“Oh, come on. You’re both adults; surely this can be resolved easily.”
Marcy didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded anyway. “Okay, let’s talk. But only so you can see for yourself that it’s personal. She hates me for no reason.”
Stella laughed as she listened to their conversation. Lisa was good with people, and it was fun to see her in work mode. Sensing it was time to change the subject so the two wouldn’t get into an argument over the new chef, she picked up the food menu and studied it. “Guys, how about we order some food?” she suggested. “If we’re going to drink, we should probably have a little more than just snacks.”
62
“It’s not how I would have done it personally; we’ve wasted a bit of space, but I think it looks good and it works.” Marcy inspected the kitchen that her team had finished over the past two days while she had some time off.
“It’s not how I would have done it personally,” Zoe repeated in a nagging tone. “Let me tell you something. You’re not the one who will be working here in thirty degree heat, so it doesn’t matter how you feel about it personally. It’s essential that the dishwasher is under the window, or the poor kitchen porter will literally faint.”
“Will you two stop arguing?” Lisa was getting annoyed with them now. Last week, she’d invited them out for drinks to talk over the plans in a neutral environment, but it had ended with Zoe storming out. She’d hoped they’d be calmer today as there were no discussions to be had. They just had to check they were happy with the changes Marcy’s team had made so they could move onto the next job.
“We’re not arguing, just disagreeing,” Zoe said with a shrug.
“Well, I don’t know anything about industrial kitchens, but it looks good to me.” Lisa smiled and opened the cupboards to inspect the storage. “What’s this?” She tapped a tall stainless-steel cube that looked a little like an oven.
“That’s the rethermaliser I requested. To heat up food without drying it out.”
“I see you got your way with the three-thousand Euro machine in the end,” Marcy said cynically. “It meant we had to cut corners on the finishing in here.”
“Quality is important,” Zoe shot back at her. “Clearly not something you’re familiar with. And what have you got to do with the equipment anyway? You’re here to paint walls, not to get involved with the workings of the kitchen.”
Marcy’s eyes widened. “What did you just say? Is that what you think I do all day? Paint walls?”
“Hey, seriously, guys.” Lisa got in between them. “Let’s go outside and take a breather. I think we’re done here anyway. Marcy, it looks fantastic, please give your team a huge compliment from me. Zoe, you’ve got your thingie…” She tapped the machine, already forgotten what it was called. “And you have your porter station under the window. If you’re happy with everything, you can start hiring and training staff here.”
“Yes, I’m happy,” Zoe said, avoiding Marcy’s poisonous stare. “Thank you very much, Lisa, I appreciate your flexibility. Unlike some,” she added in a quiet mutter. “I’d better get going; I assume you don’t need me anymore?”
“No, it’s all good, thank you so much for coming in.” Lisa waved her goodbye and grabbed her handbag.
“I honestly don’t get what her problem is.” Marcy gathered her things and swung her bag over her shoulder. “She’s had it out for me since day one.”
“And you love winding her up.”
“I do not!”
“Come on, just admit it. You’re constantly giving digs, knowing very well she’s going to bite.” Lisa arched a brow at Marcy. “She’s extremely nice to your team and she’s been nothing but friendly with me so it must be something personal.”
“Bloody right it’s personal. Except I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Did you flirt with her by any chance?”
“God, no. Do you really think I just flirt with anyone? I have standards.”
“But she’s very pretty.”
“She’s hard work, that’s what she is.” Marcy groaned. “At least I won’t see her again once the job is done. I certainly won’t come here for dinner; she’d probably spit in my food.”
Lisa laughed and decided to let it go as she wasn’t getting anywhere with Marcy. “Have you finished for today?”
“Yes. I think I’ll head home and get some rest. We’re starting on the conference room tomorrow.”
“Okay. Can I give you a lift or did you drive in?” Lisa said goodbye to the builders as they walked out, and Marcy followed her. “I borrowed Stella’s car so I could get back early to walk the puppies; I’m picking her up from work later tonight.”
“Sure, if it’s not too much trouble.” Marcy grinned. “Still not found a home for them?”
“No. It’s actually more difficult than we thought. We’ve told all the local shop owners in Altea and asked them to pass it on to some of their customers who love dogs, and Stella’s asked around at work but no luck so far.”
