“As you can see, the location is pristine.” Rose gestured toward the windows and the ocean beyond.
“It used to be a bustling town,” Pearl added.
“Back in your grandmother’s day, this hotel was hopping.” Leena picked another cookie from the plate.
“And we want to help you bring it back to the way it used to be. Your grandmother wanted that.” Rose’s tone had a note of finality, as if they had no other choice.
“And for the money, we know someone down at the Shell Cove bank, and it might be a good idea to consider a loan,” Pearl said.
“We were just taking about that,” Jules said.
“That leaves the question of bringing tourists back to town.” Leena tapped at the day planner. “You seem very organized. Maybe we could use your skills to help with planning that, if you don’t mind.”
Maddie’s eyes shone. “Mind? I’d love it. When do we start?”
“First, let’s take care of the issues with the motel. I can introduce one of you to our contact at the bank and put in a good word if you want,” Pearl said.
Gina and Maddie looked at Jules. At the Surfstone, she’d always been the one to handle finances and bookkeeping.
“I’ll do it,” Jules said.
Rose took her mug to the sink. “Good. We’ll swing by to pick you up tomorrow at nine?”
They escorted the ladies out and watched them get into an old Dodge Dart.
Pearl rolled down her window to talk to them. “Enjoy your rooms. They’re rooms nine, ten, and eleven. We hope Ellie, the cleaner, has them made up to your satisfaction.”
The three cousins watched them drive off.
“At least we have a little bit of help from someone in town,” Maddie said. “And it was nice of them to have the place cleaned and to bring the basket of food.”
Jules yawned. “Not to mention getting rooms set up for us. Let’s go check them out. It’s been a long day, and I’m beat.”
* * *
Rose glancedin her rearview mirror as she drove away from the motel. “I think that went well, don’t you?”
In the passenger seat, Pearl nodded. “They are a lot more willing to get the motel going than I thought they would be. Especially Maddie. Rena was right about her. She does have an aptitude for organization.”
“Maybe Gina wasn’t so hot on the idea,” Leena said from the back.
“Rena said Gina might be a bit of trouble. Rena seemed to think Gina’s lost her way.”
“Maddie is exactly what we need for the town planner job, but I think you might be rushing her a bit, Rose. Remember, we agreed to go slowly.” Pearl glanced at her friend. “We don’t want her to get spooked and bolt.”
“Point taken,” Rose said. “I just got excited.”
“I’m sure everything will work out. I hope the bank will see fit to give them a loan,” Pearl said. “You know how Henry can be.”
“That’s why we’re not taking her to Henry. We’re going to take her to Nick.” Rose smiled slyly. “I think she and Nick will get along just great.”
Pearl narrowed her eyes at Rose. “Are you trying to fix them up?”
“No, but if it works out that way…”
Leena perked up in the back seat. “Sounds like this is ripe for a bet.”
The three were known to place wagers among themselves on certain topics.
