Chapter 5 Raphael Hungover and jet lagged , I stumbled down the stairs of the private jet I had chartered from Dubai I could have bought my own jet , or a whole fleet of jets , but I didnt feel the need .

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My personal assistant , Rachel , grabbed my arm to keep me from tumbling face first onto the tarmac .
A car was already parked beside the hanger , ting to receive me , my assistant , and a mountain of luggage that was mostly hers , not mine .
The snow glittered viciously in n the n noontime sun , like tiny ice crystals stabbing my bloodshot eyes , I did not make a habit of over indulgence .
I rarely allowed myself to look for comfort in the bottom of a bottle .
It was just the prospect of returning to Townline that had stirred up a lot of things that were better off left buried under the sediments of time and resentment .
Where to , Mr Segretto ? The driver asked with a friendly smile I had already made arrangements for my staff and I to be lodged at the Mountain Top property .
Although the resort was officially closed , I had kept on enough of the essential staff to meet our needs .
I thought about going straight home to the Segretto house .
A part of me was longing to see my mother , to wrap her in my arms and kiss her cheeks and tell her I was sorry for being such a terrible son .
But if I showed up like that , hungover , bleary eyed , travel weary and stinking of stale whiskey , shed probably greet me with a slap and turn me out until I was sober and clean .
I had delayed this long , another day or two wouldnt hurt .
At least I wouldnt have to worry about running into Beth and Gabriel , Rachel had informed me that Gabe and his wife had moved to a house on the lake last year .
On the one hand , I thought it kind of a d ** k move that hed made his home so far away from mom .
On the other hand , the less I had to see of them , the better .
I thought a lot about the little girl , though .
Gabe and Beths baby .
As much as her arrival in the world had hurt me , it wasnt her fault .
You dont get to choose your parents .
Beth used to say that all the time when we were teenagers .
Lucy was still my niece , still a Segretto , still part of the family .
She must be around six by now .
Id spent so many years trying to pretend she didnt exist , but now I was curious to meet her .
Did she know about me ? Had her parents already poisoned her little mind against me , or was there a possibility of a relationship ? I turned to Rachel , who was sitting ramrod straight in a slick business suit , her blond hair perfectly coiffed , even after an international flight .
What do six year old girls want for Christmas ? She looked up from her phone with a bland expression , as if to remind me that she wasnt exactly the maternal type .
I dont know .
A pony ? I shook my head .
If the kid wanted a pony , I could buy her one , complete with the bar and a groom .
But I knew my b brother wouldnt approve .
He would see any lavish gift as an attempt to undermine him , to buy the kids love and favor .
Yeah was thinking of something smaller .
Dolls ? A teddy bear ? Is this a rhetorical question , or do you actually want me to pick out a gift for a kid ? Rachel was excellent if I needed to choose a present for a host , or a special guest , or a farewell gift for one of my short term relationships .
If it was jewelry , a designer bag , perfumes , even gifts for men , she had exquisite taste .
But shopping for a kid ? I shook my head .
Shes my niece .
I should pick out something myself .
Rachel arched a perfectly waxed eyebrow in my direction .
She was aware I had a niece , but this was probably the first time Id ever brought the kid up in conversation , We passed through Townline and continued toward the mountains .
The taller peaks were home to several downhill ski resorts .
However , Mountain Top actually sat on a lesser peak so insignificant that it had no official name .
It was a small , but exclusive resort popular with outdoor enthusiasts .
perched on the shores of a small lake adjacent to the national forest .
it had been a popular destination for Hollywood elite , politicians , and other wealthy people who wanted low key family fun back in the 80s .
Swimming , boating , hiking and horseback riding in the summers , cross country skiing , ice skating , and horse drawn sleigh rides in the winter Unfortunately, the facilities hadnt been updated or improved much since then .
The main lodge looked tired and old , and the rental chalets were in even worse condition .
The aging owners hadnt kept up with the property , or the changing times , and the rustic charm of the place had faded into Chapter 5 rbscurity The parking lot hasnt been plowed , salted or sanded , I pointed out as The hotel has been closed since the sale , Rachel pointed out .
But I kept on most of the staff , and they knew we were coming ! s the car tires crunched over ice and snow .
I stepped out and felt the cold wind bite against my skin and blow through my thin coat .
It had been a long g time since I had experienced real winter conditions .
I would need a warmer jacket , hat , gloves , and some waterproof boots The inside of the lodge opened up to a huge fireplace , which might have been a warm, welcoming feature , adding a certain ambiance to the post and beam reception area .
If it had been lit.
And the massive floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the lake below would have been charming , if they were clean and had the sills not shown signs of rot and decay .
The young , nervous , and rather star struck receptionist checked us in and handed us the keys to our rooms .
She was dressed in jeans and a t shirt , and didnt look like she had graduated from high school yet .
I was given the executive suite , while my PA had one of the standard rooms .
Have someone bring the luggage from the car , I told the girl behind the desk , while mentally making notes of what would have to change , and who would have to go .
Starting with the kid behind the desk .
Im sure she was a nice girl , but the front end of the hotel needed a polished professional , someone with experience , possibly a degree in hospitality .
Not some kid working for minium wage .
The executive suite was the best accommodation the resort had to offer , but I found the three bedroom apartment mediocre at best .
The private balcony had gorgeous views , but the hot tub was old and out of service .
The walls needed painting and the carpet was worn and stained .
The kitchen needed to be modernized , as did the entertainment center and the seating .
I thought about pouring myself a stiff drink from the bar , but decided against it .
I had to sober up at some point , and face life head on .
The rest of my crew would arrive after Christmas .
I was bringing in my own architect and interior designer to start .
Once we had addressed the structural issues and started the remodel , I would bring in the rest of the team to hire and train the staff , work on rebranding and marketing campaigns , and create the quality experience that customers expect from the Segretto Star name .
I grabbed a water bottle and slipped off my shoes , and sat on the couch .
It might not be stylish , or new , but I would give it three stars for comfort .
I didnt move when the porter carried in my two suitcases and set them beside the door .
Id take the day to settle in , and tomorrow , I would go face my mother .