Alluring Adventure (Greenview Manor Tales #2)

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Oliver

T he shrill ring of my phone startles me as I turn the car onto the road to Greenview Manor.

The hotel is an impressive sight as you approach from the street. The driveway winds gracefully up the hill where the hotel proudly stands. However, its stunning location is just one reason why it’s the best hotel in the area. Tommy, the owner, has done a remarkable job, and the whole community backs him wholeheartedly. We take pride in knowing that this gem is owned by one of our own, not some impersonal hotel chain. Fellside is a close-knit community, and we take care of each other.

My phone is connected to the car's Bluetooth and I accept the call.

“Hey, Mum. You alright?” I wait nervously to hear her voice so I can tell if today is a good day. Mum has been falling into what we can only assume are bouts of depression ever since my dad died two years ago. She won’t seek help so we don’t have an official diagnosis, but what else can you call it when someone hides themselves away from the world for months on end?

She has her better days and her worse days, and then there are times when I’m downright worried she might harm herself. My younger sister Hannah tries to help, but she finds it incredibly frustrating.

On Mum’s better days, we catch glimpses of the woman she once was, smiling and engaging in village life. However, these moments are rare, overshadowed by long periods of silence and isolation. When she’s at her worst, it feels as if a dark cloud has descended, leaving us all walking on eggshells.

Hannah struggles with her own feelings of helplessness and anger. She was very close to mum growing up and wants to bring her back to her old self, but she doesn't know how. The frustration often leads to arguments between them and I end up playing the peacemaker, trying to hold everything together. It's exhausting and sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head, but it's my responsibility to be there for them.

“I’m good. I wanted to check if you’re coming for Sunday lunch, this week.” She sounds chipper. The tension evaporates from my muscles and I relax back into my seat as I park my Range Rover next to the entrance to the hotel.

“Wouldn’t miss it! Let me know if I need to bring anything.”

“Nah, I went to the farmer’s market with Mary this morning.” Her words make me smile. Mary is one of Mum’s friends who also lost her husband. She understands what Mum is going through and has made it her mission to help her out of it. Mary really struggled herself until her son married a single mum. She took on the role of Granny to her new grandson Max and later his sister, which has given her life new purpose.

“That’s great.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and grab the brochures from the passenger seat.

“Do you think Hannah would come as well?” she asks carefully.

“I’m sure. Who can resist your Sunday roast?” I make light of the situation. My sister will come even if I have to drag her there. “Leave it with me, I’ll see her later in the office and will speak with her.”

“Thank you darling,” she sighs with relief.

“Mum, I’m at the Greenview Manor hotel for a meeting. I’ll call you this evening?”

“Of course! Speak to you later!”

I hate cutting her off, but I’m already running late for a meeting with a corporate client planning to book my company for a staff retreat. I own an outdoor adventure business that offers a wide range of excursions and courses. From canyoning and paragliding to skydiving, rock climbing, and hiking tours, we cater to all levels of thrill-seekers.

I hold a tandem pilot license from the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, which I used to start my company. But the weather in the Lake District is too unpredictable to build a business on hang gliding and paragliding, so I have a pool of freelance guides and instructors allowing me to offer all sorts of adventures. We also operate a small indoor climbing hall next to our office and up until recently were busy enough to employ two climbing instructors.

The business took off five years ago and we were even able to agree a deal with Tommy to partner with Greenview Manor on corporate away-days and retreats

But for the last year our business has suffered like so many others. The economy is down meaning many people have less money to spend, especially on holidays, therefore the corporate client could be a saving grace, if we can agree on a good package.

Tucking my T-shirt into my trousers, I approach the formidable oak entrance door. I love what we call our uniform. T-shirt with our logo on it, outdoor cargos and trainers. I’m definitely not made for a suit-and-tie kind of job.

The great hall is buzzing with people having tea next to a roaring fire and enjoying the ambience of the historic building. Marisa, the Operations Manager, and a young receptionist are both busy with guests. I’m here often enough to know most of the long serving staff by name.

Marisa winks to acknowledge me whilst typing on her computer and I bet she just messaged Sheila, the General Manager, to let her know I’m here.

“Hey Ols,” Tommy approaches me and holds out his hand in greeting. I’ve grown out of the “Ollie” stage of my life. As a forty-four year old man I associate Ollie with being young and dumb. Nowadays people call me Oliver or, if they know me well, Ols.

“You alright, mate? Do I have the big boss in the meeting with me today?” I chuckle. Since Tommy promoted Sheila to General Manager he has taken a bit of a back seat, enjoying life as a husband and new dad.

“Sheila’s taking some time off to be with her boys.” A shadow passes over Tommy’s face. I’ve heard about the recent incident that cost two teenagers their life. Sheila’s son made it out alive and given what they had been through, it's no wonder she wants to spend time with her family. The whole village was shocked so I can only imagine how those who were directly involved must feel.

“The guys are out on the terrace,” Tommy guides me down the corridor towards the back of the hotel. “They own some tech company in London and want to book out the entire hotel next July for five days, bringing their staff up here. This could be incredible business.” I give him a side glance. Incredible is the right word. I would be fully booked if they hire me to offer a variety of adventures to such a large group.

“They must be rolling in it,” I chuckle nervously.

“I think they have a construction company as well and offices around the world. I had a first video meeting with them last month and they were both down-to-earth lads.” Tommy opens the door to the outside and two men get up from their seats.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, gentleman. Cooper McKenzie, Ben Whitmore, meet Oliver McCallum.” Tommy introduces me.

I roll my shoulders to shake off some of the tension, then put on my best customer service smile. I’ve got this.

I can’t wipe the grin off my face as I head back to reception. I still can’t believe what these guys are willing to fork out. Apparently, it’s their company’s anniversary, so no expense is too high. We’ve practically sealed the deal. I just need to send them a programme by next Monday, including a mix of skydiving, paragliding, and canyoning, alongside extensive climbing trips and gentle walks for those who aren’t adrenaline junkies. Hannah can lead the walks, and I might bring her best friend Jake, who runs a small sailing school, in on the package with some boat trips.

Securing this deal will be fantastic for next year, and they’re willing to pay a fifty percent deposit upfront, which would certainly help with cash flow over the winter months. But as amazing as this deal is, it’s only one week. I still need to bring in business for this year, which is why I’m heading back to reception with a pack of new brochures.

Marisa and her staff get a twenty percent commission on any adventures they book through me, and since we struck this agreement, they’ve been keen to send bookings our way.

“Hey O-Dog,” Marisa greets me in her quirky half American half British accent.

“Hey Mars,” I chuckle.

“Ah, don’t call me that. You know I hate that.”

“Well, stop calling me O-Dog then.” We both grin because we have the same bloody argument every time.

“I have new brochures for you ladies. We’ve had to increase the prices a tiny bit.” Couldn’t really help it in this economic crisis.

“Don’t worry, people will still book you!” she assures me.

“Maybe. Hannah is doing an online course at the moment to up our social media game.” I despise social media and consequently haven’t really used it a lot to market my company. But even I have to admit it might be time.

“Oh, you need to get a blogger in!” There’s a twinkle in her eyes.

“Easier said than done. I wouldn’t even know where to start with that.” I shrug. How do you meet these influencers and convince them to write about you? I really hope Hannah’s course will teach her about that.

“What would you do without me?” Marisa grins before waving at someone behind me. “Keeley, meet Oliver. He runs Alluring Adventures. I know you were looking to write about some adrenaline inducing action: he’s your man. Oliver, this is Keeley Hallett. She has a travel blog called Thrill Seekers Diary and is currently researching her next posts.” I turn and for one second wish the sentence he’s your man were true because I’m faced with a vision. The woman approaching us has long chocolate brown hair with a soft wave to it. Her eyes are dark and full of expression. Freckles are sprinkled on the bridge of her nose and her cheeks are glowing in a natural pink. Her soft curves a delectable and when she smiles, small laughter lines appear at the corners of her eyes and mouth.

Get a grip. I swallow hard.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand.

“Hi,” she smiles, “So what are these adventures? Counting sheep? Coffee shop crawl?” She laughs. I think she’s trying to be funny but I’m a proud Fellsider and she is hurting my pride.

“We offer canyoning, sky diving, paragliding, climbing and few other things.” I cross my arms in front of my chest.

“Oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to offend.” Her pink cheeks turn crimson. “I was just—”

“Mocking Fellside?”

“No, … no, I was just, there’s mainly old people around so I didn’t think—” She doesn’t finish her sentence.

“There are no age limits to an adventure. As long as someone is fit they can take part in most of our trips. Last month we took a group of sixty-year-old ladies paragliding.” My tone is quite harsh. Calm down, you idiot. You need her.

“Oh. Sure. Well, maybe I should check out your company,” she mumbles. I grab a brochure from the reception desk and hold it out to her without another word.

She fumbles as she takes it, gives me a shy smile and then hurries away. She is cute… and I’m a bloody idiot.