‘Will do.’ She nodded. ‘And if you can you do the same with Nathan’s things, I’ll arrange for someone to collect them.’
He gave a thumbs up and she stepped back as he closed the door. He started the engine and then, with a final wave and a smile, he left. Nathan joined her raising his hand in farewell and staying with her to watch until the Nissan was eventually lost from sight.
‘He’s okay, isn’t he?’ he said, hands in his trouser pockets, his gaze still fixed on the now empty driveway. ‘Not at all like Jordan … thank God.’
‘No, totally different. You like him then?’ She looked at her brother curiously. She’d always felt Nathan had a gift for assessing people.
‘Yes,’ he nodded thoughtfully, ‘actually I do. He’s all right.’
‘I think so too,’ Cat agreed. She couldn’t wait to tell Jodie about her eventful weekend.
Just after ten Cat went down to the function suite to make sure the clear up was well underway. Sure enough, her team were busy bagging up the detritus of the evening, removing tablecloths and vacuuming, while behind the bar Matt stacked away glasses.
‘Morning.’ He looked up and smiled as she arrived. ‘Debbie get home okay?’
‘Eventually.’ Cat nodded. ‘She spent the night in one of the staff bedrooms.’
‘I heard. No doubt she’s woken up with the mother of all headaches this morning.’ He grinned. ‘Some people just can’t take their liquor.’
‘Very true.’ She kept the conversation light and brief, aware Matt could be a bit of a gossip at times. Thank goodness he didn’t know about Luke.
‘I expect she’ll be giving alcohol a wide berth for a while.’
‘I expect she will. Ciao,’ she called back over her shoulder, adding a little wave as she crossed the dance floor and headed for the bi-fold doors to check the terrace.
Stepping outside, the sea breeze caught her hair, blowing a few golden strands across her face. She brushed them away, and stood for a moment to watch the white-capped waves dancing out on the blue grey sea. She surveyed the whole balcony, now swept clean of cigarette butts, with glasses cleared away and tables wiped. Jim and Carole Merrick’s Ruby Wedding celebration was the next big function, due to take place next weekend. Anniversaries and birthdays were so much easier than weddings, she thought, as memories of a drunken Debbie surfaced. Satisfied everything was in order, she headed for the kitchen to speak to the hotel’s head chef. Ruan would be back tomorrow and she needed to discuss arrangements for dinner.
Luke unlocked the front door of his cottage and stepped inside. Last night had been totally surreal. Who would have believed Debbie Hanson’s overindulgence could have led him to end his ongoing feud with Cat Trevelyan?
He smiled to himself. Despite his initial assessment of her character, he found himself warming to her. Yeah, she was okay. Of course he didn’t expect to run into her anytime soon, but he did need to say a proper thank you for what she’d done for him and Debbie. He pulled his phone from the pocket of his jeans, punched in a number and waited for the call to connect.
Late on Monday morning Cat had just said goodbye to another potential client when a
florist’s van drew up outside the hotel. She watched as a young woman in jeans and a
light-blue sweater got out and opened the back door, retrieving a large bouquet of
mixed white and gold blooms. Someone’s birthday, perhaps? Or maybe a surprise for
a guest? The woman reached her and smiled.
‘Just the person,’ she said, eyeing Cat’s lapel badge and handing her the flowers. ‘Enjoy.’
Cat watched her return to the van, check her next delivery destination and leave. She stared at the flowers, confused by the woman’s strange comment. Was it because she recognised her as a member of the hotel staff? But why follow up with the comment, ‘enjoy’? It didn’t make sense.
She checked the envelope clipped to the edge of the cellophane. They were for her. So that’s what had prompted the florist’s comments. She stared at the beautiful mix of carnations, gerberas, roses and lilies. Whoever could have sent them? She walked back to her office, scooting past reception and the knowing smiles that passed between the two girls there. Of course, everyone knew Cat Trevelyan didn’t date. She was a committed workaholic, just like the rest of her family. But who said this had to be a romantic gesture? It might easily be a thank you from Tonya’s parents for organising their daughter’s perfect day. She laid the flowers out on her desk and pulled the envelope away from the cellophane. Opening it up, she removed the small, embossed card, drew in a sharp breath and smiled as she read the words penned in blue ink.
To Cat, in appreciation of all your kindness
Luke and Debbie
‘Someone sending you flowers?’ Nathan stood in the doorway, unable to disguise his curiosity.
‘Yes, they’re from Luke and Debbie.’ She waved the card at him. ‘A thank you for Saturday. Did you see the florist arrive?’
‘No, I heard the girls on reception talking. They think you have a mysterious boyfriend you’re not telling anyone about.’ He smiled, amused.
Cat laughed. ‘Is that so? How wonderful to be the subject of so much speculation. I’m normally the last person anyone gossips about.’
