“Very big.”
“Bigger than Grandma's?”
“Much bigger.”
He stared.
“Does it have fish?”
I laughed.
“Not in the swimming pool.”
He considered that.
“Good.”
I smiled.
“Why?”
“Because fish probably don't like people jumping on them.”
I laughed so hard I nearly spilled my coffee.
Then I hugged him.
For a moment, I smelled the shampoo in his curls and felt an ache in my chest.
Andre should have been there.
He should have been taking ridiculous photographs.
Making jokes about expensive poolside drinks.
And asking why a resort needed seven different types of towels.
But he wasn't.
So I tried to give Noah enough love and laughter for both of us.
That morning, I chose a black one-piece swimsuit with elegant white piping, white halter straps, a decorative black rose near the neckline, and an oval design cutout at the front.
It was fashionable, comfortable, and appropriate for spending an afternoon beside the pool with my son.
I wore my long black hair loose over my shoulders.
Packed sunscreen.
Placed a small first-aid kit in my handbag.
And made sure Noah had his favorite blue swimming trunks.
Then I called my chief operating officer.
Her name was Vanessa Reed.
She was forty-two, highly organized, and the person most responsible for keeping Aurelia's properties running smoothly while I handled investment and strategy decisions.
Vanessa had been involved in the Seabright acquisition from the beginning.
She knew about the complaints.
She also knew I wanted to visit without a ceremonial reception.
When she answered, I told her I was heading to the resort.
She sighed.
“Simone.”
I smiled.
“What?”
“Please tell me you're not going to spend your first afternoon inspecting maintenance closets.”
“No promises.”
She laughed.
Then became serious.
“The transition notices are being distributed. Graham Bellamy has received the closing confirmation.”
I nodded.
“Good.”
“Are you sure you want to go today?”
“Yes.”
“Because we can arrange a formal inspection with the management team.”
“I know.”
She hesitated.
“Then why take Noah?”
I looked toward my son.
He was sitting on the floor trying to fit a toy dolphin into a backpack already full of beach toys.
I smiled.
“Because I want to see whether this resort treats a mother and her child like welcome guests.”
Vanessa was silent for a moment.
Then she said quietly, “Given the complaints, I understand.”
I nodded.
“I'll stay within ordinary guest areas. I won't interfere with staff or demand special services.”
“Good.”
“And if I see something concerning, I'll document it through the transition process.”
Vanessa sighed.