Chapter 8
I don’t know when Dylan left, and I don’t care.
The renovation and rebirth of “Catching Light” B&B consumed all my energy.
Grandma’s handiwork combined with my operational thinking gradually brought new life to this place that had once symbolized failed love.
I registered the “Catching Light B&B” account, no longer serving a specific “star” but carefully documenting the transformation of this place.
The peeling walls were painted a warm off–white, the rotting railings replaced with sturdy natural wood, the barren yard planted with hardy succulents and climbing roses, the terrace furnished with comfortable wicker tables and chairs… Each change was accompanied by the sound of ocean waves and Grandma’s grumbling complaints about “costs getting too high.“]
I no longer retouched photos in pursuit of a perfect image, but instead showed real seaside life–rough but full of vitality.[]
This authenticity and “rising from ruins” story attracted quite a few young people who were tired of the urban hustle.[]
Bookings started slowly picking up–nothing close to booming, but enough to support us living peacefully here.[]
That afternoon, I got another call from Ms. Parker.]
Ms. Parker’s voice sounded tired but much calmer: “Dylan’s situation is temporarily under control, but the cost was huge. He lost that luxury deal, the S+ project fell through, and now he’s doing a low–budget art film–I guess it’s a way to lie low.”
“Mm.” I responded, not surprised.[]
“Susan was fired, and in the industry she’s basically… well, you know.“[]
Ms. Parker paused, her tone becoming serious: “Emma, I’m not calling about Dylan this time. I wanted to ask–are you really planning to stay at the B&B? Your talents are wasted there.“]
I stirred my coffee, looking at where the sea met the sky in the distance. “Ms. Parker, this place is pretty good.“[]
“I know, I’m not asking you to come back and clean up Dylan’s mess.“[]
Ms. Parker quickly explained: “I just signed a new kid, Luke Riley, fresh out of film school. He’s talented but a bit wild, and the team can’t really handle him. He’s seen the campaigns you did for Dylan before and really respects your approach. He… he needs someone who truly gets him and can also keep him in line.“[]
Ms. Parker probed cautiously: “I know you don’t want to touch anything related to Dylan, but Luke is completely fresh, has zero connection to that whole situation. Just help me out? Or you could think of it as remote consulting work? No need to be in the office, just give advice occasionally? The pay would definitely make you happy.“[]
The coffee’s aroma mingled with the salty sea breeze.
The instincts for operations and that bone–deep interest in “star–making” quietly stirred awake at Ms. Parker’s words.[]
Only this time, the subject wouldn’t be Dylan.]
“Ms. Parker, let me think about it.” I didn’t agree immediately.
“Great! Great! Take your time! No rush!” Ms. Parker’s voice was clearly more relaxed and cheerful.
After hanging up, I leaned against the terrace railing, my mood somewhat complicated.
Grandma came out with a plate of freshly baked cookies, glancing at me: “That Ms. Parker again? Asking you to serve a new master?“]
I laughed, picking up a cookie: “Mrs. Thompson, could you be any more blunt?“[]
“Hmph, don’t I know you?” Grandma snorted.]
“Your thoughts are written all over your face. If you want to go, then go. Don’t waste your time staring at this old lady and this broken–down place all day. Young people should be out there making their mark.“[]
“Grandma, this isn’t a broken–down place anymore, it’s our ‘Catching Light.” I corrected her seriously.
Grandma didn’t say anything, just pushed the cookies toward me, though the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.[]
A few evenings later, I was at the front desk checking next week’s reservation info when the yard gate was gently pushed open, and the shell wind chimes hanging on the door made a crisp tinkling sound.[]
“Hello, do you have any rooms available?” A clear voice with a hint of lazy magnetism spoke up.
I looked up.
A young guy stood at the entrance.
Tall, wearing a simple white T–shirt and loose cargo pants, carrying a huge travel backpack.
The golden sunset outlined his upright silhouette, making him look like a vibrant young plant eager for sunshine and rain.]
“Yes, we do.” I put down my pen and gave him a professional smile. “How many people? How many nights?“]
He grinned, showing perfectly white teeth, his smile clean but with a natural roguish charm. His gaze landed directly on my face without any hesitation, filled with undisguised curiosity and scrutiny.
“Just me. How long… depends on my mood?” He drawled, stepping inside, casually dropping his travel bag by his feet. He looked around at the renovated little courtyard and terrace, then his gaze settled back on me with a hint of playful amusement.]
“Nice place, has more character than the photos. Boss…lady?” He raised an eyebrow, his tone probing.
“You’re the one Ms. Parker mentioned, Emma?“]
The sea breeze blew through the open gate, tousling his hair and carrying with it his aura of sunshine and freedom.
Luke Riley.
The name instantly jumped into my mind.
The sunset’s afterglow filled the courtyard, casting long shadows behind him. The sound of waves remained constant, but seemed to pulse with a new rhythm.]
I looked at his young face full of tension, at the undisguised ambition and curiosity in his eyes, and that flame in my heart that had been dormant for so long seemed to be gently rekindled by this sea breeze.
A new story, perhaps, was just beginning.
