‘I didn’t take you for the nervous type, not with the way you insert yourself into conflict.’ He gives me a curious look, as if changing his entire opinion about me.
My mouth opens and closes like a puffer fish before I slam it shut and consider my answer. ‘Insert myself into conflict? What on earth do you mean?’ My voice rises but I can’t help it. I’m doing my best in these unchartered waters, if you will.
‘You’re a… a… dispute enthusiast.’ He looks almost proud of himself when he finally lands on the words.
What is he on about? ‘I am no such thing.’ A dispute enthusiast! Where does he even comes up with these terms!
‘It’s not a criticism.’ He gives a lackadaisical smile, as if that helps matters.
‘You are a terrible judge of character.’
‘Am I misinformed then?’ His brows knit. ‘Have you not inserted yourself into many staff conflicts? Is it not true that you advised Joji that he’s a man-child who needs to prioritise good sleep hygiene?’
Damn it. That one is true. ‘I stand by that.’
‘And did you or did you not tell Mariola in no uncertain terms that she needs to ask for a raise?’
I gulp. ‘Ah, yes, it rings a bell. A raise is more than fair for Mariola. In my humble opinion, she’s your best staff member and woefully underappreciated.’
‘Was it also your oh-so-humble opinion that the front desk staff should demand their uniforms be changed to a more breathable fabric?’
Wow, he’s good! Either he’s got spies everywhere or above-average hearing and an ability to creep around unnoticed.
Is he implying I’m a busybody? I cough, clearing my throat so I have a minute to think – to get myself out of this trap he’s cagily walked me into. ‘Gosh, was it me who suggested it? Who can recall? But now you mention it, breathable fabrics would be best for their everyday comfort. Formal black clothing should be outlawed in a climate like this and as for the material itself – polyester! That’s akin to being swaddled in plastic wrap, like sweltering inside their own private sauna of hell, when you could easily switch it out for linen or cotton.’
‘So you admit that you did insert yourself into matters that have precisely zero to do with you?’ He’s expression is hard to read, I’m not sure how far to push the point.
I bite down on my lip. This feels suspiciously like the sort of thing Lily is always warning me about. Meddling. ‘I admit, I saw a problem and I came up with some easy solutions for the betterment of all involved. But how do you even know about these private conversations?’ If in doubt, deflect!
‘The grapevine, how else? You’re an… agitator! But is your heart in the right place, or do you just enjoy drama?’ This is touching close to home what with the Tia Amboro articles claiming that I’m an online influencer making drama for likes! Am I really an agitator or am I standing up for those who need someone loyally by their side? My heart is in the right place but maybe I do cross the line… What am I saying? He’s had me fooled playing Mr Nice Guy today.
‘Oh, come on! It’s easier for you to pigeonhole me as an agitator than admit fault. Gaslighting at its finest. You care so much about the guest experience, which is great, but what about your loyal staff who are here day in, day out, surpassing everyone’s expectations and going above and beyond to make holidays memorable, always with a smile on their faces, no matter how audacious the guests’ demands are?’
At that, he acknowledges me with a nod. ‘It might shock you to hear that I do genuinely care about resort staff and want the best for them so I can get the best from them.’
I paste on a triumphant smile. ‘Great! Then you’ll change the uniforms for the front desk staff? I’ve found a fabric supplier on the island, actually. One of the expats, Lucia, or Lucy, pointed me in the right direction. I still get the three Lucys mixed up because they all have the same white-blonde bob?—’
He stops my rambling by lifting his palm in the air. ‘Look, I enquired with the front desk staff. They assured me that they’re comfortable and so there’s no need to outlay more funds on a frivolous expense.’
I’m outraged. How can he be so dense? ‘Frivolous? Why don’t you wear one of those terrible plasticky uniforms for a few days and see? The front desk staff are not going to be honest when you ask! Newsflash, they’re intimidated by you. Might have something to do with the power strut, the glittering-eyed gaze, the way you clench your back molars…’ There’s no question this guy’s a clencher. I don’t even need The Mums to confirm this. I can clearly see it for myself, now that I’m aware such a thing exists.
‘Clench my…? Are you always this blunt?’
‘Would we call it blunt?’ Wouldn’t it be better described as honest? Attuned to other’s needs. Full of emotional intelligence, even? I keep that to myself, conscious I’m teetering on the edge. How I continue to get myself twisted up in things like this is beyond me.
‘We would.’ His gaze burns into mine, provoking a small thrill. Maybe I like living on the edge, who knows.
‘Then blunt it is.’
His gaze softens, probably because I gave in so fast, but I do have a job to protect and so I let him have this small win. ‘Right. Lock up and we’ll take this boat ride together. You can tell me about the other incidents you stuck your nose in that I haven’t heard about yet.’
My eyebrows shoot up. How does he know? ‘Not on your life. If you haven’t found out, I’m not saying a word. Although, you might want to rethink that breakages rule for staff members. It’s archaic and likely illegal.’
He shakes his head, exasperated. ‘It wasn’t meant to be a money grab, it was meant for those we knew were purposely doing the wrong thing – a chance for them to fix their mistakes without being fired. You are a real thorn in my side and I don’t quite know what to do about you.’
‘About me? I’m an asset to the resort.’
‘That remains to be seen.’
