Chapter 5 #2
“Oh, this view,” Piper said wistfully. “I am so jealous.”
As they placed dishes on the table, Layne told Sullivan, “Piper was our water sprite. She would spend every waking moment in the water if she could.”
“Really? Did you miss the water while you were touring?” he asked, pulling out her chair and seating her.
“I didn’t realize how much I did until now.” She inhaled deeply. “The tang in the air. The sound of the waves gently washing ashore and back out again. This is heaven on earth.”
“Well, you’re welcome to come over anytime and swim,” Keaton said. “The beach in front of you is private. It’s fenced off on both sides, so we don’t have anyone who’s not supposed to be here.”
They served themselves, and Sullivan was glad to see Keaton had included roasted root vegetables. He particularly liked the beets and carrots.
“Oh, these veggies are crunchy,” Piper said, her enthusiasm brimming over. She seemed the most positive, upbeat person Sullivan had ever encountered.
“They’re root vegetables,” he said automatically. “Memaw used to make them for me. She liked to include beets when she did so. They were her favorites. She always said root vegetables were sweet, earthy, and crunchy. They complement the Welly’s complex flavors.”
“My, aren’t you the cuisine expert.” Piper looked at him. “Care to comment on the potatoes?”
Sullivan took a bite of the scalloped potatoes. “Onions. Cream. And definitely Gruyère.”
“You have excellent taste buds,” Keaton complimented. “And great taste in wine.”
The conversation bounced around, with no lulls. They talked of the upcoming wedding and the grand reopening of the Bay Breeze. How Carson’s basketball team had done this year. Then the conversation turned to Tidewater.
“So, when will Tidewater be opening?” Layne asked.
“July first,” he said. “They’ve started interviewing staff.
In fact, I rode the ferry with two prospective employees today.
One was up for the position of spa manager.
The other was looking to be the tennis pro.
They both work at the same resort in the Hill Country and seemed sharp.
I’d actually seen Barry Blaise compete at the US Open several years ago.
I have a feeling both of them will land jobs at Tidewater. ”
“Speaking of jobs there,” Layne said. “I know you have a good idea of the different positions at Tidewater that need to be filled. Since Piper is looking for what she wants to do, maybe you could discuss what’s available with her and see if she might be a good fit.”
“No,” Piper immediately protested. “If the resort is opening at the beginning of July, that’s high season at the B&B.
I’m not going to cut and run on you, Layne.
I told you I’d help manage the inn until at least after Labor Day, possibly through the fall.
I can’t break my promise and abandon you like that. ”
“Who’s to say there isn’t something you’d be good at that might be part-time?” Layne countered. She glanced at Sullivan. “Are there part-time jobs open?”
“Not really,” he said. “At least that I know of. Then again, I’m not involved much in HR and their decisions.”
“See?” Piper said. “Case closed.”
“I still think you could talk with Sullivan and see if something might appeal to you,” Layne said stubbornly.
“You’re not at a debate, Layne Larson,” Piper replied, looking mulish herself. “Drop it.”
“But I was just—”
“Why don’t I take you over to see Tidewater tomorrow?” Sullivan interjected, not wanting the two friends to remain at odds. “We can walk through the resort. Give you an idea of its layout and the jobs that need to be filled.”
“I told you that I never finished college,” Piper said. “I doubt there would be anything for me, other than in housekeeping. And even though I’m going to be cleaning rooms at the B&B, I don’t want to do that forever.”
“You should still go,” Keaton encouraged. “You never know. Opportunities show up when you least expect them.”
“Keaton’s right,” Sullivan agreed. “What does your schedule look like tomorrow, Piper?”
“Layne and I were going to finish up discussing bookkeeping.”
“That won’t take but an hour or so,” Layne said. “We can do that first thing in the morning, and you’ll be free the rest of the day.”
“Good,” Sullivan said. “How about I pick you up at nine? We could make the nine-thirty ferry.”
He saw Piper flush, looking uncomfortable. “Unless you really don’t want to investigate any job opportunities there.”
She took a long breath and blew it out slowly. “I suppose I could at least go see everything. Not that they’re looking for someone like me.”
“Good. It’s settled,” Layne said. “Now, who’s up for dessert.”
“Not me,” he said. “I’m stuffed from dinner. Which was excellent, by the way. Hats off to our cook.”
“It was delicious, Keaton,” Piper said. “Maybe you can teach me how to make a few dinners. I may need to add some to my repertoire.”
“Have someone you want to impress?” Keaton asked, grinning.
“I just like to be prepared,” Piper said. “That’s all.”
“Let’s clean up,” Sullivan suggested.
“Nope,” his friend said. “If you’re not having dessert, we can just have another glass of wine and talk.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to head home,” Piper said. “I’ve got a few things to do. I can walk home so you can stay, Sullivan.”
“No, I’ll take you,” he insisted. Looking to their hosts, he said, “You two can have another glass of wine.”
“That sounds like a plan to me,” Layne said. “And I’m sure we’ll have a little dessert, as well.” She flashed a smile at her fiancé.
“Let’s get out of here now before they start making out,” Piper said good-naturedly. “Again, thanks for a wonderful dinner. I think Beef Wellington may be my new favorite main course. Not that I’ll find it anywhere in the Bay.”
Keaton and Layne walked them to the car. Sullivan opened the door for Piper, and then they waved goodbye.
“They’re really good together,” she said wistfully as he pulled out of the circular drive. “Layne was with a real loser for a long time. I worried that she would marry Jeremy, but he’s gone and she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”
“Well, I haven’t known either of them for long, but they do seem perfect for one another.”
“I’m sorry if I gave you a hard time about your background,” she said suddenly. “I’m usually nicer and never tease anyone.” She grinned. “Besides, you can’t help it that you’re rich. Or should I say wealthy? Rich is such an…inappropriate term.”
Sullivan couldn’t help but laugh. She had remembered what he had said and mimicked his mother exactly, without having met her.
“No offense taken.”
“I’m just a small-town, middle-class girl. I haven’t had the experiences you’ve had. I also wanted to say that you are not obligated to take me to Tidewater tomorrow. I think Keaton and Layne kind of strong-armed you on that one.”
He turned down the road leading to the inn, coasting before he came to a stop and cut the engine.
“I really can’t think of any particular skill I have that would be handy at an elegant resort, Sullivan.
Besides, not finishing college is really going to hold me back.
I’m going to have to find something to do which doesn’t require a degree.
At least I’ll have plenty of time to research that this spring and summer.
Breakfast will only be served from seven to nine each day.
Then I’ll check out guests and clean the rooms. I’ve practiced with Layne, using her mom’s techniques.
I can do each one in thirty minutes or a little less.
Yes, I’ll also have to handle some paperwork and do check-outs, but it’ll still give me time to look into other jobs, mostly online. ”
Piper faced him. “So, I don’t really need to go to Tidewater tomorrow. You’re off the hook. I’ll just tell Layne that we talked about it and that you didn’t think there was anything for me there.”
Anger stirred within him. “Don’t go putting words in my mouth that I never said, Piper. Who knows if there’s something for you at Tidewater? The least you can do is go and see it.”
He paused, reining in his temper. Losing the sharpness in his tone, he continued. “Actually, I’d like you to come and see it. My design.”
“Really?” she asked. “I would like to. I can’t imagine dreaming something up, putting it on paper, and then seeing it come to life in stages.”
He nodded. “It is pretty amazing. No matter how many times I conceptualize something new for Wagner Enterprises, it’s still a thrill when construction is completed. Please, say you’ll come with me tomorrow.”
She smiled. “Yes. I’d like that. A lot.”
Then without warning, Piper threw open her door. “Thanks for giving me a ride, Sullivan. See you tomorrow at nine.”
She scampered up the steps and unlocked the front door. Turning, she waved goodbye and then disappeared inside.
Sullivan would have liked to have gone into the inn with her and continued their conversation.
Piper intrigued him. It had been a long time since any woman had.
Actually, no one had. He was a man who lost interest quickly in a woman, always ready to move on after a date or two.
For once, his restlessness seemed to have vanished.
He started the car again, eager for tomorrow to come, so he might get to know more about Piper.