June 29th
Continues to impress.
Ainsley
Today, we are presenting our final design plans, along with their corresponding budgets.
I’m surprised when I see the exterior design has been updated to include copper drainpipes and eaves.
The modern black metal window frames that have been part of the design from the beginning are still there, but the exterior is now the color of the deep green velvet chairs in the lobby I designed, and there are what look like cognac leather awnings over the first-floor windows and doors.
A big Texas star, made from the green-and-white marble that will be featured in the bathrooms, is inlaid in the concrete in front of the main entrance, giving off a welcome-rug type vibe.
I’m up next with my presentation of the lobby and reception spaces, and I manage to get through it with confidence I didn’t know I had.
We continue to go through boards for everything—from the on-site restaurants, the rooftop bar, spa, offices, and hotel back end to the laid-back luxe of the guest rooms and suites.
And it’s all really beautiful.
Uncle Tripp is here, seeing everything for the first time.
When all the boards have been presented, he stands up and claps.
“Wow. This team continues to impress me. I don’t know how you did it, but it feels like a place I’d be happy to live in every day.
Thank you. And thank you for upholding our budget.
I feel like you were all very creative in splurging on big impacts while being conservative on other design choices.
Congratulations on another job well done.
To those of you who are working with us for the first time, we hope it’s not the last. And I promise, you all will be invited to our grand opening next year. ”
The team has been looking a little frazzled during the last few days, but I think we all feel energized and happy right now.
As we’re dispersing, Jadyn asks me to stop into her office. Uncle Tripp joins us, and we all take a seat.
“You may have noticed that many of the final details for the hotel were based off your lobby design,” Jadyn says.
“I wasn’t sure if it was just a coincidence,” I tell her.
“It wasn’t. At all. Thank you for your hard work. And for leaving the family reunion with us.”
“I’m glad I did. I learned so much. I’m really grateful for my time here.”
“I think you taught us all a thing or two,” Tripp says.
“Great job, Ainsley. And since we stole you away from the resort early, that means tomorrow will be the official end of your internship. I’m heading to the Archibald Lodge on Wednesday.
If you’d like, you can fly with me there.
I know you aren’t officially supposed to start for another week, but the 4th of July weekend is one of our busiest times of the year.
You’re welcome to take a couple of days off down there and work the holiday, or you can fly back home, take a well-deserved break, and report as planned. ”
“I’d love to fly down with you. Mostly because my car is still there. And I think I’d like to do just what you suggested. A few days off but work the holiday weekend.”
“Excellent,” he says.
“And speaking of excellent,” Jadyn says. “I’m sure you’ll start interviewing for jobs later this fall. Know you will get excellent references from us.”
“Thank you so much,” I tell her.
“I’ll pick you up in front of your building around ten. Sound good?” Uncle Tripp says.
“Yeah, that’s great. I figured I’d have to rent a car and drive there. This will be so much nicer.”
I leave Jadyn’s office and immediately call Damon, wanting to tell him everything.
But he doesn’t answer.