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Winter:You bet!
After getting off the bus, I head straight for my locker to empty it. The uniform will get returned, but I gather all of my personal belongings before casting a brief look around the staff room. I’m looking forward to seeing it transformed into a high-spec hotel, fitting of guests’ expectations.
After grabbing the breakfast basket from the kitchens, I head upstairs for reception where I bump into Maria and Leo.
“I hear you’re leaving!” Maria exclaims, throwing out her arms. “Elias was so cross.”
I hug her warmly, mindful of my full hands. She’s cared, in her unique way. “Because he didn’t get to fire me?”
She doesn’t confirm or deny anything. Instead, she tells me, “I can’t say I blame you at all for getting involved with them. And you deserved the job offer. Management is where you belong, and at Chateau Balthazar no less.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes at Leo when he scoffs, clearly jealous. I’m glad he didn’t get the chance to work with cabin one. I’ve halted his progress, giving Betsy a chance to retain her position as the star employee while she recovers from her accident. Ignoring him, I tell Maria, “I appreciated your advice and friendship over the last few months, Maria. Will you retire or come back after the rebuild?”
“Oh, I definitely want to be here for the grand opening. You try and stop me.”
I kiss her cheek. “Goodbye, and good luck!”
“You too.” She eyes my clothes and the bag of my belongings in my hand. “They leave today?”
“After a hockey game. I’ll go and watch and then they’ll head back. I’ll follow in two days.”
She nods, smiling. “Keep in touch.”
I nod my goodbyes to them both, and then I walk up the hill to the cabin, knocking on the front door.
Shirtless, Roo answers, his eyes sliding down my body. “In civvies? I like it.”
Yeah, I like his casual attire too. I could get used to the shirtless look.
I pass him the basket of freshly-baked goods, knowing there are plenty of other supplies in the cabin. Officially, they’re my VIPs for the next few hours but we’ve never adhered to the boundaries of staff and guests.
“You look hot tub ready.”
“Yeah, well, you need to hurry up. The sun’s already breaking.”
I throw my boots into the boot room and strip off my coat and sweater. I’m already wearing a bikini under my clothes, but I leave a trail of those remaining on the floor as I make my way to the deck.
Their deep voices reach me before I see them. Luca and Brecken. Relaxing in the hot tub, their arms spread out on either side of them, they face toward the rising sun.
“Finally,” Luca admonishes, but there’s no heat to it.
“I was saying goodbye to Maria.”
Brecken holds my hand, steadying me as I lift a foot to climb in before gratefully dipping under the warm water. It’s so welcoming, the steamy air brushing against my skin as I sink my entire body under the lightly bubbling surface. I sigh out in pleasure, Roo taking the spot next to me.
On the horizon, an orange, red glow seeps ever broader, the sky lightening as the minutes spin by. Collectively, we admire the view in contemplative silence. All I notice is comforting heat, a spiritual awareness of greater things beyond our control, and a profound sense of relaxation. After yesterday, we need this moment to appreciate what we have. To appreciate being alive.
“Not a bad spot, is it?” Reuben voices, breaking the quiet.
“Hmm. Someone with some funds should buy this hotel and maximize the opportunity here,” I quip, looking at Luca.
“We spent the last five months securing this and the neighboring plots,” he reminds me. “Consider it done.”
“You’re going to be busy,” I tell Reuben.
“The way I like it,” he assures me.
Their comments remind me that they’re deeply occupied by their work. That the family business has all of their focus. It reinforces all the previous conversations about the challenges they’ve faced in having a relationship, and why sharing a woman is necessary. Having a strong work ethic myself I can respect this side of them.
