Chapter 35
HANNAH
Henry texts Anthony a report of the boys going live on their social media to help promote and garner tickets faster. They go live in a couple of hours, and to be prepared, the site may have some difficulties staying up. Nobody can resist their charms, even Noah.
Go figure.
Some buzz has reached neighboring towns, courtesy of Elise and Ella, without the help of ads yet. I already told Anthony and Jill I’ll add new content to their site tonight and run two major ads for an extra boost, hoping it’ll start a domino effect for ticket sales.
Dennis gives me a look, probably not a fan of the idea, as we’re using some of the budget to run such lengthy ads, but I know in the long run it’s going to pay off.
As long as I get Noah off his ass, find a miracle to cure him from his twisties, which, apparently, involves me relaxing, he’ll be able to focus.
I internally roll my eyes at his logical thinking.
Flashes of his hands along my breasts, plump lips kissing my collarbones, his thumb in my mouth, asking me to suck, make me adjust in my seat, getting a weird look from Maya.
“You good?” she whispers.
I nod with a forced smile and continue to take notes.
Knock it off, brain.
Jill opens a PowerPoint and goes through each slide of confirmed vendors. Stanley’s Famous Hot Dogs, Fried Dough Mania, and Little Delights will attend with their food trucks. Anthony suggests we move the hot chocolate stand outside, along with a vendor who handles Coke products.
We reach the end of the slideshow with a picture of Snowy Peak’s giant Christmas tree in the center of the resort. “This weekend, we are lighting our new Christmas tree. It’s open to the public, and an ad is already running for it. Hannah, I would love for you to take some photos for the ceremony?”
I smile. “Of course!”
We’re about to wrap up when an idea comes to mind. I raise my hand. “I think for the kids, we should have a make-your-own mini snowboard station. Some can get restless, and I think having side activities available will be a great benefit.”
Dennis eyes me through his thick lenses. “I think that would be pushing the budget.”
My cheeks stain red.
“I think that's a great idea, Hannah,” responds Jill, ignoring his remark.
“I’m just pointing out it’s a bold risk to toss more funds out for something so irrelevant. If it doesn’t succeed, at least you’ll have some extra funds to fall back on.” I can’t tell if his comment is directed toward me or Anthony and Jill.
“It’s not irrelevant if it applies to all guests. It’s a family resort, in case you forgot.” Anthony crosses his arms, a dark eyebrow raising to challenge his rebuttal.
Tension rises, and Jill has to redirect the conversation. “We’re not here to argue, we’re here to try everything, we’ve got to save this place.”
Maya and I are excused for the rest of the meeting; most likely, they’re discussing a more private matter.
“I hate him,” Maya mutters.
“Your parents’ uptight accountant?” I ask.
She snorts. “Dennis thinks that cutting corners is risky. Yet, if we can’t make this work, there’s no point in arguing over a budget that will cease to exist in the new season.”
Swinging my arm out, Maya halts in her tracks. “What?”
“Maya Juliette Gomez, we will save your family’s resort. Okay?”
“I’m just preparing for the downfall, that’s all.” She unlocks her white Jeep Wrangler and puts the heat on full blast.
I buckle my seatbelt, watching from the passenger side as she fiddles with her aux cord. I can’t let her succumb to negative thoughts. We have to hold out hope. “We’ll save it.”
She gives me a quick look. “I hope so, Hannah, I really do.”