I focus back on the moment.
“Coffee, would be lovely, thank you. A strong latte.”
My server smiles. “I’ll be right back. Please help yourself to whatever you’d like at the buffet.”
I take in my surroundings. The buffet is split into different areas. Fresh, hot, chilled, fruit, cereals, and pastries. There’s something for everyone.
I get up and move towards each section, eavesdropping on guest conversations as they discuss the food and their rooms, and listen to see if anything is off. The FHG has built its reputation on customer excellence. We’ve only just acquired this hotel, and although a team has been on site for the transition, I want to check everything is in order.
“Still in CEO mode?”
I jump slightly at the voice next to my ear. I turn my head to see a very refreshed and smiling Jax.
“I told you yesterday, I’m here to work.”
“You’re going to make yourself ill.”
He tuts.
My mind wanders back to one of my last GP appointments, where they said the same thing after my blood pressure was elevated.
I shrug.
“Have you eaten?” I ask.
“No,” he says.
“Would you care to join me?” I ask, before I can stop myself.
Jax’s eyes light up as a smile breaks.
“Thank you,” he says, grabbing himself a plate and piling on a number of the delicious-looking fresh pastries.
My mouth waters at the sight, but instead I move to the fresh fruit counter. Piling up on pineapple, melon, and dragon fruit. I grab a Greek yoghurt from the chill counter and make my way back to the table.
Jax arrives at the same time as my waiter with my drink.
“An iced coffee, please,” Jax says when asked.
“Certainly, sir.”
“How did you sleep?” Jax asks when we’re finally alone.
I look up, “Very well, thank you. You?”
“Like the dead,” he says.
It takes me back to another time and a place. It was Jax’s favourite saying. He always slept like the dead. It’s why I was so surprised he woke up last night while I was moving.
“What are your plans for today?” I ask.
“I’ve been for a swim, the water around here is amazing, definitely a selling point for swimmers.”
I make another mental note.
“Once I’ve finished breakfast, I’m going to go through everything we discussed at dinner. I had some additional ideas while I was swimming that I’d like to run through with you. But, before I do that, I want to be able to show you something concrete.”
He places a small slice of each of the pastries onto a side plate and pushes it towards me.
