After Alexandra left she dealt with a couple of mundane problems and then had a message from Donna saying that there was an issue with the King Arthur suite.
Given that they had new guests arriving in under four hours normally she would have felt stressed, but today nothing could stress her. She all but floated up the stairs. Whatever state the previous guests had left the place in, they’d deal with it somehow.
Braced for disaster, she pushed open the door and saw Donna and Abby studying the carpet.
“What is it?”
“It looks like sheep droppings.”
“I think we’d know if someone had brought a sheep into the hotel.”
“You never know,” Donna said darkly. “People are weird. Someone once sneaked in their pet rabbit. We spent two hours trying to coax it out from under the bed. It ignored carrots, but in the end it was tempted by dandelions.”
“I think it could be chocolate.” Abby glanced up and saw Evie. She sprang to her feet. “It’s the boss, Donna. Stand up. Show some respect.”
“I have creaky limbs,” Donna said. “It takes me longer than you. If I jump the way you did I’ll dislocate something and that wouldn’t be fun for anyone. Pull me up, there’s a lamb.” But she was smiling as Abby tugged her upright. “Congratulations. We just heard.”
“Thank you.” Evie was both delighted and embarrassed. “I’m very happy. And surprised.”
“I don’t know why you’re surprised. You’ve had us running around after you since you were a baby so nothing much has changed there.” But Donna crossed the room and gave her a great big hug. “That’s my girl.”
Evie felt a lump build in her throat and Donna gave her a pat and released her.
“Right. Well, I need to get something to remove those sheep droppings, or whatever they are. I’ll leave you two here for a minute.” She left the room and Evie turned to Abby.
“You’re staying! You have no idea how thrilled I am. I hope you’ll spend as much time in Cornwall as you can. I’m sure the rest of the hotels can take care of themselves.”
“I intend to spend plenty of time here. And congratulations.”
“I was surprised when she offered me the job.”
“Why? My mother makes a point of never losing good people, and you’re a good person in every way.”
“She’s impressive.” Evie wondered how honest to be. “I applied for a new job. In London. They invited me to interview. Somehow, your mother knew. I have no idea how.” She looked at Abby. “You don’t look surprised.”
“I’m not. My mother knows everything. She’s well connected.” Abby took a breath. “I’m glad you didn’t go for that interview.”
“I probably wouldn’t have got it.”
“You would have got it,” Abby said softly. “I’m glad you’ve chosen to stay.”
Evie’s phone buzzed and she checked it. “We’re needed downstairs in my office. Both of us. Is this something to do with your mother?”
“I have no idea.”
They headed downstairs and Evie noticed that there was no one at reception, and that there was no sign of her father either.
Where was everyone?
She pushed open the door to her office and was met with a sea of people and a chorus of cheers.
While she’d been talking to Donna and Abby, they’d decorated her office.
There were balloons, and a banner that readEvie—Five Star Boss.
Evie felt her eyes fill. “Oh.” Someone pressed a glass into her hand, and she noticed then that Alexandra was also there, looking relaxed.
Was she the one who had arranged this?
