Chapter 83: Xena surprise

The dinner table was in a horseshoe shape with the three models covered in a manner that you could not make out any shape. They were placed in the middle with spotlights overhead. Everyone was seated by 7pm. Helena was next to Xena. Danielle sitting next to Paul and Andrew x. Danielle blushed and smiled at Helena.

The entree and mains were served. Just before desert Phillip stood up with a microphone and said “Tonight is my Granddaughter Xena night, we congratulate you on your graduation with honours. I am proud and humble to present, to you Xena, the next 5 plus years of your life. Yes young lady you are leaving us, not the islands, just this hotel. Claire please.”

Claire stood up and presented, to Xena, a beautiful box package containing three sets of plans together with some other information. Collecting the microphone she started “Thank you Phillip and Helena for the honour. Xena please come here into the centre.” She walked around one half of the horseshoe. “You have been chosen to be the Project Manager for the building, fit out, staffing and running one of these three complex’s.”

The table covering were dropped, she saw the three buildings. A general ‘wow’ was heard.

Claire continued “We are in the process of planning and choosing a new hotel complex on one of the islands. The owner has requested you get to know the building from the ground up. You will have plenty of support with family and friends both inside and outside of this hotel and myself. You start work on Monday and we have already book three meetings for Tuesday to help choose the winning design. Congratulations on your graduation and new job my good friend.” They hugged each other and both looked at Helena who was smiling. Everyone else was clapping them.

Phillip announced “Please come around and give your impressions everyone, desert will be served in 25 minutes. Everyone stood up, each one in their way congratulated Xena. Jim sat next to Helena. “This is your next island project?”

Helena smiled “Yes, and usual rules, locals must be employed as much as possible.”

Jim just gave Helena a big public hug, “You are a princess to the islands. Thank you. I wish I could tell them who is making these Islands a great place.”

Helena replied “You cannot comment, you know nothing, as this will cross your desk for approval.”

Jim replied “Whatever you decide consider it approved, If it has Xena name I will approve as I know you want these islander’s to be proud of what we do.”

Tony walked behind them saying “Well I did not expect this Helena, Jim.” Hugging Helena.

“Well Tony we better have a good look and let Xena and Claire know our comments.” replied Jim.

Danielle then sat next to Helena “I did not know you were going to be in town?”

Helena smiled “And you tried to sneak in getting Paul to book a room? I am glad you are here. This is my next project to help out the islanders. Have a good look and give you true feeling about them please.” They hugged then Danielle returned to Paul to look over the models.

Xena returned to her chair. Then hugged both with tears in their eyes.

Helena said smiling “You will have plenty of support from your Grandfather, Uncle’s, Claire and others, just don’t be afraid to ask for help. Fred and I will look forward to your reports.”

Xena was speechless, she just hugged and cried on Helena shoulder. Helena just returned the hug.

Andrew gave Xena a hanky to wipe her eyes. Phillip announced “Dessert is served” Tina walked in with Helena and Fred deserts and gave Xena a hug. Saying “Thank you, you will do a brilliant job on this.” Tina then returned with Xena and Andrew deserts. Then with a mugachino for Helena and Fred. Other staff served the remainder.

Everyone started to leave, finally it was Claire, Xena the two Andrews, Phillip and his wife together with Helena and Fred. They started to relax. Helena mentioned “Well Xena no more study, you have a job and a half to do now. Your grandfather and I have been looking forward to seeing your reaction today. I am glad it went well.”