“That must’ve been hard.”
“It was at first, but as the years passed, I began to understand him better. I realized that his heart had been broken by my mom . . . when she left . . . got in trouble . . . and then died. I think he was afraid I’d follow in her footsteps.”
“But you didn’t.”
“That’s right. Eventually my grandpa realized that I wasn’t going to. Then things got better between us. He seemed happier.” Anna checked the temperature of the fish water. “I think the fish is acclimated,” she announced, tipping over the bag and allowing the fish to swim freely.
“He’s pretty,” Sean said as he bent over to see better.
“How do you know it’s a he?”
Sean laughed. “I’m not sure. He just seems like a he to me.”
“I think I agree.” Anna nodded as she picked up the bowl, carrying it out to place it on the console. “There,” she said, stepping back to take it in. “Isn’t that much better?”
“I do believe you’re right.”
“There’s something nice about having a living thing in a room.”
“Yeah.” He nodded.
“I wonder . . .” Anna looked at him. “What if there were fishbowls in the guest rooms at the Rothsberg?”
“Fishbowls in the guest rooms?” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Yes. I mean, imagine you were staying at a hotel by yourself for a few days. Wouldn’t it be nice to share your room with a bright shiny fish? Maybe I’ll mention this to Mrs. Newman. It seems like something she might like.”
“Interesting.”
“I think it would make the hotel rooms feel more homey. Perhaps each fish would have a name. There could be a little sign by the bowl, introducing the guest to a new roommate, the fish.” She laughed.
Sean pointed to her fish. “Does he have a name?”
She thought for a moment. “Gordy.”
“Gordy?”
“That was my grandpa’s nickname. Gordy Gordon.”
“I like it. Gordy the Goldfish.” Sean looked at his watch. “I think I may have worn out my welcome.”
“What makes you think that?”
“I promised myself I wouldn’t make you sick of me today,” he confessed. “Plus I have laundry to do.”
“Well, thanks for all your help,” she said as she walked him to the front entrance. “I still owe you some real meals.”
“Hey, lunch was a real meal.”
She smiled. “Yes, but you still get a couple more.” She wanted to add “when Marley is home,” but at the same time, she didn’t.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
As much as Anna loved her apartment, she was glad to get back to work on Wednesday morning. There was plenty to be checked on and plenty to be done as they prepared for the grand opening party on Saturday. As she and Sean met for their morning meeting, she could tell that he had much more on his plate than she did, yet he still seemed calm and congenial and competent. The Rothsberg couldn’t have hired a better manager.
On Thursday, when Anna got to work, she overheard Bianca complaining in the maids’ dressing room. “As if we don’t have enough to do,” she was growling to someone. “Now we have to clean up fishbowls too?”
“Fishbowls?” Anna asked as she went into the room. “What are you talking about?”
Bianca looked up from buttoning the front of her uniform. “Yeah, didn’t you hear the news? A bunch of the guest rooms are getting their own fishbowls. We’re supposed to feed the fish every day and clean out their bowls on Wednesdays.” She made a face. “I didn’t sign on to be handling slimy fish.”
“Seriously?” Anna frowned.
“Yeah,” Cindy confirmed. “Mr. O’Neil got this big old fish tank installed in the back of the storage room. It’s swimming with fish.”
Anna felt curious as well as slightly indignant. After all, that had been her idea, and she had intended to tell Mrs. Newman about it. But Sean had run ahead and done it himself. Okay, she knew she was being silly. Especially considering all that Sean had done to help her. It wasn’t as if she owned the idea of fish in fishbowls anyway. Perhaps the best thing was to just let this go. Besides, it was a good idea. For Sean to actually try it out was a rather nice compliment to her. Then why did she feel slightly irked?
When she got to her office, she had a message saying that Sean couldn’t meet with her this morning. Fine, so he’d stolen her idea, then blown off their daily meeting. No big deal. Even as she thought this, she knew she was being juvenile. She didn’t have time to be childish this morning. There was too much to be done. Sean wasn’t the only one who was busy.
Anna felt bone tired by the end of the day, but as she walked home, she suspected that her weariness wasn’t as much a result of hard work as it was of not having crossed paths with Sean today. She hadn’t seen him once, not even in passing. That wasn’t surprising since the grand opening was only two days off and taking up everyone’s time. Sean’s to-do list was probably much longer than hers. She needed to get over it.
As Anna got closer to the apartment building, she felt a happy rush. At least she had a wonderful place to go home to. That made up for everything. As Anna let herself into the apartment, she knew that Marley might be in there already. According to Tia, Marley was expected to get home from her globe-trotting sometime tonight. Anna really hoped that she wasn’t there yet. “Hello?” she called out tentatively.
To her relief, everything was just as she’d left it, except that it was hot and stuffy. There were no signs that Marley was back yet, and selfish as it was, Anna had been enjoying having the place to herself. Just her and Gordy. She opened the front window and went to change out of her work uniform. Since it was so warm, she decided to put on the pale blue sundress Marley had bequeathed to her—her contribution to getting rid of Anna’s “little old lady.”
Feeling cooler in her bare feet and sundress, Anna went to the kitchen, where she intended to make some angel hair pasta. She’d been craving pesto pasta all day and had picked up some pesto sauce and mozzarella during her lunch break. While the pasta was boiling, she went out to put on some music, and then, thinking she might get some air flow going, she decided to open the front door. Much better. She took in a deep breath of fresh air, assuring herself that the business with Sean and the fish was behind her now . . . just the way life happened and nothing to get upset over.
27
Anna was just pouring the pesto onto the angel hair when she heard someone in the apartment and remembered she’d left the door open. “Marley?” she called out as she grabbed the wooden spoon. Brandishing it in front of her as she peeked out into the living room, she was ready to scream if it was an intruder. “Oh, Sean!” She lowered the spoon in relief. “What are you doing in here?”
“Rodney was out front having a cigarette.” He made a sheepish smile. “He told me to go on into the building. Then I saw your door was open . . . again.” He frowned. “Sorry to just walk in, but when I called out your name and you didn’t answer, I got a little concerned.”
“Oh, the music was probably too loud.” She closed the door. “I just wanted to let some air flow. It was stuffy in here.”
“Understandable.” His brow was still creased. “Just don’t forget this is a big city, Anna. You’re not in Springville anymore.” His countenance softened.
“Yeah, maybe that wasn’t too smart. I meant to close it before now.” Anna turned down the volume of her MP3 player. “I sometimes forget.”
“Well, my apologies for just barging in.” He looked slightly uncomfortable, standing there in his stylish gray suit with his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t really mean to intrude.”
She pointed her wooden spoon at him. “Well, what are you doing here?”
He made a funny face. “I was, uh, homesick.”
“Huh?”
He waved his hands toward the living room. “I kept remembering how nice this place looked and, okay, I know it sounds path
etic, but I just wanted to see it again. I’m sorry to intrude like this. I’ll get out of your hair now.” He turned.
“Wait,” she said quickly. “Are you hungry?”
“Are you kidding?” He sniffed the air. “Do you realize how good it smells in here?”
“Why don’t you take off your jacket and tie? Relax while I finish this up.”
“Seriously? You don’t mind me crashing in like this?”
“Not at all. Remember, I owe you a meal or two for all your help.” She opened the fridge, taking out a leftover green salad she’d made last night. If she added another tomato and some cucumber and pepper, it would probably be enough for two.
As she set the table, this time putting down the moss green placemats, she was glad to see the flowers Sean had brought her on Tuesday still looked nice. Before long, they were both seated at the table, and once again, Sean offered to say a blessing.
“It’s a pretty simple meal,” she said as they began to eat. “If I’d known you were coming, I’d—”
“Do not apologize, Anna.” He looked at her sternly. “This is great.”
“Oh . . . good.” She forked into her salad.
“I missed our meeting this morning,” he said.
“So did I.” She took a bite.
“I really wanted to talk to you. As you know by now, I used your idea to put fishbowls in the rooms. The Newmans loved it.”
She bristled as she chewed.
“I’m sure you read the memo about how we’ll do it,” he continued obliviously. “Guests will have the option for fish or no fish. I realize some guests might not be overly fond of fish.”
“Some of the maids aren’t overly fond either,” she admitted. “But I think they’ll come around.”
“Anyway, I told the Newmans it was your idea, Anna, and they were—”
“You told them it was my idea?” She set her fork down. “Really?”
“Of course. You don’t mind, do you? You mentioned you were going to tell Mrs. Newman. We were in a meeting and it just kind of came out. I hope that was okay.”
“Sure.” She smiled. “That’s great.”
“They were so pleased to hear that you and I have become better friends. It was kind of like a win-win.”
She felt guilty for having doubted him but inexplicably happy that he had not betrayed her. “I’m so glad we can be friends.” She lifted her water glass. “Here’s to friends.”
He looked slightly reluctant as he picked up his glass, clinking it against hers. “To friends.”
“Well, what have we here?”
They both looked to see Marley standing in the living room, staring at the two of them with an expression of disbelief. “Marley!” Anna jumped up, going over to her. “You’re home. Welcome!”
“Hey, Marley.” Sean stood politely. “How’s the world traveler?”
“Tired.” Marley glared at Anna.
“Are you hungry?” Anna asked her. “I’m sure there’s enough for one more.”
“I don’t know.” Marley narrowed her eyes as she peeled off her jacket. “It looks like three’s a crowd.”
“No, it’s not,” Anna insisted. “We were just celebrating our friendship. The Newmans had complained that we weren’t getting along too well and—”
“Looks like you’re getting along pretty well to me.” Marley reached over to finger a strap of Anna’s dress with a suspicious look.
“Sean just happened to drop by,” Anna continued quickly. “I was already making pasta. And I owed him a thank-you dinner.” She waved her arms around to indicate the apartment. “He helped me put this place together. Isn’t it amazing?”
“Amazing,” Marley said wryly.
“Come on,” Anna urged. “I’ll go fix you a plate. Get yourself comfy and come join us, okay?”
“Well, I am hungry.”
Anna hurried to the kitchen and began fixing a third plate. Fortunately, there was more than she realized and plenty for a makeshift meal. “Here you go,” she said as she set it in front of Marley. “What do you think of the place?”
Marley looked around, then shook her head. “I can’t believe you did all this without even asking me.”
Anna felt like she’d been slapped. “I did ask you. Remember, you said you didn’t care.”
“Yes, but you didn’t take into account what I like and don’t like. Seems like I should’ve had a say.”
“You don’t like it?” Anna felt even more crushed now. “Really—you don’t like it at all?”
“I don’t like being left out.”
“You can blame me too,” Sean said. “I encouraged Anna to go for it. We had our days off on Monday and Tuesday, and we just went kind of wild.” He looked around. “I think it looks fabulous.”
Marley shrugged. “I suppose.” She pointed to the table. “I’m not really a fan of this wooden furniture, though. I think it looks cheesy. I like glass and metal better.”
“I looked up the maker’s marks on these Danish modern pieces,” Sean told Anna. “They are very collectable—and valuable. If you decided you didn’t want them, you could easily sell them.”
“I don’t want to sell them,” she said quickly. “I love them.”
As they ate—and Anna’s appetite dwindled—Marley continued to make sharp little jabs. Anna knew it wasn’t really about the furniture. It was about Sean. Finally, after Sean left, Anna assured Marley that her relationship with Sean was strictly business. “Just friendship.”
“I don’t know . . .” Marley curled her feet under her as she sat on the sofa. “Looked like there were some sparks flying when I showed up.”
“If I got involved with Sean, I would lose my job,” Anna said plainly. “Sean and I are just friends, Marley. That’s all it can be.”
“You’re sure about that?” Marley narrowed her eyes.
“Besides the fact that my savings account has shrunk significantly, I have to get some good work references to ensure my future. I cannot afford to risk everything. I cannot afford to lose my job. Period.” She sighed. “I doubt Sean would want to risk his position either. He’s doing an excellent job.”
“Even so,” Marley persisted, “if you really fell in love with him, wouldn’t you be willing to take that kind of risk?”
Anna didn’t know how to answer that question.
“I know I would.” Marley nodded firmly.
“Are you in love with Sean?” Anna asked, instantly regretting it.
Marley’s mouth twisted to one side. “In love . . . ?” she said slowly.
“Really, it’s none of my business.”
“But you asked.” Marley studied Anna closely. “The truth is, I suppose I’m not in love with Sean, but I wouldn’t mind giving it a try. He’s awfully good looking and a truly nice guy.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’m surprised you don’t throw caution to the wind and just go for him yourself, Anna.”
“Really? How would you feel if I actually did that?” Anna frowned. “Not that I ever would. But wouldn’t you be upset?”
“If you guys were meant to be, well, I suppose I wouldn’t mind too much.”
Anna didn’t know whether to believe her or not, but to distract her and reroute the conversation, Anna began to tell her about the upcoming grand opening. Since the big gala on Saturday night was an open house, Anna invited Marley to attend. “Max and Elsie will be there too.”
“Ooh, that does sound fun. I don’t have another flight until Sunday afternoon.”
“Great. I’ll put your name down.” Anna slowly stood, looking at the painting of the rainy day behind Marley and sighing. “It’s been a long day. I think I’m going to call it a night.”
“Thanks for getting my bed moved down for me,” Marley called as Anna headed for the bathroom. “Sorry I was such a witch tonight. I think I must be really tired.”
“It’s okay,” Anna paused by the bathroom door. “I’m sure it’s exhausting flying all over the world the w
ay you do. I understand.”
“The truth is, this place looks great, Anna. Nice job.”
On Friday morning, the hotel was bustling and filled to near capacity. All of the staff were on their toes just trying to keep up, plus there were preparations for tomorrow night’s celebration. The last thing Anna needed was the memo she got from Mrs. Newman, informing her that she was to dismiss one of her maids. Not only that, it was one of her most dependable maids—second in line to Velma. In fact, she was Velma’s sidekick, Cindy. Anna knew that she had no right to question Mrs. Newman on this. Yet it seemed that as Cindy’s boss, she did have the right to know what she had done wrong.
Because she was scheduled to meet with Sean—although he’d blown off their last two meetings and she doubted he’d be there now—she decided to find out what he knew first. Or else she’d have to stop by and ask Mrs. Newman. To her surprise, Mrs. Newman was already in Sean’s office, and her face looked grim.
“Good, you’re here,” she told Anna. “I only have a few minutes. I’m sure you got my memo by now.”
“Yes.” Anna sat down. “I felt a bit blindsided, though. Cindy is one of my best maids.”
“I know, and that’s a shame. Especially when we’re so busy. But rules are rules.”
“What did she do?”
“You don’t know?” Mrs. Newman’s fair brows arched.
“No. I haven’t had a chance to ask anyone.”
“Cindy was discovered with Arnie, the night doorman,” Sean said in a flat-sounding tone. “In a full embrace.”
“Oh dear.”
“They both must be dismissed.” Mrs. Newman looked at Anna. “Let’s not let this lesson go to waste. Use Cindy as an example for the other maids. Make them see that we mean business. Here today, gone tomorrow.” She snapped her fingers. “If they value their employment, they won’t mess around.”
Once Upon a Summertime Page 24