“You don’t talk to your dad?”
“About business? Rarely.”
Abby gave her a curious look. “But you work in the same place. In the same business. And your father has worked here for a long time. He must be a mine of information.”
“He is, but we generally talk about other things when we’re together.”
“Was it awkward when you were promoted? Technically you’re now his boss.”
Evie smiled. “He would say I’ve been his boss since the moment I learned to talk. It’s not awkward. I suppose we’re both used to it. He’s been here for his whole career, so there’s not much he hasn’t seen and done. Before Gerald there was a manager who was determined to shake everything up and do things differently. Half the staff left, but it was less of an issue back then because we didn’t have the recruitment challenges we have now.” She checked the time. “I’m interviewing a couple of people in ten minutes. If you could help with party prep now, and then go for lunch, that should work. Get someone to show you where the staff room is.”
“I will.” Abby’s gaze slid to the door, where balloons were already being unloaded. A strange expression crossed her face.
“What’s wrong?”
Abby frowned and shook her head. “Nothing. Seeing those balloons made me think—I had a flashback to being at a party when I was young—”
“It’s weird when that happens. I used to hate balloons when I was little. Anyway, come and find me when you’re done here and you’ve finished lunch and I’ll take you to Edward for the afternoon... Abby?”
Abby was still staring at the balloons and gave a start. “Yes. Sorry.” She looked at Evie. “You don’t have to take me to Edward.You have enough to do. I can find my own way. Good luck with those interviews. Hope you find someone good.”
“Thanks.” What Evie really wanted was to find someone like Abby. Someone calm, competent and uncomplaining. Someone who saw what needed to be done and did it. She’d hire a million Abbys given the chance, but right now she was appreciating the one she had. “I’msohappy head office chose to send you here. You’re a lifesaver. Or at least a hotel saver. Between us we’re going to make a difference, I can feel it. I’ll see you later.”
She took one step and then stopped. “If you feel like fresh air after your first day you could join me on my run this evening?”
Abby stared at her. “Me?”
“Yes. We talked about it yesterday.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean—you really don’t have to do that.” She looked so thrown by the invitation that Evie wondered if she’d made a mistake by suggesting it.
“If running isn’t your thing, we could go for a walk. But it will be beautiful on the coast path and I can show you some of the local area. And then you could come back to mine for something to eat. It would be fun.”
“That’s generous of you.” Abby was hesitant. “I probably shouldn’t—I mean, I’m sure you have better things to do than babysit me—”
“I’d love to have your company.” Or maybe Abby didn’t want to spend an evening with her. “Unless you’ve had enough of me for one day. I know I talk a lot. Tristan says I’m exhausting. You’d probably rather sit quietly with a book, or generally chill out after your first day. That’s fine, honestly, I’ll see you tom—”
“I’d like to. If you’re sure.” Abby spoke quickly. “I don’t have plans. Thank you. What time?”
Evie hadn’t thought that far ahead, but clearly Abby was a planner so she thought about all the work she had to do anddid some mental calculations. “I’ll pick you up from the pub at seven, if that works for you?”
“That works.”
“Great. I’ll see you later. And good luck with those balloons.”
Evie headed down the corridor to her office, feeling lighter. Abby was insightful. She’d instantly seen the challenges Evie was facing without Evie having to spell them out. It was refreshing to feel understood and she was looking forward to the evening.
She pushed open the door of her office and stopped.
Luca was transferring a plate of sandwiches from the tray to her desk. “There you are. I thought I was going to have to take these away again and put them in the fridge.” He straightened and gave a nod of approval. “You look happy. That’s good. Yesterday you weren’t smiling. I was worried.”
“Yesterday I was surrounded by people trying to manipulate my life, although your chocolate cake was a high point.” She concentrated on the food to stop herself looking at his biceps. “You brought me lunch?”
“Yesterday all you ate at work was the chocolate cake. The day before, two cups of coffee. You need to eat.”
He’d made her lunch.
No one ever made her lunch. Sometimes, when she remembered, she grabbed one of the staff sandwiches from the fridge in the kitchen, but usually she was too busy rushing from one task to the next. No one noticed. But Luca had noticed.
