The Hotel Page 13

  “I think I can do that.”

  Chapter 18

  “Any fun plans for tonight?” It was five of two on Tuesday and Marco had arrived to relieve Andrea at the concierge desk.

  Andrea grinned. “I’m off to learn golf.”

  “No kidding? You’re taking lessons? I didn’t know you golfed.”

  She laughed. “I’ve never picked up a club before. But I’ve been meaning to learn. A new friend is giving me a lesson.”

  Marco raised his eyebrows. “I see. So, you have a date!”

  “I’m not sure about that. For now, it’s a lesson and we’ll see.” She’d love for it to be an actual date, but she didn’t think that was how Ben was thinking of it. He was just being nice. But maybe once they spent some time together…

  “Well, have fun.”

  “I will, thanks. Do you golf?” She knew he liked to surf.

  “I love golfing. My brother and I like to hit the links for a round when our schedules match up. Anytime you want to play, let me know.”

  Andrea knew playing golf with Marco would be fun.

  “I will. Once I figure out what I’m doing.”

  Andrea headed home to shower and change. She was meeting Ben at the driving range at three thirty. She’d already bought a set of starter clubs and loaded them in her car.

  It was a warm day, so she went with a pale blue sleeveless golf shirt and tan shorts. She didn’t have golf shoes and didn’t think it really mattered for the driving range, so she just wore sneakers. She tied her hair back in a ponytail and added a hot pink visor to block the sun. A quick swipe of lip gloss and she was ready to go.

  She arrived at the driving range right on time and Ben was already there. He waved as she drove in and she quickly parked, grabbed her clubs and walked over to him.

  “I hope you weren’t waiting long,” she said.

  Ben smiled the big, easy smile that had caught her interest at the cookout.

  “I just got here a minute ago. You’re right on time. Are you ready to go?”

  He led the way, and they found a good spot to hit from.

  “I’m surprised it’s not more crowded,” Andrea commented. There were only a few others there hitting balls.

  “It’s too nice of a day. People are out on the course. It’s usually busier in the morning.”

  “Oh, that makes sense.”

  “Okay, so first thing. This is how to hold your club.” Ben demonstrated the proper way to grip and hold the club. He checked Andrea’s positioning and had her move her hands down a bit.

  “So, you want to keep your arms straight, but not locked straight, if that makes sense.” He showed her what he meant and then she tried to do the same.

  “Good! Okay, now we try to hit the ball.” He hit a few to show her the way to swing and then he had her try it.

  “Remember head down, arms straight.” She swung and missed and felt like an idiot.

  “Don’t worry about that. Everyone does it. Keep your feet flat. You came up on your toes that time. Did you feel it?”

  She hit again and again and again. Just when she thought she had it, her next hit would be awful.

  “This is a frustrating game,” she said.

  Ben laughed. “It can be. It’s as much a mental game as a physical one. The more you hit, the more you play the game, the easier it will get and the better you’ll play.”

  They hit balls for about an hour and by the end of it, Andrea was hitting much better. Her balls didn’t go anywhere near as far as Ben’s did, but they were going straighter, which he said was a good thing.

  “Let’s work on our short game now and our putting.” Ben showed her how to hit with her different clubs and how to chip, pitch and putt. It was a lot, but Andrea had fun learning and Ben was encouraging.

  When they finished up, Andrea got up her courage to ask if he wanted to grab a bite to eat. “On me, of course. I’d love to thank you for the lesson.”

  Ben hesitated for a moment before smiling and agreeing. “How can I say no to that. You did really great today. We’re not far from the club I belong to. Want to go have a drink there?” he suggested.

  “Sure.” Andrea had driven by Nantucket’s newest golf club a million times but had never been there. She’d always been curious about what it would be like. She knew it was very expensive to join, something crazy like a million-dollar initiation fee. Way out of her budget. She’d suggested to her grandfather once that he should join for the family and he laughed at the idea. He was a wealthy man but told her that was a ridiculous amount of money and he didn’t like golfing, anyway.

  Andrea followed Ben down the road to the club. They parked and he led the way into the restaurant/bar area. They sat outside on the patio because it was gorgeous out. When their waitress came, Andrea ordered a margarita and Ben got a draft beer. “What are you in the mood for?” Ben asked. “They have great nachos and club sandwiches here.”

  “Both sound good.” They decided to share a platter of nachos and a turkey club sandwich. It was plenty of food. While they ate, they chatted about the people they both knew.

  “Mia and Izzy are great neighbors. I had a crush on Mia when we first met, but I don’t think she ever saw me that way. She’d also met Sam and they really hit it off.”

  “Are you dating anyone now?” Andrea asked. She was curious if he’d mention Paula.

  “I just ended a relationship before I came back here for the season. I’m dating here and there, but nothing serious. What about you?”

  “I was engaged until about a year ago. I’d dated Steve for six years and we got engaged because we were tired of people asking about it. It was the logical next step, but I don’t think either of us really wanted to do it. He’s a great guy. But we probably should have ended it way sooner. Sometimes it’s just easier to coast along than to deal with a breakup.”

  Ben nodded. “I can see that. How far did you get with wedding planning?”

  “Not far at all. I realized when I started making lists of everything I needed to do that I just wasn’t excited about any of it. I see brides here all the time who are obsessed with every last detail of their weddings. And I just wasn’t feeling it. I dreaded having to do it, to be honest. That’s when I realized it would be a mistake to go on. I talked to Steve and he was surprised at first, but mostly relieved.”

  “Good you realized it before it was too late,” Ben said.

  “I know. Funny thing is Steve got married last month. He met someone a few months after we broke up and they got engaged six months later.”

  Ben grinned at that. “I think when you know, you know.”

  Andrea laughed. “Right. It shouldn’t take six years to figure it out.”

  They chatted easily as they finished their drinks. Ben was funny and had her laughing with some of his stories. He was an adventurer and loved to travel and to sail.

  “Last year, I rode on a friend’s boat for the Figawi race. That was a blast. Have you ever done that?”

  “Yes, once. Steve’s boss raced in the Figawi every year and the first year we were dating, we both got to go. It was really something. Did you do it again this year?”

  “No. He didn’t race this year. I went to all the parties here, though. That was fun.”

  “I’m sure it was. It’s always a fun weekend.” That was another thing she liked about Ben. He was social and outgoing, like she was. She was glad she’d suggested the golf lesson. She couldn’t get a read, though, on if Ben was attracted to her at all. He had the kind of personality where he was charming and flirtatious with all women in a fun way. But it made it harder to tell if he just thought of her as a friend.

  When they finished up, and the waiter cleared their table, Andrea asked him for the check. He seemed startled by the request at first then glanced at Ben. “There is no check. Ben has a house account here.”

  “Oh, okay.” When he walked away, Andrea turned to Ben, “I wanted to treat you.”

  He flashed her that smile.
“Sorry. You’re actually doing me a favor, though, by coming here. I have to spend a certain amount at the restaurant every month as part of my membership. So, it just went toward that.”

  “Okay. Well, thank you, then.”

  They walked out and when they reached their cars, Ben asked, “So, think you’re up for an actual round on the golf course soon?”

  “Do you think I’m ready for that?” Andrea was a little nervous and wondered if she needed more time on the driving range first.

  “The best way to learn how to play golf is to play golf. I can take you through and give you some pointers as we go. If you’re interested.”

  “Oh, I’m definitely interested!”

  Chapter 19

  David noticed that Paula had been a little cold towards him since their meeting where he gave her the feedback that she needed to be firmer with the people she managed. He could immediately tell that he’d upset her, and knew she was sensitive and had been worried about moving into the role to begin with. He thought he was helping, though, so she could try and improve and develop her management skills.

  He’d been encouraged when he saw Michelle in her office not long after their chat and took it as a good sign that she was making an effort already to improve. He’d nodded and smiled but she’d simply turned and went back into her office. And since then, she’d been a little distant toward him. And he didn’t like it.

  He realized he’d enjoyed their interactions. Paula was smart, and they both enjoyed analyzing data and using it to guide their decisions. And they’d had fun working on the Taste of the Town event together. She’d made him laugh with her stories about nightmare brides and though he didn’t talk about the situation with his mother much, when he did, Paula was a good listener.

  So, he was determined to get back into her good graces. His opportunity came when he ran into her brother Nick in the kitchen. David had a question about logistics for the Taste of the Town event and Nick had the answer. He was also finishing up a day shift and had the night off.

  “What are you doing tonight? A few of us are going out for drinks after work. You should come.”

  “That sounds good to me. Where and when?” David hadn’t been out for after work drinks yet with anyone.

  “We’re meeting up at five thirty or so at the outside bar.”

  “I’ll see you then. Maybe I’ll see if I can get Paula to join us.”

  Nick laughed. “Great idea. Tell her it’s been too long since she’s come out with us.”

  “I will.”

  David went back to his office and finished up what he was working on. At a quarter past five, he knocked on Paula’s door.

  “Come on in.”

  He pushed the door open. Paula had a spreadsheet up on her computer screen, one pencil in her hand and another stuck in her hair. It was all twisted up into a knot and the pencil held it in place.

  “Nice hair-do,” he teased her. She didn’t wear her hair like that outside of her office.

  She laughed. “I know it probably looks ridiculous. But when I’m focusing on something, I don’t even realize I do it— I twist my hair up and off my face and grab whatever is handy to secure it.

  “It looks cute.”

  “Thanks. Did you want something?”

  “Yeah. I ran into your brother a little while ago and he invited me out for drinks with him and a few others. He said you should come, too, and that it’s been too long since you last went out with them.”

  Paula smiled. “He’s right. It has been too long. I guess I could go for one drink. What time?”

  “I’m heading down in fifteen minutes. I can come get you then.”

  “Perfect.”

  At five thirty sharp he knocked on Paula’s door again. Her messy bun was gone, and her hair was down and straight and shiny. Her computer was already shutting down. She stood and grabbed her purse, and they made their way downstairs.

  Nick was already at the bar, sitting next to Marco and Andrea. David sensed Paula hesitate when she saw Andrea. He made a point to sit next to Nick so when Paula sat, she’d be as far away from Andrea as possible. Andrea simply nodded when she saw them and went back to talking to Marco.

  David ordered a draft beer when Frank, the bartender, came over and Paula got a chardonnay.

  “So, how did your day go?” Nick asked. “We were busy in the kitchen. Lunches have been slammed lately. Although today wasn’t exactly a beach day, so that helps.”

  On better weather days, guests at the hotel sometimes got lunches to go, but usually were out and about, either on the beach or sightseeing and so lunch service usually wasn’t all that busy. But on a cloudy or rainy day, it was different.

  “We’ve been working on a few things. The Taste of the Town event is keeping us pretty busy. I think it will be a fun event and good for the hotel.”

  Nick nodded. “I’m excited for it, too. Roland is letting me handle it and decide what to offer. I’ve been tossing around a few ideas for appetizers. We’ll do our seafood chowder, of course.”

  “Will you do an entree sample, too?” Paula asked.

  “Yes. I’m leaning toward short ribs with rosemary mashed potatoes. And maybe some kind of seafood for the appetizer.”

  “That sounds like a good combination,” David agreed. “Some people don’t like seafood and just about everyone likes beef.”

  “It’s one of our most popular dishes,” Nick added.

  “Bella’s sister, Julia, seems nice. Are you going to do something special for their tasting? Paula asked.

  “Her sister is great. We closed the bar last night. They’re both fun to talk to.”

  “I chatted with Bella a bit before you got there. She seemed excited to see you again,” Paula added.

  David noticed that Nick seemed both embarrassed and pleased to hear it.

  “Yeah, I was happy to run into her, too. I’m still working out what I’m going to make for them, but it will be impressive.”

  Paula laughed. “I know it will be. I wonder what they are up to tonight?”

  “She said they were going into town today to do some shopping and eat tonight somewhere on the water. Maybe the Straight Wharf.”

  “Nick, what do you think about this?” Andrea asked.

  Nick turned his attention to his cousin and Marco, and David turned to Paula, who was sipping her wine and looking around. The two guys that were the night’s entertainment seemed like they were almost ready to start playing.

  “Are they good?” David glanced at the two musicians.

  “They are. It’s vacation music, lots of Jimmy Buffett, that kind of thing.”

  “It really is a great spot. I almost feel like I’m on vacation, too, sitting outside here.” He was glad to see that got a smile out of Paula.

  “I know. I really feel lucky to live here year-round. It’s such a beautiful spot.”

  “So, where do you go on vacation? Do you have anything fun planned?”

  “I haven’t gone anywhere in a while. Last year I just relaxed at home and caught up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while. I’ve thought about going to Europe, though. I’ve never been there, and we have some relatives in London, so that might be fun.”

  “London’s great. All of Europe, actually. I’d love to go back, especially to Italy. The food and wine there are so good.”

  “That sounds fun, too. Maybe I should do two weeks and fit more in.”

  “When are you planning this vacation?”

  “Probably not until the fall. It starts to slow down here in October so that might be a good time. Until then, I’ll just take some days here and there, and make long weekends. What about you?”

  He hadn’t given vacation a thought. Until Alvin offered this consulting role, David had thought he’d be using some of his vacation time to visit his family.

  “I don’t know. I like to ski so maybe later this year I’ll do that somewhere.”

  “Paula? Is that you?” David and Paula both turned to see an ol
der, elegantly-dressed woman with a silver-gray bob standing in front of them.

  “Mrs. Ferguson? We missed you last year. It’s so good to see you.”

  “It’s good to be here. I had some pesky health issues last year but I’m fit as a fiddle now and so glad to be back.” An older man joined her. He was holding a cardboard to-go box.

  “Well, that’s good to hear. Did you just have dinner?”

  “Yes, and everything was just marvelous, as usual. I ran into your grandfather earlier today and he told us about your promotion. Congratulations, dear. We both think you’ll do a fabulous job.”

  “Thank you, both. David, this is Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson. They’ve been coming to The Whitley every year for as long as I can remember. David is consulting with us.”

  “Lovely to meet you,” Mrs. Ferguson said. “Well, we’re on our way back to our room. I just saw you and wanted to say a quick hello.”

  “Thank you. It’s so good to see you both.”

  They left and David smiled at Paula. “You have some fans there.”

  She laughed. “They are sweethearts and they have been coming here forever. I worried when we didn’t see them last year.”

  “You know a lot of the guests?” David was impressed that she remembered them so well.

  “Yes. That’s one of the first things Grandfather taught me. We want to treat these people like they are all guests in our home. It’s easy to do as most of them are like the Fergusons, just nice people. And so interesting. People come from all over the world to stay here.”

  “Little things like that, remembering people by name, makes such an impression,” David said. “I think that’s the key to success in any service business. When people feel valued and welcome, they want to come back and tell their friends.”

  “Exactly.” Paula smiled and reached for her wine. “How’s your mother doing?” she asked.

  “She’s doing better, both physically and mentally. My father hired a woman around her age to stay with her in the afternoons so he can go to the office. She likes the company and he really needs the break.”