“What’s the difference between Key West and Stock Island?”
“Stock Island is technically separate, but it’s right next to Key West. You drove past it on the bus. It’s where the actual working people live. Key West is where the tourists and the rich folks hang out.”
They drove past a marina and seafood restaurants, the landscape shifting from polished resort town to something more industrial. Carlos kept up a steady stream of information about the area, pointing out good places to eat and where to rent bikes.
“So you’re head of maintenance?” Lizzie asked, looking to keep the conversation going.
“Yep. Been with the Carlson since it opened. Before that I was in Colorado running maintenance at one of Billy’s ski properties. And like I said, California before that.”
“Billy was Sarah’s husband?”
“That’s right. Good man. We all miss him.”
Lizzie hesitated. “Sarah seems pretty intense.”
Carlos laughed. “That’s one word for her. She’s my best friend, so I might be biased, but she’s brilliant at her job. Just doesn’t have a lot of patience for incompetence.”
“Right,” she mumbled, telling herself to try her hardest not to make a fool of herself again like she had earlier with the accommodations.
They stopped in front of what had clearly been a motel at some point, and he handed her a key. “You’re up the stairs, first one on the corner. You have it to yourself which is nice. Some of the others share. Right, so the shuttle will be here at quarter till seven in the morning. There are some bikes in the back you can use. Best way to get around unless you want a scooter.”
Lizzie gulped. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get around yet. She hadn’t thought about it. And she definitely hadn’t ridden a bike in years.
“Is there a bus?”
“Sure is.” He smiled. “There’s an info folder on your bed. Don’t worry. It’ll be alright.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m always right. Ask my wife. Actually, don’t. She’ll tell you she’s always right.”
“She works here too?”
“Yup, head of housekeeping. Esmeralda Diaz.” He paused at the door. “One piece of advice? Don’t judge Sarah too harshly. She’s dealing with a lot right now. Give her a chance.”
“I will. And thanks for the ride.”
After he left, Lizzie sat on the bed in her new temporary room and looked around. Plain walls, basic furniture, a window that looked out at the parking lot. Not exactly the tropical paradise she’d imagined.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Maya:How’s Key West??? Living your best life yet???
Lizzie typed back:Ran into Cynthia!
CYNTHIA IS THERE??? Are you kidding me?
Unfortunately not.
Damn, that’s some bad luck. At least she won’t be there the whole time you’re there.
I suppose. My boss thinks I’m an idiot too because I thought I was staying at the hotel. Nope. I’m in some old motel on the next island over.
Oh…well. I thought that was a fair assumption also….
Well, at least Maya agreed with her…She set down her phone and stared at the ceiling. Six weeks. That’s how long she had to not only prove she was not just some nepo baby who got this gig through connections.
She was going to show Sarah Barnes that she could do this job. And she would definitely, totally not spend any time thinking about her new boss’ insane curves or kissable mouth.
Nope.
