“I didn’t know that, but it makes a lot of sense,” Reese said, having had firsthand access to all the hours that Hallie worked.
“The reality is, my family doesn’t own this inn anymore. I’m an employee, and I want to start acting like it. That doesn’t mean I don’t care or that I won’t still be an invaluable member of the team, but I need to stop letting this place be my life.”
Reese winced, thinking of all the days she’d begged off from work because something had come up with her family. “I think that’s fair. And I’m sorry if I did anything this summer to make it more difficult for you to separate yourself from the inn.”
Hallie waved her off. “I’d do anything to help Sydney, and at the heart of it, covering for you was mostly for her.” Shesmiled wryly. “Not that I don’t like you, boss, but we aren’t there yet.”
“No offense taken,” Reese said, appreciating the honesty. She could understand wanting to do anything she could to help Sydney. “So, it does sound like you are open to sticking around? Provided there are some changes? Or are you looking for a fresh start somewhere?”
Hallie was clearly giving the question serious thought; her lip was pulled between her teeth as she chewed on it. The moment was on the verge of becoming comically drawn out when Hallie let go of her lip with apopand beamed a smile at Reese. “I want better health insurance.”
“Absolutely,” Reese batted back.
“And a raise.”
“Seems only fair, given the work you do here.” Hallie had only ever been paid a nominal salary, all things considered. Reese had always been planning on increasing that at the end of six months if Hallie stuck around.
She could see Hallie practically vibrating. “I want every other evening and weekend off.”
“I would never impede a young woman from having a vibrant social life.”
Hallie pursed her lips before asking, “Is there anything else I should be asking for? I assumed you’re better at negotiation, but it doesn’t exactly seem like it right now.”
That made Reese laugh. “How about I put together a packet and you can consider it as a formal offer, once you have everything to look over?”
She wondered if Hallie would start running around like an excited puppy when Reese told her about the profit sharing, which would incentivize Hallie to help the inn succeed in a way that paid off for her, too.
Hallie interlaced her fingers on top of the desk and nodded solemnly. “I agree to the terms of reviewing the terms at a future date.”
Reese laughed again, and she felt a lightness in her chest, at least professionally, that she hadn’t felt in a long time.Thiswas what she liked. Solving big problems. Designing structures that helped the machine keep plugging away.
And Hallie, it seemed, really did love the day-to-day of managing The Stone’s Throw, so it was a perfect balance, the two of them.
“Have you mentioned this to Sydney yet?” Hallie asked.
Reese shook her head. “I have not. This is between us, and I take our professional relationship seriously.”
She could already see the laughter bubbling up in Hallie, and she put her hand up to stop it.
“Regardless of the various states of undress that you’ve seen me in,” she said, remembering a week ago when Reese, topless, had run into Hallie while she’d been sneaking to their shared kitchen area late at night to grab a glass of water.
Hallie smirked. “Hydration is so important. Especially after exercise.”
Standing up, Reese ran her hands down her shirt to smooth any wrinkles. “Great, glad we sorted that out. I’ll send you the offer when I have it ready.”
She didn’t mind that she could still feel Hallie’s smirk as she exited the office. Instead of going to see if Sydney was back yet, she seated herself at the check-in desk to give Hallie a much-deserved break.
“Remind me why your flight is so disgustingly early tomorrow?” Reese asked as she brushed her teeth, her mouth filled with minty foam.
Sydney walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around Reese’s torso. “I believe it’s so we can spend an extra night together, but with your tone, I’m beginning to re-evaluate that decision.”
Reese spat out her excess toothpaste, Sydney giving her just enough slack to lean forward and rinse her mouth out with water. “Booking it seemed like such a good idea at the time.”
Sydney laughed lightly into Reese’s hair. “Until the reality of waking up at four a.m. comes calling?”
Reese was going to drive Sydney to the airport, and they had to leave six hours from now. She wasn’t looking forward to it. Because of the ungodly hour. Because she’d be separated from Sydney for another five days. Because it made that hole in her chest that felt empty when Sydney wasn’t near flare up, and she could already feel it beginning to carve itself out.
She leaned her head back against Sydney’s chest, loving how, at a few inches shorter, she nestled perfectly into the crook where Sydney’s collarbone and neck met.
