by Ali Spooner
Levi leaned forward in her seat as she listened to the excitement in Nat’s voice. Cass too was listening intently.
“I know we should wait until Vanessa can join us, but we are just way too excited to wait and will bring her up to speed when she arrives,” Nat said.
“We have searched the internet and have found a property that would be a perfect resort,” Liz said. “It is an entire private island that has a resort property about eighty percent constructed. It has a large owner’s mansion with six bedrooms and has fresh water and power to the island already.”
“Liz has made contact with the realtor and has arranged a private charter for us to go visit the island on Saturday,” Nat said.
“The owner is extremely motivated to sell the island and would take much less than the asking price according to the realtor,” Liz said.
“What is the asking price?” Cass asked.
“For the ten acre island and all the property and equipment already on the island, the asking price is three million,” Nat said. “I think we can get the property for half of that for a cash deal.”
“That would be a steal if it’s possible,” Cass said. “What’s the catch?”
“The island was owned by a Texas oil tycoon and he used the island to facilitate his illicit affairs. The island is also rumored to be haunted,” Liz said.
“Haunted by whom or by what?” Levi asked, completely enthralled by the story.
“Van Buren employed a young woman as a housekeeper and she mysteriously disappeared and has not been seen nor heard from in several years.” Liz took a deep breath and continued. “An investigation was completed and there was no evidence of foul play, but after her disappearance, the construction workers got spooked and would not work on the island after dark.”
“Nothing violent has occurred, just harmless irritating pranks,” Nat clarified. “After Van Buren was murdered back in Texas by the husband of one of his mistresses, construction was halted. The island has lain dormant for two years except for monthly visits by a group of housekeepers to maintain the owner’s house.” Nat looked at Liz and smiled. “The island and her husband’s behavior is a source of embarrassment for the widow who wants to be rid of it as quickly as possible,” she said.
Nat passed around a packet of photographs and data on the island for Levi and Cass to review.
“It is hard to tell without seeing the island, but I think we could finish construction and equip the resort very handsomely for a million dollars.” Nat watched as they looked closely at the photographs. “There is a world of possibility if the place meets our approval.”
“So what are you proposing?” Cass asked, as Levi continued to pour over the pages.
“A partnership between the five of us,” Liz said.
“What are you looking for as the cash outlay of each partner?” Levi asked.
“A half million from Liz, Cass and I and a quarter million from you and Vanessa,” Nat said.
“Why the difference,” Levi asked.
“Because we hope that you and possibly Vanessa will run the property,” Liz said. “The partnership would be split equally five ways with you and Vanessa having the complete oversight of the property while Nat and I continue running Venus Rising.”
“What are your plans for the resort?” Cass asked.
“Fifty luxury guest rooms, a salt water pool, separate night club and many different water amenities, snorkeling the beautiful reefs to deep sea fishing excursions,” Nat said. She looked at Liz and grinned. “This would be a very exclusive resort, priced to accommodate the most elite of travelers,” she said. “I also have an idea that I haven’t quite gotten Liz sold on yet, but I think it would be worthy of discussing,” she said.
“Spill it,” Levi said.
“I think it would be very popular to have one suite designated as a “Fantasy Room”, Nat said. “Guests could submit to us a written request of a fantasy that they would like to experience and we would make it happen, for a nice price of course.”
“A Fantasy Room sounds interesting, but do you really think it would be a success?” Cass asked.
“It sounds like a very interesting concept, but do you think the elite clientele would be willing to pay for the experience?” Levi asked.
“I really think they would at a thousand dollars a night,” Nat said. “Yes, I have done some research on that as well.”
“Wow,” Levi said, “A grand a night.”
“It goes for much higher at other resorts,” Cass said.
All heads turned toward Cass.
“At least that’s what I hear,” Cass said, with a rush of color to her cheeks.
“So what do you think?” Nat asked.
“It sounds like it would definitely be worth taking a look at and if we can swing a good deal, count me in,” Cass said.
“Me too,” Levi said. “I think Vanessa will jump on the opportunity to invest, but I am not sure she is ready to leave the cruise lines yet,” she added.
“Well, I still think we can run the two resorts, even if she doesn’t come on board right away,” Liz said. “There is one other thing that needs to be considered,” Liz said.
“If all works out and we move with this venture, we feel it would be necessary to have someone on sight to oversee the construction,” Nat said. “The owner’s home comes completely furnished and is move- in ready after the purchase of groceries. We would like you to be the one to oversee the construction Levi, while Liz and I continue operating Venus.”
Levi sat back in her chair as she thought over Nat’s plan. “It is something I will have to think about and discuss with Vanessa.”
“No need to rush into a decision,” Liz said. “We haven’t even seen the property yet, but do consider the possibility of living on the island for about two months while construction is being completed.”
Cass had remained very quiet as she listened to the plan and she looked over the photographs one more time. “This does look workable. So what time do we leave Saturday morning?”
“We fly at seven and the flight is just under an hour,” Liz said as she beamed at Cass.
“Whoa, speaking of time, I need to get moving so I can open the club,” Levi said. “I expect Vanessa around eight tonight. Do you wish to talk with her or do you want me to?” she asked.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to bring her up here so we can discuss this in private,” Nat said. “I promise not to keep her a moment longer than necessary,” she said.
“Very well then ladies, I shall see you all later at the club,” Levi said, then left the room with her head spinning full of ideas.
Is this what she really wanted to do with her life she asked herself? The money was not an issue. She had over half a million invested so taking half of that out would not leave her financially strapped. She also had a decent income from the resort. If the business plan was solid, she would reap a healthy return on her investment in a few short years. Her brief tenure at the resort had taught her that there were women who could afford and would not hesitate to spend that amount of money on a vacation. How would her absence from the resort affect her relationship with Vanessa, she wondered? She was so deep in her thoughts Levi didn’t realize that NeNe was walking beside her until she reached for the door to the club.
“Oh, hey NeNe,” she said, as she held the door for her friend.
“Welcome home. You sure were deep in thought, Levi, is everything ok?” she asked.
“Yes, NeNe, I was just thinking about the future,” Levi said.
“A very promising one I hope,” NeNe said.
“Only time will tell,” Levi said, as they walked in together and then parted ways.
Levi took inventory of the bar and called the kitchen to deliver cans of chunked pineapple for her to use in making Slow Grinds. She added the drink to the bar menu and saw NeNe smile from the DJ booth. Karen entered the club on her rollerblades with the first of the afternoon’s customers and the busy business da
y began.
Levi recognized several of the passengers from the cruise ship as they entered. They were quick to begin ordering drinks, most often either a Slow Grind or Tropical E which made Levi smile with pride.
As the afternoon progressed the club became packed and then women started to filter out to go to dinner so there was a short lull of activity between six and seven. NeNe took the opportunity to visit Levi at the bar and said, “I am dying to taste a Slow Grind.”
Levi mixed up the drink and poured one for NeNe and Karen. They tasted the drink and smiled their approvals.
“You have done it again, my friend,” NeNe said, as she took another sip.
“These are a bit more potent than Tropical E’s, so take it easy,” Levi warned.
“I can tell,” Karen said, as she took a sip and spun around on her rollerblades.
They all broke out in laughter at Karen’s antics and were still laughing when the door opened and Vanessa and Killian walked into the club.
“I do believe we have caught them goofing off Killian,” Vanessa teased Levi and NeNe.
“You are so right, my Captain. Do you think we should make them swab the deck or walk the gangplank?” she asked with a grin.
“I can think of a better punishment than that,” NeNe said, then took Killian’s hand and walked her into the DJ booth.
Vanessa smiled when she saw NeNe take Killian in her arms for a slow kiss and when she turned around Levi was standing in front of her with her arms outstretched. Vanessa stepped into Levi’s arms and kissed her lover.
“I missed you,” Vanessa said. “Killian and I raced through our work so we could get here faster.”
“I was very eager to see you too,” Levi said. “It has been an eventful afternoon since our return to the island.”
“How so,” Vanessa asked warily.
“Nat and Liz were waiting for the trolley to arrive and I could tell Nat was about to explode with excitement. When Cass and I stepped off the trolley, they asked to meet with us in the office after I had showered and prepared for work,” Levi said.
“What on earth has gotten Nat so excited?” Vanessa asked.
“A new resort,” Levi said. “Nat plans to take you up to the office tonight to review the business plan and the proposal, but basically they want the five of us to create a partnership for a new resort.”
“What do you think about her plans?” Vanessa asked.
“I want you to form your own opinion, so I will not say more now,” Levi teased. “There are a few things however, you and I will need to discuss, if we decide to join Nat and Liz,” she said.
“I am not sure I like the sound of that,” Vanessa said.
“All good things Sweetie,” Levi said, as she took Vanessa’s face in her hands and kissed her.
“Ahem, can I get some service over here,” Karen said, with a chuckle.
“Sorry, Karen, I was just welcoming Vanessa back to the island,” Levi said, with a wink.
“Well if that is the standard return greeting, I am going on vacation,” Karen teased.
“What do you need?” Levi asked, as she walked back behind the bar.
“Six Tropical E’s and four Slow Grinds,” Karen said.
“You didn’t waste any time introducing those did you?” Vanessa asked.
“Nope and they have been selling like hotcakes,” Karen added.
Vanessa watched Levi pour the drinks and then hand them on a tray to Karen who rolled away whistling a happy tune.
“So, should I go seek out Liz and Nat or wait for them here?”
“Go ahead and meet with them so when you return you are mine for the evening,” Levi said, with a grin.
“That sounds promising,” Vanessa chuckled. “May I have a Tropical E for the road then?”
“You surely may, my love,” Levi said, then poured a drink for Vanessa and handed it across the bar to her. “Hurry back to me,” she said, with a wink.
“I will be back soon,” Vanessa said then left the bar.
Levi watched her go and began thinking about how Vanessa would respond to Nat and Liz’s proposal. She was sure the financial portion of the plan would not deter Vanessa, but she was unsure whether Vanessa was ready to be grounded and not out on the open sea. Levi did some pacing of her own in Vanessa’s absence.
Vanessa walked inside the resort and saw Liz, Nat and Cass just leaving the dining room. She hurried to catch up with them as they walked toward the elevator.
“I hear there is an exciting plan being proposed,” Vanessa said, as they turned to see her.
“I take it you have already been down to the club,” Liz said.
“Yes, but Levi wouldn’t give me much detail,” Vanessa said.
“Come up to the office then and we will discuss the proposal,” Nat said.
Vanessa sat patiently at the table as Liz and Nat explained the business plan and proposal to her. Cass was quick to point out information they had forgotten to mention. Cass had undoubtedly bought into the plan and was becoming excited as Liz and Nat were over the possibilities. Vanessa asked questions about what types of water activities would be available and what her potential role would be if she were to agree to manage the island with Levi. Liz told her of their plan to fly to the island on Saturday and Vanessa readily agreed that she would go along with them to view the property.
When Vanessa left the office her head was swimming from so much information being shared with her. Levi was correct in assuming they would have to discuss several points of the plan and Vanessa was unsure herself of what her feelings were on several of those subjects. She walked past the pool and continued beyond the door to the club until she found her feet at the end of the pier as her eyes gazed out across the ocean.
There was no doubt in her love for Levi, but Vanessa had serious concerns over whether she was ready to settle down and become a landlubber. She had spent so much of her time at sea, that she felt off kilter when she remained on land too long. Even though there would be many water based activities she could supervise, giving her time out on the water, she knew it would not be the same. She sat with her feet dangling off the end of the pier as her eyes and heart searched for answers on the cool night breeze.
Liz, Nat and Cass arrived at the club and were surprised to find that Vanessa was nowhere in sight.
“Why don’t you take a break and go find that sexy Captain of yours,” Nat said, as she stepped behind the bar.
“I sure hope you three didn’t scare her off the island,” Levi teased.
“I don’t think so, but we did give her a lot to think about and you as well,” Liz said. “You both are facing some life changing decisions if this deal works out, and some of them may not be easy.”
“How well I know,” Levi said, then walked from behind the bar and left the club. She stepped out into the cool night air and breathed in the fragrance of the sea. She followed her nose to the source of the salt air and just as she thought, Vanessa was sitting at the end of the pier. She walked up beside her and sat on the pier.
Levi placed her arm around Vanessa’s shoulder. “That was a lot of information to take in all at once, I know.”
“The plan sounds very interesting indeed,” Vanessa said, with a note of hesitance in her voice. “I am not one hundred percent sold on the plan, but it will not hurt to go take a look at the property,” she added.
“Things may not work out at all, but I am very pleased that Nat and Liz thought to include us in their future plans,” Levi said.
“That makes me feel good too,” Vanessa admitted. “I just don’t know,” she said, and let her words trail off into the breeze.
“There is no pressure to decide anything right now,” Levi said. “Wait until we see for ourselves and then we will put our heads together and do some serious thinking. Tonight, I just want to hold you in my arms and love you,” Levi said.
Vanessa turned to look into Levi’s eyes. “I love you Levi,” she said sweetly.
PART
THIRTEEN
Karen rolled up to the bar. “I need a dozen Slow Grinds and two dozen Tropical E’s, please Boss,” she said.
“You need what?” Nat said.
“Slow Grinds,” Liz said.
“Ah, a new drink that Levi created while she was on holiday,” Cass said.
“I guess I am the last to know,” Nat pouted. “Do you have any idea what the ingredients are, Cass?” Nat asked.
“Ingredients yes, measurements no,” Cass said, with a chuckle. “They are mighty tasty though I might add.”
“Fine, but I hate to tell Levi her break is officially over,” Nat said.
“Why is that Boss?” Levi said, as she and Vanessa walked up to the bar.
“Because you forgot to tell me that you have a new creation and the crowd is calling for a Slow Grind and I have no clue,” Nat said.
“I guess that could present a problem,” Levi said, as she returned behind the bar to teach Nat how to mix a Slow Grind.
They poured several extras then Liz and Nat joined Cass at the bar to try out her tasty new concoction.
“Damn you are right, Cass, these are tasty,” Nat said.
“They have quite a kick so don’t let the smooth taste fool you,” Cass warned.
Liz had fished out a chunk of the pineapple and popped it into her mouth and her eyes lit up when she bit into the fruit. “Wow, you weren’t kidding about a kick,” Liz said.
“We may have to put a limit on the number of those you can serve,” Nat teased, “or else we will have to purchase cots for the guests who can’t make it back to their rooms after a night of these.”
“Do you think they are too strong?” Levi asked, now concerned.
“Heaven’s no, Levi, they are perfect,” Liz said.
Levi smiled at Liz’s praise as she asked Vanessa, “can I get you something to drink Sweetheart?”
“A cherry coke and something to eat, I am starving,” Vanessa said. “Killian and I skipped dinner so we could get here faster.”
“Do you know what you would like?” Levi asked.
“A cheeseburger of course,” Vanessa said with a grin.
Levi chuckled. “Do you ladies want anything from the kitchen?” she asked Liz, Nat and Cass.