“Can we talk about something else?” She stirred her tea again even though the sugar had long dissolved.
“Yes, we can.” Eleanor bobbed her head. “Are your bookings up at all?”
She frowned. “They are up a bit. Or at least we’re not getting as many cancellations. Why?”
“I heard that Seaside Inn isn’t filling up like they’d hoped. They’ve gotten some poor reviews online about their service.” Eleanor smiled. “Beverly told me there’s even a couple of reviews saying their beds are horrible and impossible to get a good night’s sleep on. Oh, and complaints their whirlpool tubs aren’t working.”
“Oh, I hadn’t heard anything about it.”
“See, you just keep doing what you do here at Bayside. The guests will come. You’ve got the nicest place to stay on the island.”
“But I don’t have anything fancy here like whirlpool tubs or wine bars.”
“You don’t need them. It seems the people coming to Magnolia Key like more of an old Florida feel. Why do you think Anna Maria Island and Sanibel are so popular? They’ve tried hard to keep some of that same old Florida atmosphere instead of lining all the beaches with high-rises like Miami and Tampa. People like what you offer.”
“I am glad to see my occupancy rise, I admit.”
“Now, you just have to get someone to help you. It’s silly to try and run this B&B all alone.”
“I have for years.”
“Yes, but you don’t have to, you know.”
After Eleanor left, Darlene went out to get the dining room ready for breakfast tomorrow. The more work she could do today, the easier the breakfast rush would be for her to handle alone tomorrow.
She adjusted the white hydrangeas in the crystal vases, centering them just so on each table. The familiar motions of setting out plates and silverware filled her evening, a rhythm she’d perfected over the years. The clink of silverware echoed in the quiet room.
“There you are.” Mrs. Clifton’s voice carried from the doorway. “I hoped I’d catch you before turning in.”
She placed the last fork down. “Is everything all right with your room?”
“Oh yes, perfect as always.” Mrs. Clifton stepped into the dining room, her gray hair neatly styled despite the late hour. “I wanted to let you know I’ve made my decision. I’m staying on Magnolia Key.”
“That’s wonderful news.” She moved to the next table, spreading a fresh tablecloth.
“Now I just need to find the right place to live.” Mrs. Clifton smoothed her hand over the back of a chair. “I heard Felicity left for California.”
“Yes, she did.” Darlene focused on arranging the napkins, trying to keep her voice steady.
“You must be missing her already.” Mrs. Clifton paused. “Have you considered hiring someone part-time to help? I noticed you’re doing everything yourself now.”
She straightened. “You’re the second person to suggest that today. And you both might be right. It would be nice to have an extra pair of hands, especially during breakfast service.”
“Well, if you decide to look for someone, I’d love to be considered to work here. I even have some experience. I used to work in a small inn. I could help out with whatever you needed. Breakfast, getting rooms ready, checking people in.” Mrs. Clifton smiled. “This place is special. I’d love to work here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive.”
“In that case, you’re hired. And if you want it, there’s a small studio apartment on the first floor. It’s not much. It does have a small kitchenette in it, though you’re free to use the full kitchen. You can stay there as long as you like, or until you find somewhere else you’d rather stay.”
“Oh, that sounds perfect.” Mrs. Clifton’s eyes lit up. “I’ll move my things tomorrow if that’s okay with you.”
“It sounds wonderful.”
“I’ll be downstairs first thing tomorrow and you can start showing me the ropes.”
“I’ll see you in the morning, then.”
