should be hanging over the front desk, not in the middle of a hall that half the guests won’t see.”
“I agree. It needs to be a centerpiece so it can get the attention it deserves.”
“Mmm, you’re my centerpiece,” I tell her. I can’t believe cheesy things like this are even coming out of my mouth, but Mia manages to bring out the cheesiness in me.
“What do you think of the property as a whole?”
“It looks like it needs a lot of work. Would it be worth it when you won’t be able to charge nearly the price for those rooms as you would for your resort?”
“I’m not sure. I’d have to run the numbers now that I have a list of repairs that would need to be done. It’s good to offer low-budget options too, though. That way, I’m reaching all sorts of crowds.”
Next, we visit a beachfront property that’s currently just an open lot. It offers a blank canvas with endless possibilities, but it also comes with the challenge of starting from scratch. I’ve just done that, so I’m not afraid of doing it again, but I need to make sure I can invest the funds in that big of a project.
Mia and I discuss different ideas, from a boutique hotel to luxury vacation rentals. She has a knack for envisioning how spaces can be transformed, and I’m grateful for her creativity and insight.
As we drive to the final property, a beautiful estate nestled in some greenery with almost a mile drive to the beach, Mia turns to me with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Theo, while we’re looking at properties for the next project, maybe we should also consider finding a place for us to live together."
Her words catch me by surprise but in the best way possible. The idea of finding a place where we can build a life together fills me with excitement. "You really think so?" I ask, glancing over at her.
“We haven’t talked about it…but I could rent out the room I’ve been staying in, especially during the summer. And if I don’t have to be there at four in the morning to cook breakfast, then a commute of a couple of miles to greet my guests isn’t so bad.”
“I like the idea of living together instead of me trying to sneak over so your guests don’t see.”
We both laugh.
“I know you have extra rooms at your hotel, but that doesn’t feel permanent. It just feels like a place to sleep.”
“You’ve never even seen my place.”
“You have a place ?” Mia covers her mouth and laughs at her own astonishment. “I mean, of course you do. I knew you didn’t just live at the resort. It just seems like you’re over there a lot.”
“I’ve been staying there a lot because it’s been in the final stages, and…I like having you so nearby. But yes, I have a place.”
“Let’s go see it.”
I shake my head. “No, that’s not going to happen. It’s a one-room apartment, condo thing that’s not up to the standards of where I would want you living.”
“What? Theo the billionaire lives in a one-room condo?”
Theo laughs. “Just because I have money doesn’t mean I spend it on myself.”
“Well, maybe we should change that. Besides, we’re already spending so much time together, and it just feels right to move in. But I might want a little more space than one bedroom."
I reach over and take her hand, squeezing it gently. "I love that idea, Mia. Let’s keep an eye out for something that could be our home. A smaller property but big enough that we can have friends stay with us if we want."
We arrive at the estate and take our time exploring the grounds. The property is expansive, with beautiful gardens, a spacious main house, and several outbuildings that could be converted into guest accommodations. It’s a bit more than what I initially had in mind, but as we walk through the sun-dappled gardens, I can see the potential for both a new business venture and a home for us.
"This place is amazing. It’s got so much potential. And the views are incredible. It’s like we’ve gotten just far enough away from the beach to make it feel like we’re staying in a jungle."
"I agree. It’s definitely worth considering. What do you think about living here?"
She laughs, a bright, joyful sound that makes me smile. "It would be like living in a dream. But it’s a big property. Do you think we could handle it? I mean, I don’t know about cutting the grass for a property this big."
"We’ve handled everything else so far, and we’d have help. We could make this work together. Besides, I won’t be making you cut the grass. I’ll take care of all that.”
“Oh yeah? What would you be making me do?”
Theo bites his bottom lip. “Oh, I could think of a few things you could do in the bedroom.”
Mia peers through the windows on the ground floor. “Sorry. It’s locked up tight. No bedroom action today.”
“What about if I take you back to my place?”
“Ooh, I’ll promise you anything to see how Theo the Billionaire lives.”
So, even though I feel nervous, I take Mia to the tiny one-bedroom I live in when I’m not working on a property.
As I push open the front door, I realize I didn’t exactly clean up from the last time I was here. A cereal bowl sits in the sink, and there are two empty beer cans on the counter. Some articles of clothing decorate the couch. Luckily, they are my articles of clothing.
Mia raises an eyebrow at me as I throw the beer cans in the trash can and smile sheepishly. “It’s not too bad for someone who lives alone.”
“Do you need me to show you my room? It’s spotless.”
“You’re a girl.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that it’s easier for you to keep things clean.”
“What? When girls are born, they have a broom in their hands or something?”
I start laughing at the offense Mia is taking to my comment, and I wrap my arms around her. “What about if you close your eyes and forget you ever saw anything?”
“I don’t know if that’s possible now.”
I kiss Mia’s neck gently, my lips working away at her skin. I feel Mia melting into my arms. “Are you sure that’s not possible?”
Mia’s eyes start fluttering closed. “I might be able to for you.”
I kiss her cheek loudly. “I love you, Mia.”
“I love you too, Theo. Now, let’s go see your bedroom.”