Grateful for whichever lucky star had brought Abby into her life, she cleared her throat. “That’s it exactly.”
“Your position isn’t easy, I can see that. We should talk about it more. Come up with some solutions.”
Evie was touched. “Don’t worry about it. There’s nothing you can do. There aren’t any solutions. Believe me, I’ve looked for them. All I can do is carry on doing the best I can and see what happens. And in the meantime I now have you, which is brilliant on many levels. You have no idea how good it is to talk to someone about it. I hope you don’t think I’m unprofessional, but it’s not as if you’re a permanent member of staff. Talking of which, I don’t suppose you’d like a permanent job? I’m kidding. I know you like to move around. I’ll try and be grateful that atleast we have you for the summer. You’re completely brilliant. I’m sure you’ve heard that a million times.”
“I—no. In fact, I haven’t.” Abby seemed a bit surprised by the praise which Evie thought was a bit strange.
Or maybe she’d been too effusive. She had a tendency to express her emotions freely and some people found that a little uncomfortable. Abby seemed like the reserved type. The sort of person who thought carefully before speaking and only revealed exactly what she’d chosen to reveal. On the other hand she’d tucked into scones with the same enthusiasm as Evie and had laughed out loud while working with Mandy. She’d been having fun and seemed almost surprised to be made welcome by everyone.
She remembered Tristan’s warning that she should be careful around Abby and felt a flicker of irritation with him for planting thoughts in her head. The whole point of Abby being here was to offer support and help. She had plenty of experience. More importantly, her experience had been gained from working in different hotels and that gave her an advantage over Evie who had only ever worked in this one place. Abby must have seen both good and bad in her time. Evie might be able to tap into some of that experience and improve the way things were running. But she wasn’t going to be able to do that by holding back and not being honest.
She wasn’t by nature a suspicious person and it felt uncomfortable behaving that way particularly given that Abby seemed really eager to get to know everyone and was interested and engaged.
And besides, she liked Abby. She hoped head office wouldn’t move her on too quickly because she could picture them becoming friends.
“Thanks for listening. It helps to talk things through with someone who understands.”
“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?”
