The Unique Hawaiian Resort

Part 1:7

After leaving Luke to finish unpacking, Eliza returned to her office to tie up some remaining business tasks before their guests arrived. She made a few phone calls and signed several letters. Then, with a sigh of relief and a muttered 

"Thank God that's done," she left her office and headed towards the dining room. Halfway down the hallway, the sound of singing reached her ears. Eliza smiled to herself, thinking, 

"I knew they couldn't wait." Her smile broadened as she entered the room. Eliza beamed at all her guests as she spoke.

"Have you finished unpacking?" They all nodded in affirmation. As she scanned the room, she caught sight of Luke and made her way to his table, while the others began chatting among themselves. 

"You managed to find this room alright then?" Eliza inquired.

"I did," Luke replied. "I followed your instructions and was drawn in by the 'chatter,' 'laughter,' and singing. The girls were singing when I walked in. Good Lord, those girls of yours have some pipes on them, don't they?" Eliza laughed and nodded.

"They do yes" Eliza admitted, pride written all over her face for all of her girls 

"On the way home, they practiced the song for you and the guys, intending to perform it during your visit. But I didn't realize they'd sing it so soon; they clearly couldn't wait for you to hear it," they both laughed.

"I am pleased that you enjoyed it regardless."As everyone, including Luke, gathered around the buffet table, piling food onto their plates, Eliza hung back and engaged in a bit of "people watching." 

She observed a certain dynamic developing between Cece and Darren. She couldn't quite identify it, but it was unmistakably strong—perhaps love? She wasn't sure, but she certainly hoped so. Before arriving in Hawaii, Cece had been living with her boyfriend in Manhattan, and their breakup had been far from amicable. Now, as Cece's employer and mentor, Eliza hoped she could find someone more deserving and was resolved to assist her in any way possible.

Throughout the meal, there was abundant laughter and chatter, and suddenly, Eliza found herself face-to-face with Cece.

"Eliza, may I speak with you about something, please?" Eliza nodded and gestured for her to sit down. Luke had left to converse with others, leaving Eliza and Cece by themselves at the table.

"I think I'm in love with Darren," Cece suddenly blurted out. Eliza simply smiled at her and nodded.

"I did have that feeling," Eliza said, smiling affectionately at her newest recruit and housemate. 

"It was the look in your eyes when you both met earlier; you had that spark, and your bond seemed so strong. You hit it off immediately, and the way you spoke to each other as you walked into the house? I half expected him to take your hand," Eliza winked and gave a small, silent chuckle, while Cece laughed nervously.

"As we walked down the hall towards his room, he did take my hand, Eliza," Cece smiled at her boss as she continued, 

"I do love him, Eliza, and I think he feels the same about me. If he didn't, he wouldn't have held my hand the way he did, would he?"

"No, he wouldn't," Eliza admitted. "I know you like..." Cece interrupted Eliza with a shake of her head.

"Okay, LOVE Darren, but aside from what we've been told, what has HE shared with YOU about himself?" Eliza gazed at Cece expectantly, who pondered for a few moments before responding

"Well," Cece began, "he's single, lives in Minnesota, has a brother, and more or less every holiday season, he reunites with his acapella group for a few shows before resuming his regular job of producing for these guys." Cece looked around, pointing out Adam, Chance, Austin, Tim, and Rob.

"Oh, and he's recently divorced, about eight months ago, so I believe we're a good match, wouldn't you agree? I've just ended a complex relationship myself, and so has he, making us perfect for each other, right?" Cece's expression appeared to implore, 

"You can't deny me this chance at happiness, can you?"

As Cece concluded her speech, Eliza nodded abruptly in agreement.

"Alright, Cece, I'm with you, okay?" Eliza hugged Cece and continued, 

"I only want what's best for you, you know that. But if you say Darren is the one, then I won't argue with you, okay?" As Eliza released Cece from her embrace, 

Cece nodded silently."Okay, thank you," said Eliza. She and Cece hugged and smiled at each other once more before Cece rushed off to join Darren.

Luke came back to the table minutes after Cece had departed, and upon seeing the expression on Eliza's face, he asked

"Is everything okay?" Luke asked, settling back into his seat as he observed Eliza's expression.

"Were you just talking about Darren and Cece?" Eliza's surprise was evident as Luke continued.

"I've just listened to Darren's rendition; shall we compare?" Eliza replied with a smile, nodding in agreement. As they concluded their accounts of the two individuals in question, Eliza said

"Yes, that appears to encompass it all. The primary point, though, is their evident fondness for each other—it's quite charming. However, what occurs when Darren resumes touring with the group, leaving Cece behind, yearning for him?" Unbeknownst to the speaker, Cece and Darren were nearby, clasping hands, standing very close to each other.

"What happens?" Darren inquires, grinning at his new partner. 

"Cece joins me on the road—that's what happens, with Eliza's blessing, naturally." Both Cece and Darren turn to Eliza with beseeching eyes. Eliza releases a heavy sigh.

"This is your first day here with us; let's not think about your departure just yet, okay?" Cece looked up at Darren and, agreeing with her boss, she nodded.

"Just savor the moments you share with us, and when the time nears the end of your stay, we'll address it then," she stated, eyeing the trio as they exchanged glances before returning their gaze to her. Together, all three responded,

"YES MA'AM" 

As the dining room emptied of leftover food, drinks, and guests, a sense of tranquility enveloped Eliza. Passersby shared their plans, some heading to the gym, others to the pool. Adam and Chance were keen to check out the games room, and Austin was thrilled about starting to fish. Eliza smiled inwardly, her affection for young Austin evident. She sensed that these guests would be a pleasure to host.