Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHARLEY
I don’t think I’ve ever been as tired or as happy in my life.
As well as making sure everything is happening as it should for the opening weekend, I’ve been riding for at least two hours a day.
Not only Arrow but a couple of Gabriel’s horses, Whisper and Jasmine, who I’ll be using for the friendly match on Saturday.
In the evenings I’ve been going through the bar manager applications that the recruitment company has sent through and selected a few for interviews next Monday.
By mid-week I’m needing two coffees before I can concentrate in the morning, but I know all the hard work will be worth it.
I feel drowsy after lunch, and the figures on the screen in front of me are starting to jump about when Oscar arrives.
“Rough night?” he asks when I stifle a yawn as we sit at the small table in my office.
“Rough night, day, life,” I say, only half joking and he chuckles.
His smile is deep and warm, and it reaches his eyes which crinkle at the corners.
He’s handsome, in a slightly more rugged way than his brother.
Maybe it’s the slight stubble or the fact he’s more outdoorsy.
Catching me looking at him, he tilts his head slightly and widens his smile.
I lower my eyes. Is he interested in me?
“Maybe I can make it easier for you, then.” His voice is smooth and rich, and I snap my head back to him. What does he mean? “I’ve prepared a marketing proposal for you.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” I mutter, slightly flustered that I might have read the situation wrong.
I’ve resigned myself to the fact that Gabriel will never want me as more than a friend, and I’m not looking to start anything with anyone else, but the attention is nice and for a moment I’d completely forgotten what he was here for.
“Sorry, it’s already been a long week.” I get my head back in the game and for the next hour he shows me his ideas and strategy.
He also has a few mockups for static and dynamic advertising, as well as an inspiration board for a new look for our website.
It’s all very impressive and I think he’ll be great for the centre.
“This looks good, but I need to know if it’s within our budget.”
“Of course. I’ve drawn up two schemes, one of them is as we’ve discussed and the other is if you also want me to run your socials as well. I know some people like to do that themselves, or there can be a mix.”
I look at the two printed sheets he places in front of me, checking them over.
They’re both within our budget, which is good.
I don’t have the time to post and engage on social media, and I know that no one else in the team does either so that option appeals to me, though I’m reluctant to hand them over completely.
“We’d like to keep control of our socials, but we definitely need some help there so that would be great. It fits our budget, so how about we agree on a three month trial?”
“Thank you, I’m excited to get started,” Oscar says.
“When we spoke before you were still setting up your business, do we need to wait?”
“No, that’s all sorted. I’m registered, so we can get started straight away. I have a contract ready if you want to sign it.”
I’m impressed by his efficiency and I tell him so.
“Thank you. I’m pleased that I’m able to do something I’m interested in.”
I make us both a coffee and then take a few minutes to read through the contract. Everything is as we discussed, and I just add that it will be for an initial trial period before signing it.
He takes his signed copy and tucks it into his folder before opening his planning notebook.
“Obviously it’s too late for any print advertising, with just over two weeks until the opening, but I can get digital space on several magazine and media sites as well as spots on their socials. Am I alright to take some pictures?”
“What sort of pictures do you need? The centre and the restaurant?” I ask, thinking of the material I used to gather for venue brochures in my previous job.
“Yes, those, but also I think it needs to show more . . . the people who make the centre run. Short videos, action shots, that sort of thing. Stories for people to connect to.”
“Well, we’re having a friendly match this Saturday, our first chance to play as a team. Would that help?”
“That’s more than ideal.”
“Great, well you’re welcome to come and take as many photos as you need.”
We discuss a few more details before he leaves again, giving me a deep smile as he says goodbye.
“I’ll see you on Saturday,” I call as he’s getting in his car, and he waves before driving off.
“What about Saturday?” Gabriel’s voice sounds as sharp as cut glass. I look over to where he’s approaching with an older guy.
“He’s coming to the friendly game. He wants to take some promotional pictures and videos of us playing.”
“Oh, alright then.” He only half loses his scowl before introducing me to the guy.
“This is Duncan Blake, he’s the architect who designed the centre for us. We’ve just been discussing the next phase.”
Duncan offers his hand and I shake it. He’s probably about Jeremy’s age. Early fifties with greying hair at the temples and totally vibing a silver fox look.
“Nice to meet you, Duncan. I think you’ve done a great job keeping the original features but also giving it a modern look.”
“Thank you, that was the plan.” He turns to Gabriel. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll get the plans ready early next week.”
Gabriel comes to stand beside me as Duncan drives away.
“So, you think Oscar will be suitable for us?”
“I do, and I’ve arranged for a three month trial with him. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is, you know that.” He walks into the staffroom and I follow, and move to the coffee machine to make us both one.
“I do, but this place, it’s your dream, and I don’t want to tread on any toes.”
“You won’t. My dream is happening, and having you here was always a part of that.”
I hand him a mug and sink down at the table in the centre of the space. Another yawn escapes me.
“Would you like to come up to the house for dinner tonight? It’ll save you having to cook.”
“I don’t know.” I run my hands through my hair. It’s not that I wouldn’t love to spend time with Gabriel, and of course his family. “I was going to go through some more of the bar manager applications.”
“Bring them and I’ll help you after dinner, we can do it together.” He reaches across the table and squeezes my forearm. His dark look has totally gone and he’s chewing on his bottom lip, which I find very distracting.
“What do you think?” he asks when I haven’t answered.
“Huh?” I drag my eyes from his lips. “Sorry, yes, I’d like that, thank you.”
He breaks out into a smile, which makes me catch my breath. Being resigned is one thing, being happy about it is completely different.