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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHARLOTTE
Livy was in Gran’s kitchen helping herself to a cold lemonade when Charlotte walked in.
“Oh, that looks delicious,” said Charlotte. “I’m still getting used to the heat and humidity.”
Livy handed her a glass of the cold drink and took a seat at the kitchen table. “John told me that he and Gran are going to leave earlier than planned. I think it’s to give us the freedom to work on changes.”
Charlotte murmured her thanks, took a sip of the drink, and gave her a satisfied smile. “I hope that’s true. I’ve had a productive day and have lots to share with you and Brooke.”
“Let’s text her in the office now,” said Livy. “I bet she’s had enough of figures.”
Charlotte quickly sent a message to Brooke asking her to meet them in Gran’s kitchen and got a response right back. “She’s on her way.”
They sipped in silence, and then Brooke entered the kitchen. “Thanks for rescuing me. Jake left to meet with another client, and I’ve been stuck alone in the office looking at numbers until I’m about blind.”
Livy handed her a glass of lemonade. “Margaritas later. Right now, Charlotte and I have news.”
“So do I,” said Brooke. “Gran told me she and John are leaving earlier than expected to give us time to work on the Inn. She’s bubbling with excitement.”
“John said he’s making the trip as much for her as he is for himself,” said Livy. “Isn’t that sweet?”
“They’re perfect together,” said Charlotte. “I’d like to have that kind of relationship someday. Right now, I’m happy to be free from anything like that so I can concentrate on this summer’s project. I’ve been doing some thinking. I want to make the Inn better than ever.”
“Me, too,” said Livy. “But it’s going to take money to bring it up to its old standards. Especially in the kitchen. And if we’re going to offer dinner as Gran and John used to, the kitchen can’t wait.”
“How are we going to get the money?” asked Charlotte.
“I have some good news,” said Brooke giving them a triumphant smile. “Gran and John have wisely set aside money each year for renovations. We have approximately one hundred eighty thousand dollars to use. It seems like a lot, but it isn’t. We’re going to have to be super careful.”
“Okay, but so far, I’ve discovered we need to replace a dishwasher in the kitchen with one that can handle a larger volume of dishes, and the commercial icemaker is iffy and may also need replacement,” said Livy. “The other issues are smaller, adding to the inventory of some utensils, moving things around to make it easier for more people to work in the kitchen. Believe me. I try hard not to bump into Billy Bob.”
Charlotte and Brooke laughed.
“The guest rooms need refreshing as we’ve already discussed,” said Charlotte. “I was able to locate a hotel supplier in Miami, and when I talked to them, they were more than willing to work with us on new bedspreads, sheets, and towels for all thirty-six rooms,” said Charlotte. “Discount prices on bulk purchases can make a difference. I told him we’d even be interested in overstock items.”
“What about adding another washing machine and dryer for guests to use?” said Brooke.
“How about the coffee makers in the rooms? I think we should replace those with Keurig machines,” said Livy. “I noticed some of the old ones weren’t in the best of shape. This way, we can offer a variety of drink choices to our guests.”
“I suggest we all price whatever we think we need, and then we’ll make a decision together as to what we buy,” said Brooke.
“We’re lucky the rooms don’t need to be repainted or recarpeted,” said Charlotte. “We can make them seem brand new by giving each room different bedspreads and soft goods. I’ll plan a trip to Miami to see what the supplier has available.”
“And to meet a certain lawyer for lunch?” Brooke said, nudging her.
“She had lunch with Austin today,” said Livy, giving Brooke an impish grin.
“Hold on, dear cousins,” said Charlotte laughing. “It’s all for business. Remember? Besides, it was worth a lot to meet up with Austin. He’s going to help upgrade the wi-fi system for us and even work with us on updating the property management system.”
“He told me he’s going to do it for free,” said Livy. “He wants to keep busy because he promised Granny Liz he’d stay for the summer.”
“Wow. While you two are cavorting, I’m stuck in the office reviewing numbers,” said Brooke. “What’s fair about that?”
“Nothing,” said Charlotte. “But I’m better at decorating and marketing work.”
“And I’m best in the kitchen,” said Livy.
