Nothing Will Stop Me
Dan seriously looked at the layout of the villa project. David's changes would have the six villas grouped into two clusters of three. They would be clustered around canal slips that led into the lake. He nodded in approval at the changes.
"Since we will group them in three like this, how about we move each group closer to the property lines and then have a communal area in between with a larger pool, and jogging and walking trails? The proposed property is large enough."
He frowned as he continued to examine the layout. David nodded agreement.
"That's a great idea. We can have a few grilling areas and even a small playground to make it more family-friendly."
He looked up to Dan with a smile—which slowly slipped away when he registered his friend's expression.
"What's wrong? I already said it was a good idea."
"Let's increase our offer by one million dollars. I really want this property, and I feel we will make a ton of money."
David smiled. "You always have good business instincts. We have to be competitive. And excitement is building about the entire resort. Amber has already opened the bakery, and several of the new condos have been rented out or even bought." He paused in thought.
"She is quite shrewd, when it comes to business, as well."
"Let's submit our proposal to Julia now, with the proposed layout changes. Where is the submission email?"
"Should we use our business name, or…"
"No. Let her know it's us. We have enough subversive shenanigans going on as it is. We don't need to add to it."
"Good." David pulled his laptop closer. "Let me make the changes and send it. Then we can start the Facebook live."
Dan nodded, finished his meal, then went and got ready for the Facebook live. They had already gotten permission to make social media videos—Dan was not the only influencer making videos—so there was no need to ask further permission.
Dan came down the stairs two at a time. His enthusiasm was high, and his clothes were business casual. He looked much more relaxed now, his hair neatly done, his eyes sparkling.
His cameraman had arrived, and David was still working on his laptop.
"We ready?" Dan spoke to his reflection as he touched up his hair.
"I am. Will we start in the car or on property? We never decided."
"Let's start in the car so people can see just how close it is to Carson City. How about we stop at the main go-around, after the town hall, and film from there?"
"Good idea. That's a good starting point—a good landmark."
In David's SUV, Dan looked into the camera as the Facebook live started.
"Welcome everyone. We are here in the heart of Carson City, and we are about to head to the new resort and spa just outside the city—Blue Serene Lake Resort and Spa."
The camera blinked, and it was now at a different angle, looking out the vehicle window at the passing scenery. Dan continued speaking in an upbeat, professional way, mentioning landmarks, commenting on the distance to the lake, and saying hello to followers joining the live video stream.
The camera flashed onto the large archway over the private drive.
>Welcome to The Blue Serene Resort and Spa<
"Here we are, guys. This place is beautiful. It truly is a world-class resort. Do you see those beautifully manicured lawns and hedges? Actually, over to the east, there is a large hedge maze with a teahouse at the center.
"You can find all kinds of activities right here on the site.
"Ah. Here we are at the main strip. The artisanal bakery and the artisanal dairy are both open—both with spectacular views of the grand Blue Serene."
As they passed the bakery, Dan was glad he had paused and allowed his followers to look at the resort.
Amber Ann had stepped out of the bakery—pastries, sandwiches, coffees, and teas balanced on two trays above her head. She had a bright smile, and she was dressed in a soft, airy, summer dress.
He had immediately understood how his wife had changed. She seemed so free, like a dancing wind across a barren flowering meadow.
His heart pulsed oddly in his chest, and he found it difficult to speak over the lump in his throat.
Once again, he understood just how much he loved her. Had he always loved her this much? When had it happened? When had she dove so deeply into his heart?
His mind spun, but seeing the small canal re-awoke his professionalism, and he actually spoke on cue.
"And welcome to our grand surprise. You all will be part of D&A Developers' new project here on the Blue Serene Lake Resort.
"All of you budding entrepreneurs will be in on a fresh new project from the ground up. You will see our successes and our hiccups."
The vehicle stopped, and the viewers saw a vast property from several different angles as the view panned, then went wide from above.
"Everything is set. Our proposal was accepted, and we begin construction in two days. We will have lives twice a week, and I will post videos about the process.
"Get ready to learn, and experience. This is going to be a great endeavor—don't miss it."
The hour-long live stream ended on Dan's broad, confident, professional smile.
For the first time in a long time, Dan was excited about something. Blue Serene Resort was an amazing project—his incredible wife's amazing project—and he was going to enjoy it, and he was going to have his wife back.