“Well, if he is Scrooge, we need to pray that the three ghosts visit him so that he changes his ways. Got any connections to the afterlife?”
I chuckle. “Unfortunately, no.”
I can’t help but picture myself dressed up as a ghost, sneaking into Eddie’s room and scaring the crap out of him one night. That would be so satisfying. I guess I’ll keep that card in my back pocket in case push comes to shove.
Joking, I’m just joking. I would never do that. Mostly because I would get fired for pulling a shenanigan like that on a guest. But, just the thought of it raises my spirits.
“Tomorrow is a new day,” Holly says as she rises to her feet. “Maybe you got all the turbulence out of the way on day one. Ebenezer Scrooge probably just needs a good night’s sleep on Mynt’s luxurious beds.”
“You’re right. Everyone has off days. Plus, he wasn’t feeling well. I’m sure tomorrow will be better.”
Truthfully, I’m not sure my heart believes my words yet, but, hey—the power of positivity, right? I’ve gotta keep a good attitude, especially if I want to have a shot at that bonus.
At 9 a.m. the next morning, I walk through the staff entrance at the hotel. My hair is slicked back in a bun like usual, but my outfit is not my normal pencil skirt and blazer. Today, I get to wear black slacks and a polo shirt. This outfit is the guest services equivalent of athletic wear. It’s the uniform used when supervising activities that require more movement or mess.
I’ve been up since 6 a.m., which is when I got a call from Lauren. She didn’t even acknowledge my groggy morning voice. Her first words were, “What happened with Mr. Evans yesterday?”
I explained that he hadn’t felt well, but that it was just a headache. She vented that there were some very disappointed VIP tennis fans at the Mingle and Jingle. Then she said, “To make it up to them, Mr. Mynt invited them to sit at Eddie’s table during breakfast with Santa tomorrow.”
“That’s not highlighted on his itinerary.” I have his schedule seared in my brain.
“It is now,” Lauren quipped. “Get him there. And, Maya, make sure the rest of the week goes smoothly. Mr. Mynt has reiteratedthat you are to dowhateverit takes to make sure Mr. Evans enjoys himself this week.”
I swallowed and try to sound confident. “I can do that.”
“Good. Whatever it takes,” Lauren repeated before abruptly hanging up.
I’ve worked with Lauren from time to time in the past, but never this closely. She’s always been friendly and kind. I think the stress of the Mynt to Make a Difference week is getting to her. Who could blame her though? Pulling off an event of this magnitude is a huge undertaking. And if it doesn’t go well, she’ll take the brunt of the blame.
To make sure everything goes smoothly today, I spent two hours at the community center getting everything arranged for Eddie’s tennis lessons. The nets are up, rackets out and fresh tennis balls are all lined up in their canisters. That was the easy part. Now comes the real challenge: getting Mr. Evans there.
On my way to Eddie’s room, I notice Roger in the lobby. He waves me over with his signature jolly grin. “Good morning, Maya!”
“Morning, Roger. How has your stay been so far?”
“Wonderful. Mynt Peak Resort is amazing.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.” With a slight hesitation, I ask, “How’s Mr. Evans doing? He said he had a headache yesterday.”
“Much better today. I can tell he’s excited to teach tennis lessons.”
“Really?” I’m sure I don’t hide the shock in my voice. It’s hard to imagine him being excited about anything. I quickly shift my tone. “That’s great to hear.”
Roger lifts his phone and glances at the screen. “He just texted me a moment ago saying he’s on his way down.”
“Perfect.” I stand with my shoulders back, trying to convey professional confidence. Inside, I feel like I could throw up. Why am I so nervous?
Oh that’s right, the last time I saw Eddie, I clearly upset him and he slammed the door in my face.Maya, you’re usually so great with guests. How come this guy is rattling you?
I’ll have to figure out the answer to that question later because he is strolling out of the elevator. The sight of him causes my heart to start playing the drums. Wow, he looks good in that white polo shirt. It’s peeking out beneath a black winter coat. The contrast of the bright white makes his tan skin glow. Not to mention his gray shorts that show off his extremely muscular thighs and calves. Good thing I know he’s a grump, or I might be tempted to have a crush on Eddie Evans.
“Good morning,” he says softly, making quick eye contact with me.
“Good morning, Mr. Evans. Shall we head to the car?” Did I just use the word shall? What is wrong with me?
Eddie nods while Roger replies, “We shall,” with a grin.
At least I have one fan. Roger’s cheerful personality is a godsend.
