Chapter Seven #4
‘Ah.’ He raised his eyebrows and smiled.
‘So we do have one thing in common. My board is back at the cottage. It hasn’t been used for a good while, as you can imagine.
I confess I’ve not had much spare time since I returned.
In Bali I hired a board and hung out with a load of surfers; guys from different countries and backgrounds.
We spent most days at the beach trying to catch that perfect wave. ’
‘You need to get back into practice then. We keep our boards at Sam Dixon’s. Maybe you should join us.’
She watched Luke as he played with the stem of his wine glass. ‘Do you know what?’ he said, raising his eyes to hers and giving her a lazy smile. ‘When I have a spare moment I just might do that.’
Cat poured more wine. The room became quiet and she noticed Luke seemed to be taking an interest in the arched door set in the wall to the far right of the fireplace.
‘Where does that lead to?’ he asked. ‘Is there another room beyond this one?’
‘No, it’s the staircase to the tower balcony.’
‘The tower balcony?’ She could see this had immediately sparked his interest. ‘Ah, I don’t suppose I…’
‘You’d like to take a look?’
‘Yes, if I could.’ He was already getting to his feet.
‘Sure.’ She followed him over to the door, unhooking a key hanging on the adjacent wall and unlocking it.
Replacing the key she grabbed the handle and pulled the door open, revealing a flight of stone steps with a solid wood and brass handrail.
Luke stood back to allow her through first. She climbed the stairs quickly, reaching a small flagstone landing, beyond which was another door.
Opening this she stepped out onto a smooth orange tiled walkway bordered by ornate wrought iron railings.
Above her the slate roof of the tower pointed skywards, topped by its maritime weather vane.
Cool night air touched her face and then she felt the warmth of Luke’s hand as it brushed against hers, signalling his arrival beside her.
‘This is amazing,’ she heard him say as he gazed out at the dark outline of the coast peppered with shimmering pockets of brightness.
He pointed towards one or two clusters of lights, identifying them as towns along the coast. There was no wind tonight, the only sound the wash of the waves against the base of the cliff.
Below them taxis were collecting the final trickle of partygoers, their tail lights disappearing up the driveway towards the road.
They stood for a while, side by side, as everything suddenly stilled, needing no words, both captivated by the view.
One which Cat knew she would never get tired of.
‘Has this ever been struck by lightning?’ he asked, turning his attention to the tower. ‘I mean we have had several big storms in recent years and sitting on the headland this place is pretty exposed.’
‘Once, I think, but we’re well protected. The lightning rod is built into the weather vane.’
Luke nodded and turned back to his survey of the lights. ‘I could stay here all night,’ he said.
‘You wouldn’t be saying that if there was a force ten gale blowing.’ She laughed.
‘No, I guess not.’ He stifled a yawn. ‘Actually, I think it’s time I turned in. It’s been a long day.’
‘Would you like me to organise you a coffee first?’ she asked as they made their way back down the stairs.’
‘Thank you, but no, I really need my bed.’
‘See you in the morning then,’ she said as she relocked the door and hung the key back in its place. ‘Breakfast is around eight thirty.’
‘Great, look forward to it. And Cat,’ he paused, giving her a tired smile, ‘thank you for what you did tonight.’
‘That’s okay, happy to help.’ She smiled back and watching him leave the room realised she actually meant it.
Chapter Seven
The next morning Nathan was the first up, organising breakfast to be sent up for all of them. Sitting around the table, the men tucked into bacon and eggs, while Cat opted for croissant, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Leaving the two men to chat, Cat used the lounge phone to check on Debbie, only to be told she’d already left.
‘I think she was feeling rather embarrassed after what happened last night,’ Maxine, the senior receptionist confided, ‘but she asked me to thank you for everything; said you were marvellous.’
Cat smiled, wondering if Debbie’s love affair with Prosecco might see a cooling off period for a while. Certainly her discomfort over last night meant she cared what people thought. She only hoped Kieran wouldn’t make her life a misery when they returned to work tomorrow.
Later, while Nathan stopped to speak to one of the reception staff, Cat walked with Luke to his car.
‘I can’t thank you enough,’ he said as he climbed behind the wheel. ‘You’ve been an absolute lifesaver, Cat.’
‘All part of the service.’ She paused thoughtfully. ‘I wonder, could you do something for me? For Debbie, actually,’ she corrected. ‘I don’t want Kieran or any of the techs making her life a misery over last night’s events. Could you have a quiet word, to make sure?’
‘Of course, I’ll speak to them first thing on Monday morning.’
‘Thank you, oh and your laundered clothes. Where would you like them sent?’
‘Leave them with Nessa at The Copper Kettle. I’ll let her know to expect them.’
‘Will do.’ She nodded. ‘And if you can you do the same with Nathan’s things, I’ll arrange for someone to collect them.’
He gave a thumbs up and she stepped back as he closed the door. He started the engine and then, with a final wave and a smile, he left. Nathan joined her raising his hand in farewell and staying with her to watch until the Nissan was eventually lost from sight.
‘He’s okay, isn’t he?’ he said, hands in his trouser pockets, his gaze still fixed on the now empty driveway. ‘Not at all like Jordan … thank God.’
‘No, totally different. You like him then?’ She looked at her brother curiously. She’d always felt Nathan had a gift for assessing people.
‘Yes,’ he nodded thoughtfully, ‘actually I do. He’s all right.’
‘I think so too,’ Cat agreed. She couldn’t wait to tell Jodie about her eventful weekend.
Just after ten Cat went down to the function suite to make sure the clear up was well underway. Sure enough, her team were busy bagging up the detritus of the evening, removing tablecloths and vacuuming, while behind the bar Matt stacked away glasses.
‘Morning.’ He looked up and smiled as she arrived. ‘Debbie get home okay?’
‘Eventually.’ Cat nodded. ‘She spent the night in one of the staff bedrooms.’
‘I heard. No doubt she’s woken up with the mother of all headaches this morning.’ He grinned. ‘Some people just can’t take their liquor.’
‘Very true.’ She kept the conversation light and brief, aware Matt could be a bit of a gossip at times. Thank goodness he didn’t know about Luke.
‘I expect she’ll be giving alcohol a wide berth for a while.’
‘I expect she will. Ciao,’ she called back over her shoulder, adding a little wave as she crossed the dance floor and headed for the bi-fold doors to check the terrace.
Stepping outside, the sea breeze caught her hair, blowing a few golden strands across her face.
She brushed them away, and stood for a moment to watch the white-capped waves dancing out on the blue grey sea.
She surveyed the whole balcony, now swept clean of cigarette butts, with glasses cleared away and tables wiped.
Jim and Carole Merrick’s Ruby Wedding celebration was the next big function, due to take place next weekend.
Anniversaries and birthdays were so much easier than weddings, she thought, as memories of a drunken Debbie surfaced.
Satisfied everything was in order, she headed for the kitchen to speak to the hotel’s head chef.
Ruan would be back tomorrow and she needed to discuss arrangements for dinner.
Luke unlocked the front door of his cottage and stepped inside. Last night had been totally surreal. Who would have believed Debbie Hanson’s overindulgence could have led him to end his ongoing feud with Cat Trevelyan?
He smiled to himself. Despite his initial assessment of her character, he found himself warming to her.
Yeah, she was okay. Of course he didn’t expect to run into her anytime soon, but he did need to say a proper thank you for what she’d done for him and Debbie.
He pulled his phone from the pocket of his jeans, punched in a number and waited for the call to connect.
Late on Monday morning Cat had just said goodbye to another potential client when a
florist’s van drew up outside the hotel. She watched as a young woman in jeans and a
light-blue sweater got out and opened the back door, retrieving a large bouquet of
mixed white and gold blooms. Someone’s birthday, perhaps? Or maybe a surprise for
a guest? The woman reached her and smiled.
‘Just the person,’ she said, eyeing Cat’s lapel badge and handing her the flowers. ‘Enjoy.’
Cat watched her return to the van, check her next delivery destination and leave. She stared at the flowers, confused by the woman’s strange comment. Was it because she recognised her as a member of the hotel staff? But why follow up with the comment, ‘enjoy’? It didn’t make sense.
She checked the envelope clipped to the edge of the cellophane.
They were for her. So that’s what had prompted the florist’s comments.
She stared at the beautiful mix of carnations, gerberas, roses and lilies.
Whoever could have sent them? She walked back to her office, scooting past reception and the knowing smiles that passed between the two girls there.
Of course, everyone knew Cat Trevelyan didn’t date.
She was a committed workaholic, just like the rest of her family.
But who said this had to be a romantic gesture?
It might easily be a thank you from Tonya’s parents for organising their daughter’s perfect day.
She laid the flowers out on her desk and pulled the envelope away from the cellophane.
Opening it up, she removed the small, embossed card, drew in a sharp breath and smiled as she read the words penned in blue ink.
To Cat, in appreciation of all your kindness
Luke and Debbie
‘Someone sending you flowers?’ Nathan stood in the doorway, unable to disguise his curiosity.
‘Yes, they’re from Luke and Debbie.’ She waved the card at him. ‘A thank you for Saturday. Did you see the florist arrive?’
‘No, I heard the girls on reception talking. They think you have a mysterious boyfriend you’re not telling anyone about.’ He smiled, amused.
Cat laughed. ‘Is that so? How wonderful to be the subject of so much speculation. I’m normally the last person anyone gossips about.’
‘Luke has taste, I’ll give him that,’ he said as joined her, pausing to gaze at the cellophane wrapped blooms. ‘I’d say these cost a bit too.’
‘Yes, they probably did,’ she agreed. ‘Kind of him wasn’t it?’
‘Yes, nice gesture.’ Nathan nodded thoughtfully.
‘Right,’ Cat scooped them up off her desk, ‘let’s get them put into water so I can enjoy them properly.’
‘Want me to put reception out of their misery?’ he asked as they left her office and he followed her towards housekeeping.
‘Yes, I’m all for a quiet life.’ Cat smiled noticing the two receptionists were watching closely. ‘Although don’t mention Luke’s name or that will get them all fired up again.’
‘What would you like me to tell them then?’
‘Just tell them the truth; that it was from a grateful client.’
‘How’s your new waitress coming along?’ Cat asked over breakfast the next morning.
‘Marika Stefanski, you mean?’
‘If that’s her name, yes.’
‘Yeah, she’s doing fine,’ Nathan replied as he finished buttering a slice of toast and reached for the marmalade. ‘Anton says she’s a good worker, although she doesn’t seem to be mixing in with the rest of the restaurant staff too well. Tends to keep herself to herself.’
‘I guess it’s to be expected, isn’t it?’ Cat said, pouring herself another cup of coffee. ‘She’s new, in a foreign country. Must be difficult. She’s probably shy and a little bit nervous.’
‘Maybe, but there are two Polish waitresses in the team already. Anton thought it a good idea for them to room share but Marika wasn’t happy. Asked to have a room of her own. Said she’s studying and needs peace and quiet.’
‘Studying? But I thought she’d only just arrived in the UK.’
‘Yes, that’s right she has.’ Nathan thought for a moment then shrugged as he went back to spreading marmalade.
‘It beats me what she’s up to. Maybe she’s doing some online thing.
I know she owns a laptop. But it isn’t just the studying.
Anton tells me she’s a bit aloof and the girls are becoming a little resentful.
There’s a general feeling she thinks she’s better than they are.
She keeps mentioning the huge country house her parents own and the wonderful lifestyle she had there.
If that’s true, I’ve no idea what she’s doing here waiting tables.
Oh yes, actually I do,’ he said, waving his knife at her.
‘Anton tells me one of the trainee chefs asked her out but she turned him down. She told the other waitresses he’s not what she’s looking for. She’s after a man with money.’
‘Out to catch a rich Brit, eh?’ Cat said with a laugh.
‘Yes but ambitions aside, it only takes one wrong choice to wreck a whole team, doesn’t it?
’ Nathan said, pushing his plate away. ‘Still, it’s early days so I’m hoping she’s simply finding her feet, even if she’s ruffling a few feathers in the process.
At the moment I’ve asked Anton to keep an eye on things and report back if there’s a problem. ’
‘Very sensible,’ Cat agreed as she got up and began clearing away the breakfast things. ‘I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. Give it a couple of months and no doubt they’ll all be great friends.’