They walked past reception toward the bar.
“Yes, she will. I’ll eat there before I leave for the day.”
“You’re pathetic.”
“But handsome with it.” He followed her through the door. Music and the hum of voices greeted them.
“They’re over there by the windows,” Maggie said, finding her friends.And what a set of windows, she thought. The bar was an extension of the entire inside of the lodge with stone hearths and paneled walls. She saw the artwork Ted had sourced through her dotted around the place too. In here, part of the roof was glass so in the winter months guests could sit in the warmth and watch snow fall. And there were views outside on the decks that took your breath away.
They joined the others. The Trainers, Pip, Rory, Bailey, Dylan, they were all here. Plus Ted and Mandy, and of course Fin.
Dressed in tan chinos and a blue shirt, he looked good—more than, actually. She tried to move around the table to slot in beside someone else, but they nudged her back until she and Nash were between Fin and Ted.
“What will you have?” Ted asked. “I’ll get the first drinks.”
They all gave their orders to him.
“How will he remember all of them?” Piper asked when Ted didn’t write anything down.
“He never forgets anything.” Mandy sighed. “It’s really annoying.”
She looked good, Maggs thought. Happy, and it suited her. Confident too, which Mandy had never been. Life was a strange thing—it was like she and Mandy had switched places.
“I just noticed that sign.” Joe pointed to above the bar. “What the hell is that about, Teddy Bear?”
As one, they all turned, and there it was, a banner that said, A Dance From The Past.
Maggs looked back at Ted. He was uncomfortable, not a natural state for the powerhouse businessman.
“We’re trying a few themed nights. The guests and staff we’ve spoken to are excited,” Mandy said. “Ted’s not.”
“This is her idea,” Ted said.
“And you listened?” Jack whistled. “This place was the beacon of class and normality in this crazy town. You’ve just ruined it, bud.”
“It’ll be great.” Mandy looked excited, her man resigned. “Really.”
“So what’s the era? Do we have to dress up?” Luke asked.
“So far, the sixties has the most votes with the staff.” Ted looked like his shorts were too tight. “We’ll put up the details next week, as the night is two weeks from Saturday.”
Ted sighed.
“It will be great, you’ll see.” Mandy patted her man’s hand. He turned his over and grabbed hers, closing her fingers inside.
“We’ll see” was all he said.
“Lola’s here, Fin, and has her friends with her.”
Fin straightened. His eyes shot to where three women approached, then to Maggie.
“Who is Lola?” Bailey asked.
“Fin and Lola enjoy each other’s company whenever she’s in town,” Jack said with a smirk.
“Yes, thanks, Jack, I’m sure everyone needed to know that.” Fin glared at his friend.
Two blondes and a brunette were heading their way. The brunette looked familiar to Maggie.
