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Ariel looked at Darcy and grinned. "Areyouready to get started? It’s going to be an intense day."
"I was born ready," Darcy replied, winking at her. "What do you need me to do first?"
"Let's start with your suggestion—inventory the prep work for tonight's dinner service," Ariel decided. She was already going over the prep list in her mind as she gestured inside the house. “Let’s go open a restaurant.”
The morning flew by in a flurry of activity. Ariel and Darcy rushed around the kitchen, comparing the contents of the big, industrial fridge with the itemized list of what would need to go into the evening’s menu. Ariel wanted everything to be perfect for the night's grand opening. Darcy had proven to be a capable sous chef, and his easygoing nature helped to ease the tension in the air. He was often a step ahead of Ariel, and met her slightly harried mood with a calm, even tenor of his own. Katie joined them right after getting dressed, and shortly after that, Katie’s boyfriend, Connor, arrived.
As Darcy and Ariel worked, the conversation flowed easily between them. Connor talked about his plans for the day, which included helping Ariel with the last-minute yard work and running errands for the B and B. Katie complained about the early hour, but perked up when Darcy complimented her on the way she’d julienned peppers the night before.
As Katie and Connor sat at the huge kitchen island, eating yogurt parfaits plus whatever tastes, tidbits, and “sample this” spoons that Ariel sent their way, Darcy regaled them all with tales of his previous culinary adventures.
"I've never been to fancy Paris like Miss Ariel here, but I have worked in some of the best restaurants in the country," he said, stirring a pot of bechamel sauce as he looked around the kitchen. "And there's something about Leeside that just feels right."
"Darcy, where are you from?" Connor asked, and Ariel thought it was sweet that he was trying to get to know their new hire a bit better.
"Originally from Texas," Darcy replied, pausing in his stirring. "But I've been all over the place. Worked in New York for a while, then moved to California. I was in Portland before I came here."
"What brought you to this small town?" Connor asked. “I mean, most people cannot wait to move away.”
“You,not most people,” Katie teased.
"I was looking for a change of pace," Darcy said, shrugging. "I'd heard good things about Endless Harbor, so I thought I'd give it a try."
"Well, we're glad you're here," Ariel said, smiling as she dragged a sack of onions from the pantry. "You're going to be a big part of this business, so we want to make sure you feel at home."
"Thanks, Ariel," Darcy said, returning her smile. "I think I'm going to like it here."
Katie smiled, too. "Yes, despite my teasing, we're lucky to have you, Darcy."
Ariel saw Connor pull a face for a split second . "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said, laughing a bit uneasily—and then the face was gone, replaced by a smile that mirrored those on everyone else. It came off as teasing, and Katie tapped Connor lightly on the shoulder in response, kissing his cheek, but Ariel hadn’t missed the previous look.
Hmmm.
The sound of a car pulling up interrupted their banter, and Ariel hurried to the front of the B and B. A car had pulled up outside, the first guest check-in for the day.
CHAPTER TWO
As the first guests arrived at Leeside, Ariel stood at the entrance with a warm smile. She greeted them and asked for their names—thrilled to find that they were the newlyweds, Josh and Millie Olsen—before checking them in.
"I have your reservation right here,” she said cheerfully. “Let me show you to your room."
As Ariel led Josh and Millie to their room, she took in the splendor of the interior of the restored Victorian house. She had put in countless hours of work and love into bringing the house back to life, and she was proud to see the fruits of her labor.
The hallway was wide and bright, with large windows that let in the sunshine. The walls were painted a soft cream color that complemented the dark hardwood floors. The ceiling was adorned with an impressive chandelier, casting a warm glow over everything below it.
Ariel opened the door to Josh and Millie's room, and they stepped into a space that was both luxurious and cozy. There was a large window overlooking the gardens, and a vase of fresh flowers on the dresser, as well as a special treat that Ariel had set out on the small bench that sat at the end of the bed.
The walls were a muted blue-gray color, and the windows were framed by flowing curtains made of soft linen. The room was filled with antique furniture that had been carefully selected to match the Victorian aesthetic. A cherry wood dresser sat against one wall, while a vintage armchair sat in the corner, adorned with a soft blanket and a decorative pillow. A king-sized bed was positioned in the center of the room, with a plush comforter and fluffy pillows.
The bathroom was just as impressive as the bedroom, with a large clawfoot tub and a separate shower stall. The tiles on the floor were intricate and colorful, and the sink was an antique porcelain basin with a brass faucet.
"I hope you'll find everything to your liking," Ariel said. She grinned at the couple and added, "You two look positively glowing! I'm so thrilled to have you here for your honeymoon. Leeside is the perfect place for a romantic getaway."
Josh and Millie beamed back at Ariel, and Josh said, "We're so excited to be here! We've been looking forward to this for months. The pictures on your website looked amazing, but seeing it in person is even better."
Millie nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's so beautiful here. And the room is perfect. Thank you so much for the champagne and chocolates, Ariel. It's such a thoughtful touch."
Ariel waved off their thanks. "It's my pleasure. You two should make the most of your stay here.” Ariel gave them a few brochures and a map of the town. "Breakfast is served here every morning from six until nine, and for lunch there are plenty of great restaurants in town. I highly recommend The Throwback Diner for casual fare. Ask for Jill, she’s a personal friend of mine there.”
