Chapter Forty
Liam
It’s Calypso’s first time seeing the studio completely done since the crew started work a few months ago.
I have to admit, it looks fucking incredible. I’m beyond proud of my team and myself.
The bones of the building were in great condition, so other than the few layout changes Pippa wanted, it looks similar to what the town will remember.
The murals in the concession areas are still there, freshly touched up by some local artists who added a few new pieces to the lobby and the stage face.
The kitchen is completely renovated and bigger, allowing for more options.
Pippa wanted to start offering fresher choices, but didn’t have the space or equipment; that won’t be a problem anymore.
In the concession area, the repainted metal picnic tables are more inviting than they had been a few months ago.
The offices all have new electrical and tile, the bathrooms are updated, and the practice studios have new wood floors.
A lot of the textiles and décor are all Pippa’s choosing, whether it was thrifted or donated. I can only take credit for some of the improvements, but we made a great team. The lady of the hour herself agrees, and has been singing my praises all evening.
More than anything, I am extremely thankful to Pippa for taking a chance on me.
Of course I can’t forget about Calypso’s role in all of this, but the dance studio was a much larger project than I had ever hoped to pull in this year.
It gave me the opportunity to prove myself to the town, and to my crew. I hope I did.
Calypso and I are waiting in the lobby after the recital.
Vivi, Grady, and his ex-wife Arielle are in the back with their oldest daughter, Stella.
It was the ten-year-old’s first winter recital, and she played a snowflake and flower.
The rest of the group is spread out, and everyone is excited to see the new studio.
Pippa is more than happy to show off the space to everyone, but I was able to give Calypso a tour earlier in the evening.
She wants to see Stella before we leave since the young girl took up ballet to be just like her.
Calypso has admitted that Stella is already more committed to it than she ever was, though.
Two women walk toward us, hand-in-hand.
The taller woman with jet black hair speaks first. “Hi, we’re so sorry to interrupt—are you Liam? Pippa pointed us in this direction.”
Nodding, I hold a hand out. “I’m Liam, the owner of Maddon Construction and Hardware. And this is Calypso.”
They haven’t acknowledged her, so I assume they are not long-time locals.
She smiles in relief. “I’m Brielle, and this is my wife Emilia.”
I share the same gesture with Emilia, who is a few inches shorter and has a dark, warm complexion that matches her hair.
“How can I help you two?” They said Pippa sent them in my direction, so hopefully that means one thing…
“Well,” Brielle slowly starts, “we want to purchase a building in town, but it needs a lot of work. We only have until Monday morning to make a decision before it officially goes on the market. It’s bad timing, I know—but could we run some numbers by you before we make any decisions?”
“Sure,” I say, growing more interested by the second. “We have to wait for Calypso’s family, but if you don’t mind, we can talk at my offices afterward.”
“That’s fine,” Emilia insists. “We appreciate your time.”
Calypso squeezes my forearm and leans toward my ear. “I’m going to run to the restroom, but don’t feel pressured to stay. I can have someone take me home.”
I shake my head. “I’m staying here.”
She excuses herself, and I turn back to the couple. “What do you know about the building?”
Emilia pulls out her phone. “We have some pictures. It’s been abandoned for over a decade, so we just need to know if we’re going to lose money on this building; it’s expected to sell fast.”
“We were lucky to receive an offer to sell first,” Brielle explains. “We moved to Amada Beach about five years ago, and we own a few commercial rentals. We offer affordable, controlled rent to help small businesses. This would be completely new, though.”
“What is it? Another mixed-use property?” I ask and take Brielle’s phone. On the screen is the old hotel that closed down about fifteen years ago. I only know that because it shut its doors during one of my summer trips.
There are thousands of hotels in San Diego, but none within Amada Beach’s limits. The two options in Aurora Hills are much more luxurious than most people can afford, and they aren’t as family-friendly. Not only that, but Amada Beach’s hotel is a beachfront property.
The inaccessibility to a hotel is partly why rentals fill up so quickly—something I had to learn the hard way.
Now I’m excited for a few reasons. “Wait, do you want to reopen the hotel?”
Both women nod emphatically.
“We think it would be great for the town,” Emilia says.
Brielle adds, “Hundreds of jobs, more space for tourists, and it’s a part of Amada Beach history.”
I shake my head, not in disagreement but in awe. “You’re right. I’d love to be a part of this, especially if you’re open to going greener.”
Emilia nods. “We’ve heard how much you’ve done for Pippa and the studio in that regard. Brielle and I wanted to see it with our own eyes first, but we had to track you down immediately.”
This feels like a fever dream—so much bigger than anything I had envisioned for Maddon Construction in the next five years.
The hotel is ten stories with a variety of amenities. A gym, restaurant, pool, ballrooms, and more. This project would keep Maddon Construction busy for the next two years, at least.
For the next few minutes, Emilia and Brielle excitedly tell me about the property and their growing plans for it. We’ll have to go over this again when we sit down to talk potential numbers, and again once the sale goes through, but my anticipation is growing along with theirs.
Ten minutes pass before I realize Calypso still isn’t back from the bathroom. Subtly, I look around the large space. The crowd is dwindling, and I see some of our family and friends nearby… But no Calypso.
When Emilia’s explanation comes to a pause, I cut in. “Hey, I’m sorry—I need to find Calypso, but we can meet at Bella Donna’s if you’re hungry. It’s on me, and we can discuss options.”
“Sure,” Brielle agrees easily. “Calypso’s welcome to come, if she wants. Since this is an informal meeting and all.”
I nod. “I’ll ask her.”
They turn out the doors, heading back to their car.
My stomach is souring the closer I walk to the bathroom hallway.
Telling myself it’s probably nothing, I come to a quick halt as soon as I see Calypso and Stefan staring speechlessly at each other.
Except she’s cradling her cheek and blinking back tears.
“What the fuck?” I growl, charging toward Stefan.