Chapter 11 #2
“What I want to say first to you is a huge thank you. Wagner Enterprises is known for being detail-oriented, thinking out every step when a new property is being built. I’m afraid our focus was directed on The Island and the building of the resort itself.
Transportation slipped through the cracks.
I’m ashamed to admit that. This is all on me. ”
“You’re overseeing so many projects,” she protested. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“No. It’s my job to think of everything. To think outside the box. Hell, I’m familiar with the Bay. I should’ve thought more about how we were getting guests to Tidewater. Every point you made was valid, Kylie. You’ve noted deficiencies that Wagner Enterprises needs to address immediately.”
Zane paused, his gaze holding hers. “And I’m not too proud to admit that I need help. Big help. Your help. Can you walk me through what you think we should do first?”
She leaned over and tapped her computer. A new slide appeared, listing recommendations.
“This slide and the next prioritizes what should be done. You need to kick things into high gear, Zane, and even then? I’m not sure everything will be completed by the resort’s opening.”
“I’m impressed by the work you’ve done. You’re thorough. Your presentation was comprehensive. Your research impeccable. If I thought I could convince you to leave the Bay, I’d offer you a position right now at Wagner Enterprises.”
Her cheeks stung, and she knew they flooded with color. “That’s a huge compliment. One I don’t take lightly.”
“I know you’re wedded to the Bay, though,” he continued.
She looked at him a long moment and then said, “If you’d like, I’ll work with you on this the rest of today since I’m free. I know we both want success as the outcome because it benefits both Wagner Enterprises and Mayfield Charters.”
“Then let’s tackle your list together.”
Over the next several hours, they checked off item after item on her list. Kylie called Price McMahon, the Mayfield attorney, and he showed up with copies of the agreement since Zane said no alterations were needed.
Those were signed and copies forwarded to the New York office.
They also spoke to someone at city hall about construction near the pier.
The land was public property, but the improvements Zane offered at no cost to the city had the mayor happily agreeing to the space becoming more comfortable for those waiting on the ferry to arrive after he held a quick Zoom call with council members to approve the zoning proposal.
Price left to file for the permits, and Zane had Sullivan and Craig Small, Tidewater’s construction manager, join them.
Together, the two men left to measure the dimensions of the parcel and returned, quickly drawing up a plan for the ferry waiting area’s improvements.
It would be barebones for now, but Craig believed they could cover the shelter and have indoor waiting, complete with restrooms and vending machines by Tidewater’s grand opening.
“I’ll start calling select members of my crew back to get this project up and running,” Craig said.
“We’ll break ground tomorrow morning, Mr. Wagner.
We’ll start with a concrete floor and folding chairs and eventually put in better flooring, maybe a luxury vinyl.
We can pretty up the walls with some art posters.
Even scenes of the Texas Coast. Bring in sturdier furniture.
My crew is good. We’ll have everything taken care of by Tidewater’s opening. ”
Sullivan added, “I can be onsite and help out for the next few days, as well, but I’m committed to going to Tidewater with the test group this weekend.”
While this had been going on, Kylie had contacted one of the shipyards, and Zane secured a year’s lease to rent one ferry, with the option to buy it at the end of six months. The ferry was only two years old, and Kylie assured Zane it would meet the needs they had discussed.
“You can always refurbish it once you buy it outright,” she told him.
“Kaitlyn Banner, who serves as one of our top interior designers on US properties, should have a hand in that. I’ll make a note to give her a call and get her input.”
They spoke to the yard in Louisiana, and Zane commissioned the building of a brand-new ferry. A surprising turn took place when the manager told him that a ferry was already three-quarters completed, but the purchaser had gone into bankruptcy.
“We had to stop work on it ten days ago, Mr. Wagner. The thing is, it meets the specifications of what you want us to build for you. I was thinking—”
“Start work immediately on it again,” Zane told the shipyard manager. “Forward the contracts to me now. I want this ferry delivered to Driftwood Bay and up and running ASAP.”
By now, the others had left, leaving him and Kylie alone. Zane raked his hands through his hair.
“Boy, what a day.”
She sat back, observing him a moment. “I’m surprised you weren’t more prepared. I did a lot of research into you. This isn’t the Zane Wagner I came to know, at least on paper. What I do appreciate is how well you responded to a crisis. You definitely have things on the right track now.”
“Thanks to you. None of this would have been possible.” He shook his head.
“I suppose it’s because I can’t think of a single Wagner property where people need to be tendered to it.
I’ll admit all our focus was on Tidewater itself.
We had people come in and clear the island of brush.
Hired the best-known golfer in the world to design the golf course.
Every thought—and dime—was poured into Tidewater itself and its surrounding amenities. ”
Zane sighed. “I’ve never dropped the ball so badly, Kylie. I’m embarrassed that you’ve seen me at my absolute worst. It’s all on me.”
“You’ve done the smart thing,” she said. “Even though I don’t work for Wagner Enterprises, I was in the know—and you took my word on everything and acted accordingly. I thought you would balk more, especially regarding the contract between Mayfield Charters and your company.”
He grinned. “I was told to go easy on you.
Gran and Gramps both made separate points of telling me to be generous in these transactions.
They said the Mayfields are respected in the community, and they told me I should be more than fair in my dealings with you.
That it reflected not only on both our companies, and I should do the right thing for the residents of Driftwood Bay.
“I was happy to do so. The Bay holds a special place in my heart, and I want Tidewater to help bring more visitors to the town. While we are an inclusive resort, there will be more than a few guests who want to come over and taste the local cuisine. Shop for items unique to this area. Hopefully, Tidewater will generate more business for the merchants in the Bay, including Mayfield Charters. Since we don’t offer diving or deep sea fishing expeditions, your family should profit from that.
The type of clients who frequent places such as Tidewater have the income to book the kind of charters you offer.
Why, you might even have to buy another boat. ”
“Dad would be thrilled if that happened,” she confided. “And I want to thank you for being so honest today, Zane. You could’ve held your cards close to the vest. Instead, you were open and candid in all our dealings. I really appreciate your generosity.”
Kylie smiled. “I thought when I met you that we’d really butt heads over a lot of the points, but your kindness and willingness to be flexible is touching, especially in a hard-nosed businessman.”
He reached over and took one of her hands, threading his fingers through hers. The startled look on her face was priceless.
“Business is over, Kylie. You’ve signed the contracts Price brought.
I’m going to be pretty busy the next couple of weeks, testing out what Tidewater has to offer and sampling food from the restaurant and room service, but that’s my business and not yours.
Yes, we’ll need to get together and draw up ferry schedules.
You’re right about transporting staff from the mainland to the island. I’ll work with Bill Lonsdale on that.”
His grip tightened on her hand. “What I’m really interested in now is whatever downtime I have between business dealings. I know you’re aware of the attraction between us. It’s palpable.
“The question is, Kylie—what are we going to do about it?”