AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER TWELVE
ELLIE
Ellie looked around with affection at everyone gathered in the dining room. She’d set up a staff meeting so that her granddaughters could meet the people who supported the operation of the Inn. Some of them had worked for her for many years.
Ambrose “Amby” Pappas and his wife, Beryl, descendants of Greek sponge divers who’d settled in the Tarpon Springs area of Florida long ago, had been with her the longest. Amby acted as landscaper and general handyman around the Inn, while Beryl headed the housekeeping staff. A smile tugged at Ellie’s lips. No one could do a better job than Beryl. The Inn might need a little sprucing up, but it was spotless. She made sure the seven part-time staff members under her control were as diligent as she was.
Billy Bob Walker leaned against the wall by the entrance to the room, a bit stand-offish as usual. If one didn’t know how gentle he was, they’d keep their distance. He was a big, burly man with large hands, sandy hair, and blue eyes that were so light they sometimes seemed spooky. He’d served prison time long ago for dealing drugs, but now he was as cold sober as anyone could be. His only vice today was his addiction to Tic Tacs in a variety of flavors. She’d been leery about hiring him to assist John, but John had insisted, and they’d been a splendid team ever since, along with two part-time kitchen helpers who came and went.
Ellie cleared her throat. “Thank you all for coming. I want to introduce my granddaughters to you. They will be managing the Inn for John and me this summer while we’re away. Brooke will be working with Jake in the office, Livy will work with Billy Bob in the kitchen, and Charlotte will be taking my place as morning hostess most mornings and redoing our website and marketing program.”
Brooke, Livy, and Charlotte introduced themselves and told a little bit about their backgrounds and interests.
“Now, dear granddaughters,” said Ellie, “meet the best staff anyone could have.” She introduced each staff member by name and gave a snippet of information about them, ending with Billy Bob.
“So, there you have it, everyone. A new team for the summer. John and I have agreed to the upgrades our granddaughters are proposing, so expect some changes. We ask for cooperation among you. We’ve always considered you to be a part of our family. That won’t change, even though we’ll be gone.”
John placed a hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “We’re grateful to you all. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to make this trip. Thank you.”
As people began to disperse, Ellie walked over to Billy Bob. “Livy will be working in the kitchen taking inventory. I trust you’ll be willing to let her do her thing.”
He bobbed his head. “Anything for you and John.”
“Thank you,” she said. Livy might be tiny compared to Billy Bob, but she was a force of her own.
