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“Sorry,” she said, catching Daisy exchange a discreet look with the guy a couple of metres away from them. “I had a long drive. I’m Allie.” Allie, she repeated in her head, thinking that her most likely obstacle could simply be forgetting her name when introducing herself.
“Hi,” Daisy said with a wonderfully professional smile. “What can I help you with?”
“I work here,” she said in a rush. “I mean, I just arrived, but I’m going to be working here.”
“The new waitress?” Daisy said, her professional smile slipping away. “It’s good to meet you. I’m Daisy.” She pointed to her name badge. “I work on reception. This is Freddie.” She cast a glance at the young guy with acne scars, who also appeared to be barely more than a teenager. “He’s a waiter and general dogsbody.”
“Hey!” His eyes sparkled affectionately. “I just brought you a coffee.”
“Exactly,” Daisy said cheekily. “Dogsbody.”
“Bringing coffee falls under a waiter’s job description,” he pointed out smugly.
“True.” Daisy smiled at him. “Can you see if you can find Kevin and tell him Allie’s here?”
Freddie tilted his head and gave her a knowing look.
“Go on,” Daisy said through a gentle laugh. “I’d find him myself, but that means you’ll have to answer the phone if it rings.”
Freddie gave a wide-eyed look of mock horror, then extended his hand to Allie. “Nice to meet you,” he said, before turning to leave.
“Dogsbody,” Daisy murmured, making him turn back briefly and sneer at her.
He continued through the casual but stylish lounge and through the archway which Allie knew led to a spacious restaurant and bar area. At the other side of the restaurant was a beautiful patio with gorgeous sea views.
“He likes the teasing really,” Daisy said, pulling Allie from her trance.
The flirting more like, Allie thought but refrained from saying. Hopefully the two of them weren’t that casual when customers were around.
It was barely a minute before Kevin arrived. For reasons unbeknown to her, Allie had been expecting an out-of-shape middle-aged guy with a combover. Which made it fairly surprising that he was a very well-put-together man – probably in his mid-forties – with a full head of hair and a rather charming smile.
His handshake was limp and his palm clammy, but Allie reminded herself again not to judge people on first impressions, and especially not on superficial details.
“How was your drive?” Kevin asked.
“Good.”
“Glad to hear it. I presume Daisy introduced herself?”
“Yes.” Allie smiled benignly.
“Well then.” Kevin extended an arm towards the main door. “How about I show you to our staff accommodation? Once you’re settled I can give you a tour of the clubhouse.”
Allie cocked her head to one side in confusion. Why was Kevin gesturing outside when the entrance to the flat was via the stairs at the back of the building?
Maybe there was also a back door she didn’t remember. That made sense. Better to use that, rather than coming and going through the clubhouse.
Kevin looked momentarily unsure of himself. “You were planning on staying on site? Richard said so, but if you’ve found yourself an alternative …”
“No,” Allie said. “I was planning on staying here.”
“Great. Follow me then.” He led the way out to the car park. “Shall I help with your bags?”
“That’s okay. I can grab them later.” She forced a smile while feeling uncomfortable at the thought of him seeing her car.
“We may as well take some stuff while we’re going,” he said cheerfully.
“Right. Okay. I guess we may as well.” She supposed he was going to find out she drove a Porsche anyway, and if it was going to raise questions, sooner was probably better than later. She could put the whole notion of sneaking around to bed and get on with running the place overtly.
