So she didn’t want to discuss it. Fine.
When Harry and his grandfather picked up Aunt Dahlia and Mr. Augo, Ariel went back to her room, then took her Bible to the private porch. Lifted her eyes toward heaven.
Lord, I didn’t ask for the responsibility of playing this concert without Aunt Dahlia. Please, please, please—don’t let me mess it up.
Chapter Thirteen
First thing Monday morning, Ariel’s cousin descended upon Island House Inn.
“Caleb, I’m here to solve your problems.” Slender, dark-haired Josie’s powerful voice echoed around the mostly deserted lobby.
If confidence counted for anything, Josie was the person he needed as his assistant.
With his office door open, Caleb gestured toward the lobby and three band members attacking the breakfast bar. “When the Grand sprung a water leak, we filled this wing. Apparently, this is the new normal.”
“Ariel told me you need marketing and staffing help. I specialize in both.” Josie glanced around the near-empty room.
“Great. Let’s get you settled in. You can share my office.”
“Okay if I wander around on my own and check out the hotel first?”
“Suits me fine.” Because, while his staffing problems were high on his list of priorities, his urgent need today was to decide what to do on his date with Ariel tonight.
Dating Stephanie had been easy—dinner and any movie rated G or PG. Dates with Ariel held challenges, since public places were out.
Caleb pulled his phone from his pocket and texted Blake.
Caleb
Come over for a free breakfast before work and give me some advice?
Blake
Always ready to tell you what to do, Boss.
Blake wasn’t half as funny as he thought.
When he got to Caleb’s office, dressed for work in gray knee-length shorts, a light-blue Poncho shirt, and black hiking shoes, his shoulder-length, curly hair made Caleb want to grow his own hair out. If Granddad wouldn’t come unglued, he would.
Blake shut the door behind him. “I have to open the store in half an hour, so what can I help with?”
Might as well get right to the point, as awkward as it seemed. “I have a date with Ariel tonight.”
“About time. Where are you taking her?”
Caleb blew out a breath, pushed back his chair. Crossed his ankle over his knee. “That’s the problem. Typical first-date venues don’t work when you take someone as well-known as Ariel.”
Blake nodded. “What does she like to do?”
“I think her life basically revolves around music and work.” He thought for a moment. “She likes antiques.”
“Not helpful. What about a movie? Since she likes antiques, does she watch the classics?”
Caleb drew a blank. “Like what?”
“You’ll have to ask somebody else. I’m a documentaries guy. You could ask her aunt.”
“I’ll pass.”
