“Yes, I’ve given up on trying to have them in the same room, but there’s no reason they need to talk anymore so I think that will be the end of it anyway. Good news is, Diego might have another job for me.” Lisa smiled. “I didn’t want to tell you at first because I have no idea if it’s actually going to happen, but he wants me to have a look at a hostel in Sitges as he’s thinking of expanding his portfolio there.”
“Oh my God, really?” Stella slammed a hand in front of her mouth. “And he wants to work with you again?”
“Possibly, if it’s got enough potential to make a decent profit.” Lisa held up a hand. “But let’s not celebrate just yet; it can go either way. I’m hoping this hostel will be suitable as that would work to my advantage, we’ll see. It can be a hit and miss with any place but I want to be honest, not just go with it because it will give me a way in.”
“Of course. I know you take pride in your job.” Stella squeezed her hand. “When are you going?”
“I’m waiting to hear from the owner; he’s coming down from Barcelona to walk me through the building and premises. Want to come along if you’re free?”
“I’m off during the poolside renovation, so I’ll definitely come. And I promise I won’t get excited just yet, but it’s a good sign, right?”
“Yes, I’d be so delighted with that job and hopefully more projects in future. It’s quite a long drive, but I figured that if I do get the job, I can be there two to three days a week and stay at the site. I think I can cope with being away from you two nights a week.” Lisa shot her a seductive smile. “Maybe.”
“It’s a fair compromise to have you close.” Lisa’s smile made Stella’s knees go weak and the hopeful news filled her with excitement.
“How’s work with you?” Lisa asked. “Is that upcoming event keeping you busy?”
“It’s more work than I expected,” Stella said. “But the organisers are on top of everything and they’re very nice, so it’s actually a lot of fun to do in between dealing with poolside drama. The event is sold out, but they gave me two day tickets in case you want to come.” Stella turned to check on the dogs and called Meatball, who had decided to wander in the opposite direction. “There will be live music, games, speed dating… Just a bit of fun.”
“I think I will. I’ll have to keep an eye on you if there are going to be two-hundred ladies lusting after the poolside manager. I imagine you’ll be very popular.”
Stella laughed, put an arm around Lisa’s waist and pulled her in. “Babe, you know you don’t have to worry about that. But I’d love you to come. And maybe Marcy wants to come too, so you won’t have to go alone?”
“Hmm… yes, I might ask her.” Lisa shot her a sideways grin. “So, you trust me with Marcy now?”
“What do you mean?” Stella quirked a brow. “I’ve always trusted you.”
“Come on. I know you weren’t too keen on me hanging out with her at first, with her being such a womaniser and all. But I can assure you, there’s no attraction whatsoever from either side. I’ve even dropped her off at her dates a couple of times after work. God, that woman has a new lady several times a week. Locals, tourists…”
Stella chuckled. “Yeah, she’s quite something. And I’ll admit I was convinced she’d hit on you at first, but I’m not worried anymore, I promise. In fact, I like Marcy and I think we should invite her over for my end of season barbecue along with some of my staff.”
“That would be nice. Maybe we should invite Zoe too,” Lisa joked.
71
Stella waited until her team members were gathered around the bar, then sat down with her coffee behind it. “Thanks for coming, everyone. I just wanted to fill you in on what’s happening in the coming weeks.”
“Yes, whatishappening?” one of the animation team members asked. “I heard they’re doing the pool.”
“Yes, it’s a poolside overhaul. Tiling work, mainly, and they’re bringing in new furniture and sprucing up the tiki bars. As you know, we’ll be hosting a women’s weekend after the refurbishment; a three-day women-loving-women event. It’s sold out and expectations are high.” She shook her head and laughed when some of the staff started cheering. “You can all help set up three days before the event and you’ll have full-time shifts during the event. Everyone okay with that?”
Her team mumbled their agreement, and there was some giggling coming from the female staff.
“Are we allowed to flirt?” Florence asked.
“I didn’t know you were into women,” Manuel said, arching a brow at her.
“I swing both ways.” Florence shrugged. “Don’t mind a cute girl at all.”
Stella chuckled. “Okay, whatever way you swing, let’s be clear on one thing. No, you are not allowed to flirt. Your shifts during this event will be no different from any other shift, so stay professional. That means no flirting and no personal interaction with guests.”
“Says the pool manager who moved one of our guests into her home,” Florence shot back at her.
“Don’t be cheeky with me, that’s different.” Stella knew very well that it was no different and although she wished they would stop joking about it, she also felt a smug sense of pride. “Now, let’s talk about the entertainment. There will be no aqua aerobics classes but instead we’re having a welcome pool party with a DJ on the Friday and on Saturday there will be live music by the poolside and karaoke towards the end of the night. On Sunday we’re having an outdoor brunch; the kitchen staff will prepare paella over an open fire, which will be served with fresh bread and salads. The event organisers have also arranged activities throughout the day which you’ll assist with; I can update you on those once I have the final schedule.”
“What about the bar?” Florence asked. “I’ve been asking for bar shifts for weeks and they’re going to need help with so many thirsty women.” She shot Dave a wink and grinned.
“Yes, I’m happy for you to help the bar team,” Stella said. “The drinks menu will be limited, offering only three tailored cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea. That way we won’t have to worry about running out of stock.” She looked through her notes to make sure she hadn’t missed anything, then added; “Oh, and you’ll all get customised T-shirts or vest tops to wear; whatever you prefer.”
