Chip said nothing. That was a test, and Ken had failed. Despite the wide use of the star system for hotels, there was no standard for what the stars meant.

Plus, there was no accrediting body. Hotels made up their own star ratings and used whatever they felt fit best. There were some general ideas of what a four-star hotel should have, of course, but it was essentially meaningless.

Even ignoring all of this, Ken’s thinking was way off. Guests didn’t pay attention to stars nowadays. They cared more about reviews and ratings other guests left online.

Chip knew all of this because he researched it extensively. For years, he had offered discounts and free meals to their guests for completing surveys. That information was invaluable as to how to improve stays and attract more guests.

It was clear to Chip that while Ken talked a big game, he was making everything up as he went along.

“That’s a lot to think about,” Claire said. “Right now we have a staff of twelve people, and –”

Ken cut her off. “Now Claire, I’ve told you again and again. You’re either committed to this process or you’re not. You need to put the right energy into this world, and then you’ll get the right energy back.”

She stared at him and nodded. “Right. Okay.”

Ken continued. “Since we’re thinking of good energy, then this is as good a time as any to talk about some of the upcoming events at the hotel.”

Dan stopped by with their coffees, silently dropping them off. Claire sat up straighter, apparently eager to hear what Chip had to say.

Chip watched them both closely, He couldn’t help but notice that Ken made a face after taking his first sip of coffee.

Chip suppressed a smile and said, “We have a few annual events. Our next one is the Valentine’s Day dinner.”

“Excellent. Now is that a six or seven-course dinner?” asked Ken.

“Neither,” Chip said slowly. “It’s four courses. Guests choose an appetizer, an entrée, a dessert, and then a selection of cheeses, all paired with local wines and cider.”

Ken frowned. “You know, if we’re going to go for the four-star designation, you’ll have to kick that up a notch.”

“Noted.” Chip set his coffee down. “After that, we have our Easter egg hunt on the grounds.”

Claire smiled. “Oh, how sweet!”

Chip kept talking before Ken could make another comment. “Something new we’ll be adding this year is the summer Fruit Festival.”

“I think I’ve heard of that,” Claire said.

Chip smiled at her. “You might have. It used to be held at an orchard on the other side of the island. Every year it got bigger and bigger, and last year the owner asked Steve if we could start hosting it.”

“How neat!” said Claire. “How many people attend?”

“Last year there were almost five hundred.”