Chapter Twelve
Thursday, 2 nd November
‘Mama – can we go and feed the ducks?’
Ben pulled at Kim’s sleeve, and she smiled down at him. They were on their way home from the new toy library in Grimsbach, and she’d put her name down to volunteer for an hour or two every week. She could take Ben with her, so he’d have other kids to play with, and as there were always two volunteers there, she’d have another adult to talk to. It was no substitute for a proper job, but definitely a win-win for her.
‘We don’t have any bread for them, sweetheart. But we can go along the lake path and see them, if you like.’
She took his hand to cross the road, and they wandered down to the gravel pathway along the banks of Lake Constance. Ben skipped ahead and Kim followed on, her eyes glued to the back of his head. At this time of year, it was unlikely he’d take a notion to dive into the water, but after what had happened to Eli in the summer, she wasn’t taking any chances. The pathway took them right past the stony beach where they’d so nearly lost Eli, and she shivered, grabbing Ben when he wanted to run down to the water.
‘No, it’s too chilly today to play on the beach. Let’s go along to the hotel and see if they’ve started knocking walls down yet.’
‘Ooh yes!’
Ben abandoned the beach without a second glance, and Kim swallowed her guilt. That was mean, given that she knew full well the renovation hadn’t started yet, but maybe there would be enough going on at Lakeside to keep Ben happy.
They were in luck. A large skip lorry carrying an empty skip was backing in through the hotel gates when they arrived there, and they stood watching as it unloaded the new skip, then hoisted the full one onto the back of the vehicle.
Rico was standing in the hotel doorway. ‘Come to see Stacy?’ he called. ‘Come in – she’s in the office.’
A chat with Stacy would be nice. Kim led Ben inside, and he ran up to Stacy the moment he saw her.
‘Why’ve you got a skip out there?’
Kim translated, adding, ‘I’ll answer for you, if you’re okay with that!’
Stacy was, and Ben accepted Kim’s explanation then raced back to the door to watch the lorry driver secure the new load.
‘German’s going to be my biggest problem here,’ said Stacy, pushing one hand through her hair. ‘I’m doing an online course, and I’ve signed up for a real-life one too, but it isn’t going to be easy.’
‘I can help you.’ Kim stood straight. ‘Why didn’t we think of that before? You can come to me and Ben for an hour a few times every week and we can talk – that’s the best way to learn.’
Rico was crossing the hallway. ‘That’s a brilliant idea. The hotel might even be able to pay you something, Kim.’
Kim protested – Stacy would be doing her as much of a favour as she was Stacy, especially if she came during the day.
Stacy was nodding enthusiastically. ‘I’d love that – thank you so much, Kim. And Rico.’
Kim beamed. This was going to be another win-win, wasn’t it?
‘Then that’s settled,’ said Rico.
His gaze lingered over Stacy, who had crouched down to admire the badge on Ben’s jacket. Kim blinked. Wow – talk about love shining out of someone’s eyes. Did Stacy know this guy was totally knocked out by her?
Rico moved back to the door as the lorry driver came in, and Stacy stood up.
‘Kaffee?’ she said, grinning at Kim. ‘See, I’ve started already!’
Kim grinned back. ‘Ja, gerne!’
‘“Please” is “bitte”, isn’t it? Why don’t you say, “ja, bitte”?’ asked Stacy, leading the way to the lift.
‘Because we don’t. I don’t claim to be a grammar teacher – I’m just helping you communicate!’
Stacy took them upstairs into a sunny kitchen, and Ben set to work taking the paper off a chocolate biscuit. Kim watched as Stacy pulled out coffee mugs. Did Stacy know Rico had fallen for her big time? Nothing she was saying about him today was suggesting that.
Kim leaned across the table. ‘Stacy – tell me to back off if this is too personal, but I couldn’t help noticing that Rico really likes you. Is there anything between you two?’
Stacy shook her head. ‘I wouldn’t put it as strongly as that. I guess he would like us to be closer, but I’m not up for anything right now and he seems fine with that. Recently broken engagement, but that’s a story for another day.’ Her eyes rested on Ben. ‘There’s nothing between Rico and me, and that’s how it’s going to stay.’
‘Okay. But if you want to talk about it, I’m here.’
‘Thanks. I want him to accept me as a Lakeside employee, and maybe a friend, that’s all.’
Kim looked at her sideways. Stacy could want all she liked, but from what she’d seen downstairs, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. Poor Rico.
***
Stacy waved as Kim and Ben set off down the drive. German lessons with Kim would be so much more fun than doing exercises online, and they could concentrate on the more specific vocabulary she’d need here at Lakeside, too. It wouldn’t replace the online or evening classes, but she didn’t have long before the hotel opened and she’d need more than a smattering to get through the working day. Not everyone would speak English.
She turned back into the hotel as Karen was coming out of the office. The older woman’s face was grave, but there was no sign of this morning’s tears. She ignored Stacy, and stabbed the keyboard on the desk with one finger, her eyes fixed on the computer screen.
Stacy’s steps slowed. Had Rico spoken to Karen yet? It was hard to know what to do, but ignoring each other wasn’t going to work long term, was it? A nice neutral conversation might be a good start. She went up to the desk, annoyance flaring when Karen didn’t even look up.
‘Karen, do you know if the weekend menu has been printed yet? Rico was talking about it this morning.’
Karen didn’t look up from the screen. ‘The menu’s ready. Some of us were working while you were off gossiping with your friends. You’re here to work, Stacy – it’s not a holiday. You’re taking advantage of Rico.’
Stacy banged both hands down on the desk. ‘That’s–’
Rico shot out of the restaurant and put a hand on Stacy’s shoulder. She wilted. He was going to make a bad situation worse, and there wasn’t a lot she could do to stop him. He was the boss here.
His voice was ice cold. ‘That’s ridiculous, and you know it, Karen. Stacy’s worked hard all week, sometimes long past the time she should finish. This animosity on your part has to stop. Is there anything worrying you?’
Karen’s chin was wobbling. Stacy reached across the desk, but the older woman swung away.
‘Nothing that concerns you. And as I’ve been working all afternoon, I’ll stick to my finishing time and go home.’ She marched into the staff cloakroom and banged the door shut behind her.
Stacy glared at Rico. ‘That went well, didn’t it?’
He pulled a face. ‘Sorry. But you were right at lunchtime, something is troubling her. I’ve never seen her look so down. I’ll have a word another time. Best if we all sleep on it first.’
‘Make sure your word’s about Karen only, next time. Leave me out of it.’ Stacy stuck her hands into the pockets of her jeans. Was she allowed to tell the boss what to do? Apparently she was, because he nodded.
‘I’ll be tact personified, don’t worry. Let’s knock off for today too, huh? By the way, I’m going to the Alpstein to play darts tomorrow night, if you want to come?’
In different circumstances she’d have leapt at the chance, but… Stacy shook her head. ‘Maybe another time. I’ll need a quiet night tomorrow after my first week, and I want to call Emily.’
How boring did that make her sound…? She left him to lock up, and took the lift upstairs. Her relationship with Karen wasn’t the only one that needed adjusting. What if Kim was right, and Rico was in love with her? He’d known about Karen’s tears at lunchtime, but he’d still been pretty tough on her back there. It was a horrible thought that he could have done that because of his feelings for her, and anyway, his priority should be the hotel, not her. It was so frustrating, and what she was going to do about it was anyone’s guess. Thank heavens she had Kim to talk to. And of course – happy thought for the day – it wouldn’t be long before Emily arrived for her visit. Stacy went into the flat feeling more cheerful. Emmy would help her set Rico straight, wouldn’t she?