“We did,” she said, remembering. “You used to climb thecircular staircase to the landing at the top, even after my grandfather told us it wasn’t safe and we weren’t allowed.”
He smiled. “Sounds about right.”
“In fact, I blame you for their taking it down.” She was joking, of course, but it probably wasn’t far from the truth. The landing had been a favorite place for her and her friends, tucked away at the highest point of the room.
“Didn’t we call it the lookout?”
“Oh God, I’d forgotten that.” Holly sat back in her chair. “How I loved that landing. I used to feel so safe up there, despite its height and those crazy stairs.”
“Despite it being a death trap,” Ben said.
“We were young and adventurous.”
“And stupid. But we did have fun.” He came and joined her at the table. “So this is your office now?”
“Actually, it’s part of my next plan for the inn.”
There was a knock at the door, and Greta brought in a tray.
“What’s all this?” Ben asked.
“You gave me a tasting, so I thought I’d return the favor. You know,” Holly added, “we should test each other’s product, before we partner up.”
“Twist my arm.” He thanked Greta and pulled his chair in close. “What a spread.”
There were miniature cups of clam chowder, an arugula and tomato salad with balsamic glaze, and toasted brioche buns with thick pieces of battered cod and lemon aioli. “I can’t wait for you to try this. Greta has developed quite a fan base since we opened to the public.” She paused, wondering if she should keep the rest to herself. “We’re hoping to get theBoston Globefood critic’s attention.”
When Holly took a spoonful of chowder, she wished she’d kept her mouth shut. “Huh,” she said, taking another bite before setting her spoon down.
Ben had already done the same.
“Is it bad?” she asked.
“Not bad as in spoiled. Just…”
“Not good.”
To her dismay, Ben nodded.
“Try the fish instead.”
They each took a bite and chewed. Like the chowder, the fish sandwich left the same strange sensation on Holly’s palate. She looked to Ben, who was going in for another bite. “Are you just being polite?”
He swallowed, then set the sandwich down. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
Mortified, Holly placed both their plates back on the tray and pushed it across the desk. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t let you eat that.” She shook her head, trying to get the taste out of her mouth, but could not. “Agh. I don’t know what happened.”
“I really don’t think there’s anything wrong with the freshness of the food. It just tastes strange.”
“I have to talk to her. There’s no way we want theGlobecoming here like this. I swear, her food is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve worked in the hotel industry for years…”
Ben held up a hand. “I believe you! Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t expecting to be fed, anyway.”
“Still. Alright, we should talk publicity,” Holly said, returning to business mode. It was getting late in the day and Francine was coming by. Now, she had Greta to speak with, too. “I thinkwe should start with our websites and social media platforms, but we could also do a mailing to former guests.”
Ben, however, had other ideas. “I thought you were going to tell me about your next plan. For this room.”
“Oh, right.” Was he really that interested, or was he easily distracted? Because if it was the latter, that might pose a problem working together.
