Chapter 4 Drew
DREW
My office land line lit up with a call. I could count on one hand the number of people who still used it over my cell, the most important one being my father. Like me, he hadn’t embraced technology and preferred to call me on the phone number that was still burned in his brain.
“Andrew Ashford,” I answered.
“Hey, son, how are you?”
I calibrated my answer. After my dad’s recent health scare I tried to filter what I told him. He didn’t need extra stress in his life.
“Doing okay,” I replied, easing back into my chair. “Feeling positive about what’s on the horizon.”
“And what’s that?”
So much for me trying to be vague and keep him out of the day-to-day.
But then again, he was totally plugged into the recent drama at the resort and understandably wanted to know if I had a vision for turning things around.
We were weathering a unique PR challenge that had taken some of the shine off the brand, which had all of the Ashfords concerned, especially the patriarch.
“We’ve got a heavy hitter couple considering booking with us.
The groom has a reality TV show and the bride is on that streaming show everyone’s talking about, End in Fire?
” I didn’t mention that Kristen and I had dated once.
It didn’t seem relevant and, besides, our history was ancient and Dad had never met her anyway.
“If they sign with us, the exposure would be incredible. They’re here now doing a tour with Ginny. ”
“A reality show? And would they feature the wedding?”
“As I understand it, that’s the current plan,” I confirmed.
“And that means the production would have to pay a hefty location fee in addition to the usual costs,” he added.
“Of course, but as we both know, it’s more than just the financial gain, it’s the optics. The coverage from these two would be multi-platform and nonstop.”
“Okay, but is the extra headache worth it?”
It was just like him to cut through to the heart of the matter. I was also concerned that the profile-boosting event could also come at a cost. If everything went right, the whole world would see it and be impressed. But if something went wrong…
Well, I’d just have to make sure that nothing went wrong.
“Sure, we’d have to deal with some hiccups, like navigating a camera crew, but I think it’s worth it.”
“Are they going to make crazy demands?”
I considered it before answering. “I’m familiar with the woman and I don’t think so. I’m assuming her fiancé won’t be a problem.”
It wasn’t entirely true. No one went on reality TV to avoid the spotlight. I wasn’t sure how Kristen had ended up with someone like him. I would like to think my ex had better taste than that, but then again, I only saw what the camera wanted us to see with her fiancé.
“Good. I trust you to make the right decision. You know how much Carmel meant to your mother, and me.”
As if I could forget. My parents had taken what was a standard-issue hotel and turned it into a five-star resort, which changed the tide for the rest of the properties in their portfolio.
The Carmel Luxe had leveled up what a Ashford property could be, and it was my great honor to continue their work.
“Listen, the reason I called is because I’m hosting a lunch for you and your brothers at the house on Sunday. You’ll be there, yes?”
Also very typical of my father; issuing an invitation assuming attendance was a given. But after his cancer scare, this kind of summoning could mean something very bleak.
“Hold on, are you okay?” I asked quickly.
He chuckled. “I guess I’ll have to spend the rest of my life giving a preamble before every invitation. Yes, Drew, I’m fine. Healthy as a horse.”
“Okay,” I replied, still dubious. “But I wasn’t planning on heading back to LA until Harrison’s gender reveal party in two weeks. Can’t we talk then?”
“There’s no time to talk at a party. Just show up, okay? I promise you I’m fine. More than fine. I’ll leave it at that for now.”
“Okay then,” I replied.
His reassurances didn’t make me feel any better.
“I need to run, I have another call scheduled,” he said. “Love you.”
It was still a shock to hear him say it after a lifetime of stilted, formal goodbyes. But then again, the health scare had finally pushed my dad to work through unresolved issues, like trying to heal the fractures in our family before it was too late.
“Love you too. See you Sunday.”
We hung up and I forced myself not to spiral about what was going on.
I had too much to do. First up? Making nice with Kristen and her meathead fiancé, a final push to get them to sign on.
I just hoped that the guy didn’t take the opening to pitch me on some nutritional drink or exercise program. Personal trainers were the worst.
I still had no idea what she saw in Carter that made him marriage material, but what mattered now was making sure they had their wedding here.
I strode through the lobby, greeting our regulars with a quick nod. I was nearly to the meeting room when I was stopped by a sight I’d never imagined was possible.
It was Mrs. Barclay, making her way towards the door with three perfectly mannered dogs beside her. There was no chaos, no barking, just four beings in perfect, silent harmony.
Damn. Emilia had been right.
Not that I’d ever admit it to her, if our paths happened to cross again.
I paused outside the meeting room door to rearrange my face into a welcoming expression and strode in.
A young woman with a tablet and earpiece jumped out in front of me to block me. “Hiii,” she grinned at me. “Were we expecting you? I thought everyone scheduled for the meeting was already here.”
I fought to maintain my smile. “I’m just dropping in. I’m the CEO of Ashford Resorts—I wanted to personally welcome Kristen and Carter and make sure they had everything they needed.” And I wasn’t leaving until they agreed to have their wedding here, but I left that part out.
“Great, that’s great,” she said. “But before you go any further I need to make you aware of the cameras in use. In order to interface with anyone in this room you first need to sign a release form that gives us the right to use your likeness on the show. If you refuse to consent you’ll have to wait outside until they’re done. ”
I couldn’t hold on to my smile anymore. “Did you not hear what I said before? This is my hotel.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome,” she agreed. “Sign here, please.” She held the tablet out to me. Damn, they’d picked the right person for the job, because she wasn’t backing down. “It’s not a guarantee that you’ll be on the show,” she explained. “It’s just a protective measure. I’m sure you understand.”
I had to give her points for standing her ground, and I wasn’t about to make waves at such an important moment. I could fight back over who was actually in charge here once they’d signed the contract to have their wedding with us.
“Fine,” I said. “I just need a moment to read through it.”
I scanned the document quickly, then signed. The rest of the group were out on the patio beyond, admiring the view.
“Thank you so much,” the young woman grinned at me again. “Have a good show.”
I frowned as I walked towards the French doors. There was no way I wanted facetime on their ridiculous program, but I’d do whatever I had to to ensure our resort would be a part of their big day.
I waited in the doorway, watching the two cameras capture whatever another woman—probably the wedding planner—was describing.
The bride and groom moved with her as she panned from the grounds in the distance to the patio.
Even though I could only see her back, there was something about the woman in pale pink, a familiarity.
When she turned, I had to stifle a gasp.
Damn it. I’d been so busy appreciating her ass that I didn’t even bother to consider that it was one hundred percent off limits.
Emilia Marino. Again.
I felt her eyes land on me for a beat longer than necessary.
“Andrew!” Kristen yelped when she spotted me. “Ohmygod, hi!”
I ground my teeth as both cameras swung to me.
Kristen jogged over to where I was standing in the shadows and the guy with the mic on a stick followed behind her.
She looked more polished than when we’d been together, but still adorable with the blonde pixie cut that only she could pull off.
Fame had changed her look, but hopefully not her sweet personality.
“I was hoping we’d run into you,” she beamed at me. It felt like she was holding back from hugging me. “What’s new?”
“Oh, not much,” I lied smoothly. I tried to ignore the mic that was now hovering over my head. “I’m thrilled that you’re considering the Ashford for your wedding. What do you think so far?”
She was joined by the handsome, muscled-up guy in a tight button down who had to be her fiancé.
He immediately slid a possessive arm around her shoulder and studied me with a wary expression while the cameras captured every second of it all.
Emilia hovered in the background, glaring at me while chatting with Ginny, our marketing manager who’d stepped up to pinch hit making the sales pitch.
He thrust out his hand. “Hey, bro, I’m Carter LeMonde. Do you work here?”
Kristen giggled. “You could say that. This is Andrew Ashford.”
A beat while Carter’s brow scrunched up, then the slow burn realization. “Oh, okay. Got it.” He waved his finger in the air. “Nice place.”
I forced myself to be humble. I needed these two. “Why, thank you. We’re very proud of it. I’m hoping that you can envision your big day happening here.”
Carter pursed his lips. “It’s definitely got potential, but we’ve got two other strong contenders we’re checking out.”
I flicked my eyes at the camera. I wasn’t about to ask which resorts because I didn’t want to give them any airtime. The only choice for them had to be the one they were currently standing in.