Chapter 6: Transitioning

The half day cruise trials were an outstanding success. 336 guests were the first to participate in the cruising program for Paradise Resorts. The feedback was better than I expected: Great. Superb, More-More-More.

I called James Collins. “Jim, I am calling a meeting for this afternoon. Bring your marina plans. If there is space available, include six living quarters. Can you have that done by 1pm?”

Next, I called Rolf and Al. I told them about the meeting to discuss the marina proposal.

I checked my watch. It was 9am, 4pm in Antalya, Turkey. Vladimir said that everything was a go on his end.

My next call was to my daughter. “Good morning, Lizzy. Did you get the marina test results?”

“Yes, I did. I am really excited in moving forward.”

“I’m glad that you feel the same as I do. That’s the reason I am calling. I have called for a meeting in the boardroom for 1pm. Can you have all of your senior managers attend?”

“Yes.”

“Great, see you at 1pm.”

My next call was to Boris Yilmaz. “Boris, because of your sons, we have decided to go ahead with the marina plans. We are planning on having three yachts. Can you help us find crews for them and a relief crew?

“One other item, how soon can you be ready for a three-week cruise along the Caribbean Islands?”

I wanted to make the last contact in person. Ann and I used the cigar boat and 30 minutes later we were walking to the slip where Jon and Abby were berthed.

“Ahoy the Forever Young.”

The last time I saw Jon his shoulders were slumped from worry. Today he was standing tall and his handshake was firm. Abby had returned to her happy and energetic self.

“You are both looking better,” I said.

“We are better Eddie.” Jon continued by saying, “The last two weeks have been great. We felt alive again. That is partially because of the guests we had aboard. I know that you told us that your resorts were clothing optional, but I didn’t think that would carry over to the cruises. There were tits and pussy everywhere you looked.”

“And cock too,” Abby exclaimed. “And Eddie, they gave us tips also. Almost $28,000. We split it four ways, Jon, me, Kemal, and Nacar each got $7,000. We are rich.”

I handed an envelope to Abby.

“$30,000?”

I have already paid Kemal and Nacar. You and Jon worked for me the last two weeks so I figure that I owe you a salary also.’

I handed another envelope to Jon.

“$100,000? What is this for?”

“Leasing your yacht to me for two weeks. Before you argue with me, the two of you did me a big favor and did not ask for reparations. That means a lot to me.

“Two weeks ago, I said that the two of you would need to make a decision. As I see it you have three options.

“Option 1 is to sell your yacht and become unemployed landlubbers.

“Option 2 is to keep your yacht and open your own charter business. Just remember that the guests on Paradise Islands are off limits to commercial charters.

“Option 3 is to sell me your yacht and become the managers of the Paradise Islands Marina. You will be required to live on Pineapple Island. Your living quarters, food, and incidentals will be paid for by the resort.”

The 1 pm meeting in the boardroom started on time. I thanked everyone for being on time and promised them that this meeting would not last long.

“Over seven years ago, a seed was unknowingly planted in my brain. It lay dormant until my daughter came to me eleven weeks ago. She said that she had a problem and needed my help. As a good father, I listened as she told me that her mother was always telling her what to do with regards on how to raise her son. Lizzy was frustrated and came to me for advice. As a good manager, I realized that Lizzy’s frustration wasn’t with her mother, it was me that was causing her anxiety.