Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHARLEY
I take one more walk around the centre ahead of tomorrow’s grand opening and tournament. In the bar area I see Felix arranging glasses. He has a couple of helpers.
“Do you have everything you need?” I ask and he stops for a minute.
“Pretty much. There’s one more delivery due any minute now and then we’re good.”
“What about staff? Do you have it covered?”
“Yes, we’re good. I have a couple who wanted to work for me when I left the Rainbow Room.
If they work out, they could make permanent employees if you agree.
And Darla from the Blacksmith’s Arms in the village gave me some contacts of reliable people she uses for events like the beer festivals and on fete days. ”
“Okay, that’s good, then. But if you need anything let me know. I know I’ll be playing in the tournament, but the rest of the time I’m on call if there’s an emergency, or not an emergency. Just keep me informed. Alright?”
“Relax, boss, we’ll be fine.” Felix smiles at my mini outburst. I can’t help it. I’ve done everything I can and we are ready, but that doesn’t stop me being nervous.
“I’ll see you in another hour, then,” he calls as I make my way towards the kitchen.
It’s probably true, as this is my fourth walk round today to check on everything.
The kitchen is a hive of activity, as Simon and his staff are prepping all they can for the weekend.
I stop just inside the door, not wanting to get in the way as they move around like some well-choreographed dance.
“We’re still okay and on time to be set up for tomorrow.” Simon grins as he passes with a tray of small pastry cases on his way to one of the large refrigerators.
“Am I that obvious?” I wrinkle my nose and he comes to stand beside me, leaning against one of the stainless steel counters.
“It’s natural to be worried, but we won’t let you or Gabriel down. I want this to be a success too. I happen to love my job. And how many jobs do you think there are that combine horses and food where I can work with my boyfriend?”
“Okay, I get it. You can handle it, and I need to get out of your hair and let you do your job.”
“I wouldn’t have put it quite like that, but yeah, kinda,” Simon says.
“Thanks.” I give his shoulder a squeeze.
“I’ll see you later.” This time I do leave him to it and go to check out the ballroom.
It’s already been decorated for the ball and awards evening on Saturday, so there’s nothing for me to do here either.
I head back to the staffroom and see Oscar at the table, working on his laptop.
“Hi, I just thought I’d give you the latest stats,” he says.
“Yes please,” I reply, glad of the distraction. “As long as they’re good of course.”
“Yes, they are.”
“Great, can I get you a coffee while we look at them?” I ask.
“Should I be worried that your guard dog might show up?” He looks around as if he’s nervous, but I can see his smirk. I don’t mind. He was fine when I explained at last week’s party.
“He’s not that bad, we just go back a very long way.” I place the mugs of coffee on the table and take a seat next to him.
“I know, and I think it’s kinda sweet, childhood friends and all that.”
“Thanks,” I reply but I still roll my eyes at him. I still like Oscar as a person and I think we could be friends.
“So, in the past week the website hits are up two hundred percent and social engagement is up five hundred percent. The pictures and videos from the test match have worked really well. I’m planning to get some more over the weekend.
Not only of the games but maybe some behind the scenes of the horses, and of the restaurant, the food.
They’ll be stylish and will show the vibe of the centre. ”
“I like that. I’d also like it to show we’re inclusive.” I add.
“That’s not a bad idea, almost a USP. Something that sets you apart from the other clubs.”
“Yeah, something like that,” I agree. Oscar’s words spark the beginnings of an idea that I’d like to discuss with Gabriel, but it can wait until after the tournament.
After Oscar leaves I still can’t settle, so I walk down to the barn. The horses we’ll be playing tomorrow aren’t being worked today but they are getting a check-over just to make sure they’re all okay to play.
Alfie is leading Arrow up the central aisle of the barn, and when he reaches the end he walks back. Then he repeats the process in trot. I spot Cole, the vet who’s watching out for any signs of lameness. His opinion is important as it’ll decide which horses can or can’t play.
“Hi, Cole,” I say, going over to him. Cole is also local, but I don’t know him very well.
He’s a few years older than me, so I barely remember him from school, and I’ve been away for most of the last decade.
Though I’ve met him on the couple of times he’s visited since I’ve been here.
He ignores me while he’s watching Arrow move, but once he’s finished he straightens up.
“Hey, Charley,” he greets me. “He looks fit and well. I’ll just check his heart and he should be good for tomorrow.” He places the end of a stethoscope on Arrow’s ribcage as he listens. “Yes, he’s fine.” He nods to Alfie who leads Arrow away. Milly is waiting to bring the next horse.
“Thanks, Cole, “ I say. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Cole will be on site for the games in case we need any veterinary support.
I just get a faint wave as I leave, his attention already on the next horse. I’ve invited him and his husband Johan to the awards ball on Saturday night, but I don’t think he likes socialising much as I got a very non-committal answer.
When I get back to the centre I do one more final walk round, suffering Felix’s knowing smirk.
The more I get to know him, the more impressed I am with his organisational skills, and I start to relax a little more about tomorrow.
I work on my laptop until Gabriel comes back.
He’s spent the afternoon with Andrés, setting out signage for the event from all the major roads and through the village to the centre, making sure the parking is set out for the horseboxes and cars.
We walk through to the staffroom where Andrés and Simon are waiting. Simon has his phone out.
“I’m done with prepping food tonight, unless anyone else wants to do it. I’m ordering pizza.”
“Pizza sounds perfect,” I say. I have no desire to stand and cook either. The others agree. He finishes with the app within a minute and we all head home. We eat round at Andrés and Simon’s house, with Andrés playing the piano for us afterwards until I start to nod off.
“C’mon, sleepyhead,” Gabriel says, helping me up out of a very comfortable chair. We stagger next door, and after setting the alarm for earlier than normal, Gabriel folds himself around me and I fall into a deep sleep.