Thanks for everything, Lizzie! I hope the rest of your stay here is as adventurous as you deserve!
She read it twice. Turned it over. Nothing on the back.
“As adventurous as you deserve,” Chrisla said, reading over her shoulder. “That’s ominous.”
“Very. Am I going to wake up with frogs in my bed? Did she bring in bedbugs?” She paused. “Maybe she’s written a letter to the board to complain about what she saw in the lobby. Between Sarah and her mom.”
She hadn’t told Chrisla in detail what had occurred that day, just that it was family drama related to the past. Chrisla hadn’t pushed. But there had been whispers, of course.
“Too bad she saw it happen.”
“I know, C. I know. Maybe knowing that I saw her pee herself is going to inspire her to keep her trap shut.”
The two girls stood next to one another, neither wanting to say the quiet part out loud. Lizzie had no witnesses to what had happened on Carlson Island. But Cynthia had a whole lobby full.
Still, there was no point in fretting, because whatever Cynthia was going to do, there was nothing Lizzie could do about it now.
***
The call came in at four fifty-three.
Chrisla had stepped away for her dinner break and Lizzie picked up the front desk phone. She didn’t love working the front desk, but she only did it on occasion, to help out. Still, as soon as Chrisla came back, she was heading home. Sarah was out of town for a wedding, so Lizzie planned to spend the night eating key lime pie and watching reality tv.
Yes, it seemed they were going to pretend that Sarah hadn’t just given her mother a ridiculous amount of money to make sure she stayed quiet.
And was likely going to do it again.
The phone ripped her from her thoughts.
“Carlson Seaside Resort. Lizzie speaking. How can I help?”
“Is this Lizzie Wakefield?” A woman’s voice. Pleasant, warm, professional. “Hi Lizzie, this is Sandra Reyes with the Key West Gazette. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?”
“Not at all. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I’m writing a feature piece on the spring break programming at the Carlson. It’s been getting quite a bit of buzz, especially after that tropical storm party on the island.” A light laugh. “That went viral in all the right ways.”
Lizzie felt herself relax slightly. “It was pretty wild. We got lucky with how it all turned out.”
“You certainly did. The photos were everywhere. I actually wanted to talk to you specifically because from what I understand, you’ve been instrumental in organizing a lot of the events.”
“Sarah’s been leading everything. I’ve just been helping coordinate.”
“Right, but Sarah Barnes has been GM for years. And so far, the programming has been averaging at best. Now with you there, it’s all changed. That’s not a coincidence. You brought fresh energy.”
Lizzie felt a small flush of pride. “I mean, I’ve had some ideas. Sarah’s been really open to trying new things.”
“She’s lucky to have you. How much longer are you in Key West?”
“Two more weeks.”
“That’s wonderful. And you’re enjoying the internship?”
“I love it here. The island, the hotel, the work. It’s been amazing.”
“I’m so glad to hear that. Sarah Barnes must be a great mentor.” A pause, casual. “What’s she like to work with?”
“She’s incredible. Professional, smart, cares about every detail.”
