To Face The Past

by Karen Abbott

  In frustration, he slapped the leaflets he held against the palm of his other hand. Damn! He glanced ruefully at the assistant behind the counter.

  “Sorry about that,” he apologised. “It was my fault entirely. Thank you for these,” indicating the leaflets, “I’ll let you know of any response we get from our guests and order more leaflets as appropriate.”

  He, too, drove to a quiet place to recover his poise, choosing a nearer destination … the car park by Poppit Sands, a couple of miles past the Glan-Yr-Avon Hotel, overlooking the estuary and the opposite headland.

  He switched off the engine and leaned back in his seat, staring blankly across the estuary. He was totally surprised at the resurgence of his acute unhappiness at the time of their split. He had thought himself well-recovered. Now, he ruefully acknowledged that he had simply buried himself in his work and had left his wounds festering beneath the surface. Did Eva feel as he did?

  He shook his head. The truth was that he didn’t know. At the time, she had presented him with a cold exterior, so different from the vivacious girl he had fallen in love with and married, and she had never spoken to him about how she really felt. He had presumed her to have shrugged off the events of their last few months together and, following his decision to accept the position in America, had completely removed herself from his life.

  He’d known she was upset initially, of course. Who wouldn’t have been? But she hadn’t wanted to talk to him about it. He’d felt cut out. Even so, he shouldn’t have given in so easily to Eva’s mother’s pleas to her daughter to return home for few weeks. That was a big mistake! He’d known that she had never considered him good enough for Eva.

  Why had he allowed their stupid quarrel to drive him away? He should have stayed and fought for their marriage! With the slightest show of encouragement from Eva he would have forsaken the American job.

  He recalled how shattered he had been when he received the letter from Eva’s solicitor, telling him of her decision to divorce him … and his anguish when he received no answers to any of his letters and phone calls. All he received were the cold legal documents from Eva’s solicitor, telling him of the termination of their lease of their flat, the address of where his share of their furniture and his personal belongings had been put into storage and, finally, the dissolution of their marriage.

  He hadn’t contested it. What was the point, if Eva was so determined to go through with it? He had no wish to hold her in a loveless marriage. And, when Eva’s mother had written a terse note informing him that Eva was seeing a great deal of Robert James, a family friend, with the expectation of a blossoming romance, he had bowed out gracefully. It was time for them both to move on. Their short time together was over.

  That was … until Will Dagnall mentioned the name of his co-worker. There couldn’t be another Eva Cunninghams in the hotel business, could there? Even so, he had hoped to see a stranger … a hope that was dashed to the ground when he saw Eva across the room.

  He was thankful that she hadn’t seen him straightaway. It had given him time to compose his features; to present a cool acceptance of her presence ... though his heart had begun to beat erratically as he saw her head turn, her eyes drawn in his direction. He had detected the registration of shock in her eyes and, to hide his surge of resurrected attraction towards her, he had raised his glass in salute, admiring her swift self-control as she recognised him. Or did she really care so little?

  Was this going to be their chance to make a fresh start together? He shook his head ruefully. It didn’t seem as if Eva had any such hopes or intentions. Besides which, it would jeopardise his current commitment… and he couldn’t allow that to happen. Too much was at stake!

  No, the sooner his task here was completed to a satisfactory conclusion, the sooner he could walk out of her life again … this time, he regretfully acknowledged, for good!

  The room discrepancy was never sorted out satisfactorily. Tricia vehemently denied any responsibility and there was nothing in her work to-date to suggest her to be otherwise than completely competent. Carys maintained her certainty that two people had occupied both rooms in question and Chef remained adamant about how many meals he had prepared and which had been ascribed to non residents … and he demanded the extra money due to fund his quota. But, however they juggled the figures, they would not agree.

  Phil eventually decided that it had to be put behind them and urged the Reception staff to be more vigilant in future.

  Eva didn’t feel ready yet to talk with Matt and was glad that their shifts kept them apart for a few days. When they met, it was always in public and she was thankful that Matt made no attempts to persuade her to meet him elsewhere.

  Business was beginning to pick up. Their special winter offer was still in operation and they had a good number of bookings for Easter, which was just a couple of weeks away.

  At the management meeting that week, Eva made a suggestion that they revamp some little-used rooms above the pool table and squash court.

  “We could make the rooms into a Leisure Club,” she explained. “There was one at my previous hotel and it brought a lot of local people to the hotel. Staff members were eligible for a discounted membership fee and quite a number of us enjoyed using the facilities. The hotel benefitted from the extra revenue and club members often ended up in the bar afterwards and chose the hotel for other social occasions.”

  “It’s too much to take on at this present time,” Phil objected. “We need to bolster our present commitments, not be taking on new ones.”

  “It wouldn’t be that difficult” Eva persisted. “One room has previously been used as a small gym. There are four pieces of dilapidated equipment in it ... although only one of them is in working order. I have already discovered that the floor is strong enough to bear the weight of up to ten machines and there are two smaller rooms that could be made into changing rooms. Showers and toilets could easily be fitted on the ground floor next to the squash court.”

  “It seems you have been going ahead without any agreement, Eva,” Phil censured her. “It’s out of the question. We can’t stand the cost, right now. What do you say, Matt?”

  Eva was relieved to see that Matt was smiling.

  “I think it’s a good idea. If the room is already sound, some of the outdoor staff can assist Huw Burton to see to the décor. That would keep the cost of that down. I’ve been going to the local Leisure Club in town but a gym on site would be handy. We’d need to employ extra staff, of course … people with training and experience … but I think it could be a little gold mine. I must admit, when choosing somewhere to stay myself, I always look for a hotel with leisure facilities.”

  “We already have a squash court, pool table and outside swimming pool,” Phil objected. “I haven’t noticed them being in very much demand.”

  “The swimming pool is only open the summer,” Eva pointed out. “And squash and pool haven’t as wide an appeal as a gym.” She looked earnestly at the two men. “I’d like to propose that we cost it out and then see what Will Dagnall thinks about it. If he agrees, he’ll put it to the consortium and we can take it from there.”

  Matt was in favour and Phil gave his grudging assent.

  “If you don’t mind, Eva, I’d like to work on it with you,” Matt offered. “I have some knowledge of fitness equipment and a former colleague of mine is in the fitness industry. I’ll give him a call. He’ll have a good idea what a small set-up like ours would require and, more than likely, will be able to advise us about what sort of budget we need.”

  Eva’s heart flipped. She would welcome his input ... as long as he didn’t use the opportunity to force her to discuss their break-up. She was still unsure of her feelings.

  “Maybe we should involve some of the younger members of staff as well,” she suggested. “I think one of the waiters, Rick Williams, would be interested ... and Tricia. Do you agree?”

  Matt did agree and, eager to make a start, Eva resolved to send off for
some catalogues immediately.

  “Thank you for supporting my suggestion,” she said to Matt as they left Phil’s office. She had hoped he would ... but hadn’t counted on it.

  “Why wouldn’t I?” Matt asked. “Did you think I would veto your suggestion just because we have unresolved issue?”

  Eva knew his comment was justified. “No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you. You never did let personal problems interfere with business matters.” Maybe too much so, she reflected silently.

  Matt gave her a crooked smile. “Do I detect a note of criticism in that statement of commendation?”

  Eva forbore to answer. “Let me know when you hear from your friend,” she said over her shoulder as they parted company

  A few days later, Eva was on duty with Meriel when a young man in overalls came to the Reception desk. Meriel was occupied taking a booking by telephone so Eva came out of her office and approached the desk with a smile.

  “Good morning. How may I help you?”

  “DigiGameMasters, love” he announced casually. “I’ve come to do the service.”

  “Pardon?”

  “The slot machines. You know, One-Armed-Bandits,” he added with a grin, nodding his head towards the alcove off the foyer where the machines were placed. “They’re due their annual service.”

  “Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t know what you meant. Do you need any help?”

  “No, ta! I’ve been before.” Whistling tunelessly, he went to get on with the servicing.

  Eva wasn’t in great favour of the gambling machines but Phil seemed to think they were a neat money-earner with little effort or maintenance required from hotel staff.

  “Phil had them installed two years ago,” Meriel informed her, adding, “I wish you’d told me what the young man wanted, Eva. I’d have told you to leave it to Phil. He likes all the extra activities in the Hotel to be under his jurisdiction so that he can keep an eye on them. However, not to worry! Let me know when the service engineer has finished and I’ll make it right.”

  The phone seemed to ring incessantly that morning, bringing in a number of summer bookings. Eva was engrossed on her computer screen when she realised the slot machine service-engineer had returned to the desk.

  Eva looked round for Meriel and then remembered Meriel had asked her to cover for her for a moment. “Can you wait a minute?” she enquired.

  “Sorry, love. I’m running late as it is. One of the machines needs attention, though. I need to see Phil for clearance.”

  “Isn’t that the responsibility of your own firm?” Eva asked, frowning slightly. They had had some machines in Harrogate but hotel staff was never required to make decisions about them. “Besides, Phil’s out until twelve o’clock. You’ll have to deal directly with your own boss, I’m afraid.”

  “If you say so, miss. Got a piece of paper, have you?”

  “What for?”

  “To leave a note.”

  “Is that necessary?”

  He pulled a face. “I’d better.”

  Eva slid him a sheet of hotel notepaper.

  “Ta!”

  The man scribbled a quick note and then asked for an envelope. He scribbled Phil’s name on it. “Just give him that when he comes in, will you? He’ll be in touch.” He drew out his work sheet. “Will you sign there to say I’ve done the servicing?”

  Eva swiftly ran her eyes over the form. The man had written that one machine needed attention and had requested permission to repair or replace it. It all seemed to be in order and Eva wrote her signature in the place indicated.

  “Ta! See you! Ta-ra!” Whistling again, he swaggered off, leaving Eva to return to her work.

  All aspects of her job gave her an enormous amount of satisfaction. The hotel was gradually being transformed from its slightly neglected appearance into a very attractive building and Eva felt happy to be involved in its restoration. As part of her job she kept track of the various groups of workmen now frequently on site and pursued the Leisure Club project she had initiated.

  Only to herself did she acknowledge that the busier she was, the less likelihood there was for Matt to sidetrack her into a head-to-head talk about the breaking-up of their marriage. She noticed his gaze upon her from time to time, sometimes speculative, sometimes in cool appraisal … but in spite of many a resolve to agree to talk things through, when face-to-face with him she always managed to evade any opportunity of being able to meet with him in private.

  Strangely, his lack of pressure allowed her old feelings to stir within her. She found herself looking out for his presence and realised that she felt comfortably content when he was within view … as long as her observations of him went unnoticed! His easy smile, sadly less frequently bestowed upon her than on the other female members of staff, was enough to set her heart racing again … and was it jealousy she felt when she saw him enjoying an off-duty drink in the bar with other women ... more often than not Dilys or Tricia … or, occasionally, Leanne, Bethan or Meriel?

  “Where’s Burt Rawlins?” Phil’s voice interrupted sharply as he strode into the office.

  “Isn’t he in the kitchen?” Eva asked, surprised at Phil’s tone.

  “No, he damn well isn’t! Tell him I want to see him as soon as he deigns to make an appearance!”

  “It’s his day off,” Leanne, recently arrived on duty, put in. “Johnny’s the main chef for today. Shall I page him for you?”

  “No, thanks! I want the organ grinder, not the monkey!” With that, Phil stormed away.

  Phil was on the warpath straight after breakfast the following day. Most of the staff knew that he had summoned Burt to his office and, from the raised voices emanating from within, things weren’t going all that smoothly! Everyone tiptoed around, holding their breath.

  The door was flung back, banging against the wall as Burt strode out, his face like thunder. He was already ripping off his apron as he stormed back to the kitchen. When he emerged a few minutes later, he leaped up the stairs to the upper floor, the expression on his face defying anyone to question him.

  Instead, everyone looked at each other in puzzlement. What was going on?

  Phil strode into Reception.

  “Get back to work!” he snapped. He snatched up a register and strode back to his office, the door banging back into place.

  “What’s happened?” Tricia hissed.

  Eva shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  Matt appeared. “Where’s Phil?”

  “In his office.”

  “What’s going on?” Tricia dared ask.

  Matt ignored the question and strode to Phil’s office. With barely a knock, he strode in, carefully closing the door behind him.

  Eva and Tricia dealt with a few departing guests, their minds only partly on their work. Something was afoot and it wasn’t something good!

  Burt was the next to appear, his hands full with two large valises and an assortment of bulging plastic bags.

  “Burt! What’s going on?” Eva asked in dismay. “Where are you going?”

  “Anywhere away from here! I’m through!”

  “But why? Did Phil fire you?” Tricia asked.

  “A moot point! I was told to resign or I’d be blacklisted! So, I resigned! Not that I’ll be asking Mr. High and Mighty for a reference! It wouldn’t get me far!”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Burt! Wouldn’t it have been better to ask for arbitration? I’m sure you’ve done nothing to warrant the sack!” Eva protested.

  “Stepped out of line, according to Phil. Won’t ‘toe the line’! In other words, I’m not a ‘yes man’ and have a mind of my own.”

  “I’m sorry. We’ll miss you.”

  “Yeh! Well, maybe a few of you will. So long! You know my forwarding address.”

  And he left.

  The internal bell buzzed.

  “Come into the office, Eva,” Phil demanded.

  Eva entered Phil’s office. Phil was seated behind his desk; Matt was standing by the windo
w.

  “Yes?” Eva queried.

  “As our other assistant manager, Eva, you have the right to know some of the details of today’s fracas. Burt Rawlins has just resigned his position and, I believe, already left the premises. He is not to be allowed back in under any circumstances and, if he makes any attempt to do so, you are to contact me or Matt or, failing that, the police.”

  “The police?” Eva was dumbfounded. That didn’t fit in with what Burt had said on his way out. “Why the police? What has he done?”

  Phil rested his elbows on his desk and placed the fingers of both hands together. He studied his hands for a moment and spoke with a show of reluctance in his voice.

  “A number of things, Eva, culminating in what can only be called a criminal act.”

  Eva gasped and looked to Matt for confirmation of Phil’s accusation.

  Matt merely shrugged slightly, his expression enigmatic.

  Eva looked back at Phil. He hadn’t missed the sidelong look and a frown of annoyance now covered his face. “Matt’s loyalty to Burt is admirable … but neither of you have known him as long as I have! This trouble has been brewing for some time and, but for my forbearance, he would have been dismissed long ago!”

  He took a deep breath, as if in resignation. “The truth is, Burt has been a problem ever since I became manager. He hasn’t missed an opportunity to denigrate my position, challenge my authority, or countermand my instructions! Such as this matter over our suppliers. Time and time again, he has ignored our policy and ordered from his own suppliers! Businesses which, I might add, charge far more for their second-rate goods than those listed among our supply group!”

  “That doesn’t sound like Burt!” Eva protested. “He is forever saying that he will only use top-quality fresh goods!”

  Phil waved his hand in exasperation. “Let me be the judge of that, Miss Cunningham! What Burt says and what he does are often at opposite ends of the pole! You have only to look at the accounts he keeps to see the wide discrepancies in his costs! And I’ve seen the huge amounts of waste on numerous occasions!”