Page 43

“Aye. A lot of your feedback matches what we get in the online reviews.”

“If you know about the problems, why don’t you do something about them?”

He forces a smile. “Because Ally vetoes all of my suggestions. He doesn’t understand that to make money, you have to spend money. I . . . well, I have a vision for the hotel. We could modernise it, giving all eight bedrooms a unique makeover and throwing in a few extra things to enhance guests’ stay. We could turn it into a boutique hotel and charge higher room prices.

“Obviously, we can’t compete with this place in terms of facilities”—Lewis gestures around him—“but we’re slap-bang in the centre of Bannock, and that’s a selling point. We’re also a family-run business, and we should be capitalising on that, giving the hotel a bit more personality. As it is now, parts of it look . . . well, as you said, a little sad.”

“Can’t you try talking your brother around? Because you’re right: you need to invest money to make money.”

“Believe me, I’ve tried. Nothing I ever say gets through to him. I don’t know what Ally’s told you, but a few years back, he had to sacrifice a lot for me, Jamie, and our wee sis, Cat.”

“He mentioned the crash.”

Lewis nods. “Right. As I say, he gave up a lot for us, and I appreciate that. I really do. But . . . we’re all older now, and none of us need Ally like we once did. He still acts like he’s doing us all this huge favour, though, giving up his dreams so that me, Jamie, and Cat can have ours, but . . .”

He takes a deep breath. “What if my dream is to run the hotel? What if I want nothing more than to transform it into a place I can be proud of—a place our maw and da would have been proud of? That’s what I want, and it’s the one thing Ally won’t give me. As grumpy and irritable as he gets about the hotel, he refuses to relinquish control of anything. Unless it’s to do with the breakfast menu, I have no say.”

Lewis runs a hand through his hair. “It’s so frustrating! And that’s why I come here. Whenever I find myself losing my temper, I hit the gym and do a bit of weight training or cardio: it’s a great stress reliever. I’ve tried everything with Ally, but I just can’t get through. I don’t think he’s ever going to listen to me. Maybe, though . . .” Lewis gives me a wry smile. “Maybe he might listen to someone else?”

“Oh, no.” I shake my head. “Don’t get me involved. Last night, your brother made it quite clear he wants nothing to do with me.”

Lewis cocks an eyebrow. “Really? I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, it’s what happened,” I insist.

Flashes of last night come back to me, and dread courses through me again at the thought of having to speak with Ally after how I acted. It’s a blessing I avoided him this morning, but the Bannock Hotel is a small place, and it won’t be long before our paths cross.

“In any case, I’m a guest, and I’m here to relax. I’ve no intention of acting as a go-between for you and your brother.” I hear the change in my own voice, the sudden haughtiness.

“Sorry, you’re right. It was a stupid idea. Forget it.” Lewis pinches his thumb and index finger together and makes a show of zipping his lips shut. “Now, there’s a steam room, a sauna, and a pool. Make the most of it! As for me, I’m going to do a few more lengths.” He gets to his feet and, with a final grin, leaves the bubble pool.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ALLY

I’m behind reception, working my way through some admin, but I keep on being distracted by thoughts of Emily. Last night was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m proud of myself for resisting the temptation to go into her room with her, but I’m also desperate to speak with her, to see how things stand between us when we’re both sober. I’ve no idea where she is, though. She didn’t come down for breakfast, then I had to go for a nap, and I must have missed her. She’s not in her room now—I’ve tried it. She must be out and about.

I try to focus on the laptop screen and put thoughts of her out of my mind, but then Lewis strolls into reception with none other than Emily. I beam at her, but she glances down at the carpet, not meeting my eye.

“Good afternoon!” I say in what I hope is a level voice. I need to stay professional, especially in front of Lewis. I also don’t want my voice or expression giving away the strange jealousy I’m feeling at seeing Emily has been spending time with my brother. “Have you two been having a nice day?”

At this, Emily does meet my eye, briefly. Jeez, it’s hard to believe how drunk she was last night when she looks so good right now. Her skin is glowing. Does this woman ever look bad?

“It’s been . . . relaxing,” she says.

For some reason, things feel strained between us, not at all like they were at the Pheasant.

She turns her attention to my brother. “Thanks for today, Lewis. I’m going to head up to my room now. Bye!”

And with that, she goes upstairs, leaving me thrown. That’s it? After we spilled our hearts to each other last night, she’s only got a handful of words for me today?

Lewis watches me with a raised eyebrow. “You’re into her, aren’t you?”

“Fuck off.”

I hesitate a few moments longer, then I come out from behind the reception desk and jog up the stairs after Emily. I catch up with her as she’s inserting her key into her door.

“Can I talk with you?”