“Red-carpet-ready!” I told her as she struck a model pose.
“You're always pretty, Mom,” Tyler praised. She grinned at him and then kissed his cheek.
“You're just trying to get me on your good side,” she teased, but I knew she treasured his compliment. She turned to me and gave me a once over. “How are you feeling?”
“For the millionth time, I'm fine, Mom.” I rolled my eyes. She frowned and took my chin in her hand so she could look closer at the cut on my head. It didn't even hurt anymore. “Seriously, Maddy, I'm fine. Tyler did a great job of rescuing me, and the doctor says I'm going to live.”
Maddy frowned as she let me go, but as she looked at Tyler, the frown transitioned to a proud smile. He looked back and forth between the two of us and then rolled his eyes. He hit the button for the elevator, which arrived more quickly this time.
Tyler held his mother's arm, providing the support she needed with her walking boot as we came out into the lobby. She was a good six inches shorter than I was, so he was much more supportive for her than he was for me after the jet-ski accident. He looked incredibly pleased with himself as we stepped out of the building and into the night air. We walked quietly for a moment, enjoying the warm, tropical evening.
“This has been a much needed vacation,” she said, giving Tyler a gentle squeeze.
“You deserve it,” I told her. “You're the main reason we're able to be here. I never could have done this without you. The business never would have gotten off the ground without you.”
“Keep stroking my ego,” she said with a grin as we walked down the path to the main dining restaurant. “And I might forget your sins today.”
Chapter 9
The weather report said a storm was supposed to be moving in on the island the next day, but the sky above us was cloudless and full of stars. A gentle breeze, warm and moist, danced through the greenery, ruffled the pools and ponds, and then caressed our skin like the fingertips of a lover as we walked from the main building to the dining hall. It was exactly what a tropical paradise should be.
The resort boasted four restaurants, but this meet and greet banquet was being held in the main dining area. The only guests at the resort were travel agency representatives, so it was supposed to be just a laid-back, fun little get together. Since the resort wasn't officially open, and it was still technically the off season, we had the place to ourselves.
From a distance, the dining facility seemed to be made of windows and light. Music spilled out into the quiet night as the elegant silhouettes of the guests floated across the windows. I wondered how many people were here. I knew there was my agency, and also Travel, Inc., and at least three other agencies were on the island. Even with that in mind, the party looked small.
Tyler opened the door and held it open like a gentleman for his mother and me. He looked excited to be invited to an adult event, and I hoped it was going to live up to his expectations.
The room was large and spacious with a small buffet table in the center. I could see platters of chocolate strawberries, fresh fruit, finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and even what looked like fresh sushi. The room had ample seating but was also very spacious. There was plenty of room to move around and converse with the other guests. The windows facing the ocean were open to catch the sea breeze and let in the sound of the ocean.
An elegant woman with strawberry blonde hair was walking toward the three of us with a big smile across her face. A tall man with dark hair trailed behind her, stopping to pop a strawberry in his mouth before catching up.
“You must be Olivia Statler,” the woman greeted me, extending her hand. I shook it, surprised to find it strong and calloused.
“Yes, and you must be Isabel Black,” I replied. I had heard that the wife of the hotel magnate, Noah Black, still worked daily with sharks. Her strong grip and suntanned skin pretty much confirmed that. I was slightly surprised. I figured that anyone who married into billions would relax into a life of leisure, but from what I had heard, she had actually increased the extent of her research.
“Izzy, please. Isabel is only for when I'm in trouble.” She grinned as she released my hand and went to shake Maddy's next. “You must be Madison, and that makes you...Tyler.”
Izzy extended her hand to shake Tyler's. He hesitated for only a second before enthusiastically shaking her hand. “I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance,” he said formally.
“Likewise,” Izzy told him. He grinned up at her, forgetting to let go of her hand and still shaking it. Izzy looked over at Maddy and giggled. She didn't pull her hand away, though.
“It looks like I might have some competition,” the tall man said, coming up behind Izzy. Tyler suddenly realized what he was doing and turned a deep shade of crimson before finally letting go of Izzy's hand.
“This is my husband, Noah,” Izzy introduced. Noah shook everyone's hands, including Tyler's. Tyler did not hold onto his.
“It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I do a lot of business with several of your resorts,” I told him.
“And I appreciate that,” Noah said. He wrapped his arm around Izzy's shoulders and smiled warmly. He had the most amazing blue eyes, but they only sparkled when he looked at Izzy. Love seemed to float around the two of them like a happy cloud. “We're so glad you all could make it. The resort is officially opening in time for the Christmas season, but we were hoping to generate some positive buzz beforehand. What do you think so far?”
“It's amazing,” Tyler blurted out, his ears reddening when everyone turned to look at him.
“Anything in particular that's awesome?” Noah asked. “You are among one of our key demographics, after all. I'd love to know what you think.”
Tyler swallowed hard but stood up taller. I knew he was a shy kid, so talking to strangers wasn't easy for him. He was doing great. “The food. Plus the game room is sweet.”
Noah grinned. “You like the pinball machine?”
“The comic book one? It's the coolest one I've ever seen,” he answered honestly. He was still blushing, but he sounded a little more sure of himself.
“Excellent!” Noah made a fist-pumping motion that made Izzy roll her eyes. “I picked it out specifically for that room. Someone wanted to go with an island-themed one. See? I was right.”
Izzy rolled her eyes again but smiled at Tyler. “Now he's never going to let me live that one down.” Noah laughed and kissed her cheek, making her smile.