“I was thinking,” she said, “we sometimes give welcome baskets when people arrive. Why not offer a Cornish farewell gift? We could bundle up fudge and clotted cream biscuits, a jar of Chef ’s strawberry jam, maybe include a voucher with a discount for a future stay if they book within a month of leaving.”
“You suggested that a year ago, didn’t you? I remember the meeting.”
“Yes. Gerald didn’t like the idea.”
“That’s right.” Donna nodded. “But you’re in charge now and I think it’s a great idea. We can partner up with some local companies. And the ones that offer mail order would continue to benefit. We could commission ecofriendly bags—take the taste of Cornwall home with you. That sort of thing. I’ll do some research. It will be fun. I’ll make a list and you can reach out to them.”
“You should do that. You’re great at making connections, and you’ve always been brilliant at choosing the perfect gift.”
Donna seemed to grow in height. “You think so?”
“Yes. It’s your superpower.”
“My superpower.” Donna looked happy. “I’ll start right away.”
“Perfect.”
Evie’s mood lifted. She felt a fizz of optimism. It occurred to her that far from being a disadvantage that she knew the staff well, it could be an advantage. She knew their strengths and weaknesses. She knew what drove them and inspired them. “Thanks, Donna.”
“I’m the one who should be thanking you for making the job more exciting.” Donna paused. “He’s a good man, Gerald, but he wasn’t good at delegating, and he didn’t like to change anything.”
“I suppose most of us are afraid of change to some extent.”
“You’re not.” Donna was about to say something else but then she caught sight of someone over Evie’s shoulder and straightened. “It’s the boss. How does she look groomed and elegant in this heat? I’m wilting.”
“Good morning, Donna.” Alexandra greeted the receptionist warmly. “Thank you for arranging breakfast. It was excellent.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll pass your compliments to the kitchen team.”
Alexandra turned to Evie. “Shall we talk in your office? Is now a good time?”
“Of course.” As if she was going to say no! Evie found it impossible not to be intimidated by Abby’s mother. Her poise and composure explained a great deal about the way Abby was.
Still, she’d learned a lot from Abby and she was sure she could learn a great deal from this woman, too.
Braced for a difficult conversation, she closed her office door.
Alexandra sat down at the table in the corner of Evie’s office and gestured for her to join her.
“I’ll come straight to the point. I’ve spoken to Gerald. We had a long talk. Much as he loves this place, he has decided to enjoy his retirement. He won’t be coming back. Which means I’ll need someone to fill the position of general manager on a permanent basis.”
Evie’s heart gave a bump.
Here we go, she thought. This was the moment she’d been dreading. The moment the boss was going to tell her she didn’t have enough experience.
“Right.”
“You applied for a new job. In London.”
Taken by surprise, Evie was at a loss for words. She felt the colour rush into her cheeks.
“How did you—” She stumbled over the right response. “I told no one. Not even my father.”
“I’ve been in the business a long time, and I know many people. Someone from the hotel you applied to called me, asking about you. Before we talk about that, can I ask why you chose to apply? You’ve lived here all your life and worked here for your whole career.”
How honest should she be?
Deciding she didn’t have anything to lose given that Alexandra already seemed to know most of it, Evie told the truth.
