The Hotel

by Pamela Kelley

“Almost never. When we do it’s usually a horrible snowstorm, and it’s back up the next day. Or an accident when the lines get knocked out.”

  “Wouldn’t surprise me if a tree fell on the lines. That might mean it’s out for a while.”

  “Looks like I’m not getting that pizza.” Paula headed over to the reception desk and helped explain to the guests that until the power came back, they wouldn’t be able to check them in. Those who already had their room keys could still access their rooms as the locks were battery operated and since there were only three levels, people could easily take the stairs to their rooms. The elevators were set to automatically go to the ground level during a power outage and the doors could be manually opened. She took a deep breath and looked around. David was at the concierge desk talking to Marco and several guests.

  When the lights still didn’t come on after a half hour, and it was getting darker, Paula went to the housekeeping room and found a bunch of candles which she placed all over the lobby, on all the counters. David saw what she was doing and came to help carry out more candles. They went to the bar area which was just off of the lobby and placed them all along the bar as well.

  Frank was the bartender on duty, and he came over when Paula set the candles down. “Great idea.” The bar wasn’t overly busy but there were a few guests enjoying cocktails. The restaurant was emptying out as there was no way for the kitchen to cook. Paula realized the power might be out for some time, and they still had a lobby full of people that couldn’t check into their rooms yet. They were starting to look restless and frustrated, and she didn’t blame them.

  David looked around the lobby, too. “No generator, huh?”

  She shook her head. “Grandfather considered it at one point, but we so rarely lose power that he didn’t think the expense was worth it.”

  “Might be worth reconsidering, if only to power the reception area so people can get checked into their rooms,” David said.

  “I agree. And possibly for the restaurant, too. We should look into that again. Actually, I have an idea. I’m getting hungry, and I bet some of our guests are, too.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m going to head into the kitchen and see if there’s anything we can offer them.”

  Nick was overseeing the kitchen that night and when Paula explained what she had in mind, he was all for it.

  “We have cheese and crackers. Some nuts. I can whip up some guacamole and chips. And we can splurge a little and give them a platter of shrimp cocktail. People always like that. And some brownies and cookies. Sound good?”

  “Yes. Sounds perfect.”

  “Give me ten minutes and I’ll have it ready for you.”

  Paula headed back to the bar. “Frank, we’re going to put some snacks out for people in a few minutes. I’d like to offer everyone a round or two of drinks, as well. That might be welcome about now.”

  He grinned. “I think that’s a fabulous idea.”

  Paula took a deep breath and walked into the middle of the lobby.

  “Could I get everyone’s attention, please?” Her voice seemed to wobble and echo in the room with its high ceiling. But the chattering quieted and people looked her way.

  “I’d like to apologize for the weather. Unfortunately, we can’t control the power outage and we don’t know what time it will be back up. Hopefully soon. In the meantime, I’d like to invite you all to have a cocktail or two on us. Please head to the bar, and Frank can take your order. We’re going to have some snacks for you, as well, shortly.”

  “Nice job,” David said when she walked back over to him.

  “You really think so? I know it’s a little extravagant.”

  He smiled. “And that’s why they come to the most expensive hotel on the island. For its legendary service. They’ll appreciate it and a drink or two will help to pass the time and take the edge off for them.”

  Paula was relieved that he approved. His opinion mattered to her. She grinned. “Good. Want to help me carry the food out?”

  Marco had heard their exchange. “I’ll help, too.”

  Nick had everything ready for them and they carried out platters of cheese and crackers, plump shrimp with cocktail sauce on the side, bowls of salted nuts, and sliced salami and other cold cuts, patés, crusty sliced baguettes and a big platter of cookies and brownies.

  The food and drinks were a hit and for the next few hours it felt a bit like a party in the lobby. Paula, David and Marco enjoyed a drink as well and snacked a bit.

  “Has this ever happened on any of your other assignments?” Paula asked David.

  “A few times, actually. One time in New York City on a really hot July night, there was a brownout and all of Manhattan went dark. That was fun. Picture all those tall buildings and no one can use the elevator.”

  “What did they do?” Marco asked.

  “They tried to do whatever they could, but it was limited. The lobby was dark, there were no candles because everything was all on a higher floor that they couldn’t access. They handed out snacks and it was mostly stuff from a vending machine, chocolate and chips, junk food. But they gave out beer and wine, too, from the hotel bar and that made people happy. The power finally came on a few hours later.”

  He glanced at Paula. “You handled this about as well as you could. The food and drinks were a smart choice.”

  “Thank you.”

  Paula made the rounds of the room again, checking in with the girls at the front desk and making sure they had a chance to have some food and a drink if they wanted. The atmosphere in the room had changed from tense to almost fun. When the power came on an hour later, the lobby erupted in cheers. Paula jumped behind the front desk again and helped to get everyone checked in while David and Marco brought the empty platters back into the kitchen.

  Once everyone was settled, Paula and David walked out together.

  “Well, that was an adventure, huh?” David said as they stepped outside. The wind had died down and the rain completely stopped, which Paula was grateful for.

  “Certainly unexpected. It turned out okay, I think, though. Maybe even a little bit fun.”

  David smiled. “I had fun. See you tomorrow, Paula.”

  “Goodnight.” As she walked home, Paula smiled to herself. It had been a crazy and chaotic night, but it had been a good one, too.

  Chapter 30

  “Are you having fun?” Marco’s deep, amused voice got her attention. He was looking at Andrea with such warmth in his eyes that it gave her goosebumps.

  “I am. I love this place.” They were at The Gaslight for dinner and Andrea was having the best night. The food, as usual, was great and now they were having a cocktail and listening to live music.

  It would have made her top five list of dates except that it wasn’t a date at all. She and Marco were just two friends and co-workers having dinner. She reminded herself that she was also his boss. So, when she felt the occasional hint of attraction, she tried to ignore it.

  “I love this song. Want to dance?” He stood and held out his hand and she did want to dance.

  It was a slow jazzy tune, and they wrapped their arms around each other and swayed to the music. Andrea leaned into him and caught a whiff of his cologne. She liked the feeling of being in his arms and was disappointed when the music ended, and the next song was a fast one. They stayed on the dance floor and danced several songs in a row before taking a break.

  She’d heard from Elaine that morning, confirming the date for her final interview in Manhattan. It was coming up fast, a week from Monday. She still had very mixed feelings about the opportunity. The job itself sounded great. The property was lovely and elegant, and really the perfect size. It was just the location. Could she actually see herself living in Manhattan? Leaving Nantucket?

  She’d talked to Ben right after Elaine called. He’d checked in to see if they were still on for an event he’d invited her to—a book launch party for a writer friend. It was a cocktail party held
at the White Elephant and Andrea knew it would be fun. So that was tomorrow night. Her social life had never been so busy.

  She had to admit, she really preferred the hours of the concierge desk.

  One thing she didn’t miss was the hours the general manager had to put in. She’d just missed the blackout at the hotel the night before. Marco had filled her in on how Paula and David stayed to make sure everyone was taken care of. She would have done the same if she’d been the GM. But she wasn’t sure she would have thought to offer free drinks and put food out. She begrudgingly had to admit that had been smart of Paula.

  “Good news. My mother will be here in a few weeks. I can’t wait for you to meet her,” Marco said.

  “She will? That’s great. I look forward to meeting her, too.” Andrea knew Marco and his brother and sister were close to their mother and missed seeing her.

  “We’ll have a big cookout when she gets here and have all of our friends over to meet her. She’ll love that,” he said.

  Andrea had met his brother a few times before and just met his sister a week or so ago when a small group of them went out to Mimi’s Place for dinner after work. His sister reminded Andrea of Marco. They shared the same smile and infectious laugh. He said they got that from his mother.

  When another slow song came on, Marco didn’t even ask if she wanted to dance. He just stood and held out his hand and she followed. They didn’t talk at all as they swayed to the music. Marco was tall, just over six feet, and even though Andrea was barely five-five, they seemed to fit together perfectly. There were two slow songs in a row, which made her very happy. When the beat picked up, they stayed out there until the set ended and they were both laughing as they went back to their seats. Both of them had danced up a bit of a sweat as the dance floor was packed.

  “Looks like that was their last set,” Marco said.

  Andrea glanced at the time and it was already past midnight. The time had flown by.

  “They were great. We’ll have to watch for when they come again.”

  “Definitely.”

  The waitress came by with their check and Marco quickly handed her a card before Andrea could even open her purse.

  “What are you doing? Let’s split this.”

  He shook his head. “Not tonight. This is my treat.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know. I want to. Maybe I’ll let you return the favor sometime.”

  She laughed. “Yes, you will. Thank you, then. Everything was great.”

  He drove her home and walked her to her door.

  “Thanks again, Marco. It was a fun night.”

  He smiled and for a moment, those eyes locked into hers and he leaned toward her and she caught her breath, worried and at the same time eager for the kiss that might come. But he didn’t kiss her. He pulled her in for a hug.

  “See you tomorrow, Andrea. Sleep tight.”

  Chapter 31

  “It’s not a date!” Paula insisted.

  Lucy laughed. “Have you ever heard the expression ‘If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck…”

  “It’s really not like that.”

  “Really? What is it like, then?”

  There was already a good crowd for Lucy’s art show. It was Saturday night, a little after seven. Paula had arrived about ten minutes ago. And David was with her. Though not at the moment. He was off chatting with Nick and Bella by the cheese and crackers table.

  “We all went for drinks after work yesterday. We were just chatting about what we were up to for the rest of the weekend. And I mentioned your art show. And Nick said he was going, so David said that sounded like fun and could he tag along? So here we are. Not a date.”

  “Mm-hm. And did you all ride together, then?”

  “No, David drove. Nick and Bella met us here.”

  Lucy smiled. “Interesting. Yet Nick lives next door to you, and you could have all driven together.”

  “I mentioned it to Nick, but he said wanted to take his own car as he wasn’t sure what he and Bella wanted to do after. They might walk around downtown or get a bite to eat or just get take-out and go home.”

  “Okay, I guess that makes sense. Those two have been inseparable. I worry a little about him when she leaves. It won’t be much longer.”

  Paula agreed. “I know. He said something to me about going out there to visit.”

  “To Hollywood? That’s interesting.”

  “Oh, honey, look at this. This would look perfect in the baby’s room.” A woman admiring one of Lucy’s pieces called her husband over to see the turquoise rocking chair with hand-painted pink roses all over it.

  “We’ll be back,” Paula said and left so Lucy could talk to her potential customers.

  “Champagne?” A server strolled by holding a tray of flutes filled with the bubbly beverage.

  “Yes, thank you.” Paula took a glass and a sip as she joined the others.

  “Your sister is so talented,” Bella said.

  Lucy had a crowd of people around her now, asking questions.

  “She really is,” Paula agreed.

  “Does it run in the family? Do you paint, too?” Bella asked.

  Nick and Paula both laughed at that. “No. She’s the only one. Nick and I have no artistic skills.”

  “We just appreciate those who are talented,” Nick said and gave Bella a quick kiss. Bella looked beautiful and a bit mysterious as she was still wearing dark sunglasses. She was afraid to go out in public without them. With her rich red curls and the glasses, no one seemed to recognize her, thankfully.

  Another server came by with a tray of stuffed mushrooms and they all took one. Paula helped herself to some of the cheese and crackers that were on the table, too. They walked around and looked at the other artwork that was displayed. There were some beautiful pieces. When they made their way back over to Lucy, Paula was happy to see that Jason had arrived and the two of them were deep in conversation.

  They all said a quick goodbye to Lucy and walked outside. Nick and Bella decided to order Thai take-out and just go home.

  “I don’t feel like going home yet, do you?” David asked. “Want to walk around a bit? I haven’t really played tourist since I’ve been back.”

  “Sure.” It was a warm night and lots of the shops were still open. They strolled around, looking in the display windows and popping into some of the shops. They were a few doors away from Oath Pizza on the wharf when David asked if she felt like going somewhere for dinner.

  “I actually wouldn’t mind just having some pizza. Do you like Oath?” As soon as she saw the sign her stomach rumbled, and she started to crave it.

  “I forgot about Oath. Sure, that sounds good.” They waited in line for their pizza and brought it to a nearby bench and ate watching the last ferry come in for the night. The ocean was still and calm and the night was clear. The moonlight glimmered on the water.

  “Are you looking forward to heading home?” Paula asked. David only had a few weeks left. The time was going by fast and the Taste of the Town event was right around the corner.

  “I’m actually not looking forward to it. It’s been good being back here. I hope to get home more often to see my family.”

  “How’s your mom doing?”

  “About the same. But a little better because now we have a plan in place and know what to anticipate.” He smiled. “No more running away to the pond.”

  They were both quiet for a moment, enjoying their pizza and then Paula asked, “What’s it like living in the city? Are you right in Manhattan?”

  “I am. I have an apartment close to the office. It’s convenient. I’m on the twenty-third floor.” He laughed. “Very different from Nantucket.”

  It sounded awful to Paula. But she knew some people loved being in the city.

  “Do you think you’ll stay there? Long-term, I mean?”

  He hesitated. “I honestly don’t know. I’ve never really thought that far ahead. I don’t have any pla
ns to move any time soon, though. It’s where my work is. Well, it’s the place I sleep when I’m not traveling, that is.”

  “So, when you’re not traveling, what do you like to do for fun in the city?”

  He smiled. “Anything you want. It’s there. That’s one thing I love about Manhattan. Great sports teams, restaurants, shows. I have some good friends there now so there’s always something to do.”

  “I saw a Broadway show there a few years ago. A few of us went for a girls’ weekend and had a blast. We stopped at the M and M store in Times Square after the show.” Paula remembered being surprised by how crowded it was in Times Square, people so close together that it was almost claustrophobic.

  David grinned. “I’m a big fan of that M and M store.”

  “Have you ever been in Times Square on New Year’s Eve? I can’t even imagine how crowded that must be.”

  “No, we stay far away. I don’t like it that crowded.”

  “I bet it must be beautiful at Christmas, though, with all the lights?”

  “It is. But it doesn’t hold a candle to the Nantucket Stroll. I haven’t made it back for that in a long time. Maybe this year.”

  “That’s always a busy weekend for us at the hotel.” They were already almost completely booked. Many people came every year and booked for the following year when they left.

  When they finished their pizza, they walked back toward the art gallery where they were parked. When they passed by The Gaslight, they could hear the music from the band inside. David slowed his steps and they listened for a minute.

  “Feel like going in and having a drink, maybe catching a set?” he asked.

  “Sure, why not?”

  They went inside and were seated at a small cocktail table not far from the band. Paula ordered a glass of chardonnay and David a gin and tonic, a departure from his usual draft beer.

  “It’s my summer cocktail,” he explained.

  The band came on and played a good variety of older rock songs and current favorites. It didn’t take long before the dance floor filled up. It was too loud to talk easily so they just sipped their cocktails and people-watched. David was easy to be with. As they’d spent more time together, Paula had grown used to having him around and realized she was going to miss him when he left. He was a great sounding board to bounce ideas off of, but she also just liked talking to him, too.