Chapter 41
There was so much to do this week, especially now that Mack had given an indication that he was starting to come around, and what with batting away other hotel crises in the meantime, Erin hadn’t had the opportunity to check back in with Molly other than confirm that she had indeed located the key.
‘I did figure it out easily in the end.’ The woman smiled triumphantly, having safely left Eugenie’s room of choice, quarry in hand.
Erin was agape. ‘Really? Where on earth was it hidden?’
‘In the palm tapestry,’ she confirmed, and Erin vaguely remembered seeing something of that description on the wall opposite the bed while she was in there.
‘I recognised it straightaway as one my grandmother made. We had some very similar at home in New York, so I guess Mom knew I’d make the connection.
The key was sewn into the back among the weaving. ’
The wall hanging had apparently taken pride of place in Eugenie’s ‘room’ since the hotel’s first inception. Erin resolved to go and check it out and, more importantly, ensure that this important part of The Palms’ heritage was preserved accordingly.
Just in case.
‘That’s such great news. So what now, now that you have it?
I can try and go along to the bank with you if you’d like …
?’ she offered, though she wasn’t entirely sure where she’d get the time.
She was already drowning in preparation for the summer party, plus keeping a very close eye to ensure that everything in the meantime ran like clockwork.
Or worse, heaven forbid, in case something happened that might make Mack change his mind about the partnership.
‘Trevor’s going to come along with me,’ Molly told her shyly. ‘He’s been showing me around his favourite spots on the island. He even took me to meet his family in Soufriere yesterday.’
‘Ah, that’s great, I’m thrilled that you seem so happy,’ Erin commented, noting her delighted expression, and idly wondering how much Molly had told Trevor about the situation.
Given his own St Lucian heritage she’d imagine he’d be just as energised as any of them about any perceived threats to the hotel.
‘I didn’t think it possible that I could be happy again, but I am,’ Molly admitted, a small smile on her face.
‘I truly thought I’d lost the only person who loved me.
I couldn’t imagine that someone else might care about me too.
’ Her face brightened. ‘And then I ran into Trevor again here. So maybe she was right in asking me to come here. She always used to say, “God doesn’t come but He sends”. ’
‘Sounds like great advice.’
Molly beamed. ‘And you wouldn’t believe it, but apparently Trevor used to have a crush on me when we were in school, but he was too shy to say anything.’
Erin smiled knowingly. ‘Imagine that. But tell me, have you confided in Trevor, about your mother’s letter, I mean?’
‘No, I wasn’t sure … should I? I mean, I know you said you’d help take care of all of that …’
‘I think you’re right,’ Erin assured her, somewhat relieved. ‘Maybe best to keep all of that between ourselves, for the moment, at least. And yes, I am trying to take care of it.’
As much as she could, anyway. But Erin was heartened now that she had a better idea about the running of things around here – and especially given that Mack was back on board as a potential partner – that The Palms would only go from strength to strength.
She’d make sure of it.
‘I have to thank you too, Erin,’ Molly said then.
‘For what?’
‘If you hadn’t encouraged and helped me when I came here, I might never have been bold enough to even consider that Trevor might … like me.’
‘I doubt it was anything to do with me. Sounds like he’s cared about you for a long time.’
‘That’s what he said!’ Molly laughed, eyes shining. ‘I think I’d convinced myself that I was too boring and shy for anyone to look twice at.’ Her happy gaze met Erin’s. ‘But he does. He really does.’
Erin smiled. ‘I’m so thrilled for you.’
‘And what about you?’
‘Me?’ she asked, surprised. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean you and Mr MacKenzie. He obviously likes you.’
‘You think so?’
‘Trevor certainly thinks so. He pointed it out the way he looked at you on the tour that time. So is there something there too?’ Molly asked.
‘I don’t know, actually,’ Erin said truthfully. ‘For one thing he’s an important potential corporate partner. If his company does enter into an agreement with The Palms, I obviously wouldn’t want there to be any conflict of interest.’
Though Erin knew she sounded as if she were trying to convince herself, more than anyone else.