The Cornish Hotel by the Sea

by Karen King

  She shook her head. “It isn’t that.” She swallowed. Might as well tell him. “We haven’t got insurance cover,” she confessed. “I was looking through the papers last night and discovered that it had lapsed. I was going to talk to Mum about renewing it today.”

  “I see.” Reece looked thoughtful for a moment. “The way I see it,” he said as the lift came to a halt and the doors slid open, “your only option is to appease the guests so that they don’t sue. Do everything you can to make them happy.”

  He paused. “Look, would you like me to deal with this for you? I do have experience in this kind of thing but if you want to handle it yourself then I’ll back off.”

  She wanted to tell him she would deal with it herself. That she wasn’t a helpless little woman who needed a man to rescue her. She had a demanding job and was quite capable of dealing with things but to be honest she was out of her depth. Her mother’s illness, seeing what a state the hotel was in and now this – it was all too much. If the Smythes sued them Mum would have to sell the hotel. She couldn’t let that happen. She sensed that Reece had the charm and expertise to deal with awkward customers, he’d already soothed the situation, and she wasn’t going to let pride get in the way of helping her mother. So she nodded. “Please. If you’re sure you don’t mind and think you can help. I’d be grateful. And so will Mum. She’s enough to worry about at the moment.”

  “No problem, but speak up if I’m doing something you don’t agree with.”

  “Oh I will.” She might be glad of his help but she still wanted him to know that she was calling the shots. “And please don’t make any financial decisions before you okay them with me,” she added. The last thing she wanted was for Mum to come out of hospital and be faced with bills that she couldn’t afford to pay.

  They’d reached the Honeymoon Suite now. The door was wide open. Ellie took a deep breath, braced herself and stepped inside.

  Chapter Eight

  The damage was far, far worse than she’d expected. There was a massive hole in the ceiling where the water had poured through, drenching the bed below, the open suitcase of clothes lying on it and the carpet. Ellie was horrified. She dreaded to think how much this would cost to put right.

  Harry came into the room, looking agitated. “Oh, Miss Truman, thank goodness you’re back. The leak’s coming from the bathroom in Room 18. I’ve turned off the water supply to the room above and called the plumber.” He ran his hand over his almost bald head. “Goodness knows how long it’s been leaking. It’s one of the rooms that’s used regularly but no one’s reported a leak or I would have seen to it immediately.”

  “Don’t worry, Harry, it’s not your fault,” Ellie assured him. She thought about the shower leaking in the room next to Reece’s. It sounded as if the hotel’s plumbing system needed a complete overall. It probably hadn’t had one since it was built.

  “Is the room upstairs badly damaged?” Reece asked.

  Harry looked surprised, as if only just noticing Reece was there.

  “Mr Mitchell is kindly helping me sort things out a bit for when Mum comes home,” she explained.

  Harry didn’t look too happy. Ellie guessed that in his book guests didn’t interfere with the running of the hotel. He pointedly ignored Reece and addressed Ellie. “There’s no obvious damage but the water’s leaked through the floor tiles and seeped under the floorboards. I’ve no idea what state they’re in. If they’re soaked through they might need to be replaced.”

  This was getting worse and worse. Ellie gnawed her lip as she tried not to think of how much replacing floorboards would cost.

  Reece gave her a reassuring look. “The floorboards should be okay if we leave them to dry out for a few days. The first thing to do is get the pipe fixed. Then I’m afraid you’re going to need this ceiling taken down and replastered, Ellie.”

  And how was Mum going to afford that?

  “We can’t have this room out of use for long,” Ellie said worriedly. “It’s the best room in the hotel. How quickly can we fix it?”

  She saw Reece and Harry exchange looks. “Two to three weeks, I’d say,” Reece replied. “The floorboards need to dry out before the ceiling can be replastered, then that needs to dry before it can be repainted. That could take up to two weeks. Then you’re going to need new carpet, new bed and maybe redecorating.”

  Ellie fought down the panic. She’d have to put it on her credit card and work overtime to pay it off. After all, it was partly her fault; she should have come to visit her mother more often, made sure that she was coping instead of selfishly getting on with her own life. She should have known that Mum would never tell her if she was struggling. She had merely told Ellie what Ellie wanted to hear and Ellie had been more than willing to believe it, too busy with her job, her friends and her dates to bother to go down and check.

  “Are you all right, Ellie? You look very pale?” Reece’s voice was edged with concern.

  Ellie pulled herself together and flashed him an over-bright smile. “Yes, of course. Thank you so much for your help with this. You’re obviously more used to this kind of crisis than I am.”

  “It’s part of my job,” he told her. “Now, if I needed to put a good PR spin on something like this, I wouldn’t have the first clue where to start. Unlike you…”She smiled at his attempt to make her feel better. “What shall we do first?” she asked, looking around despairingly. She really had no idea where to start.

  Harry’s mobile rang. He answered it. “I’ll be right down,” he said, then ended the call. “That’s the plumber’s, Miss Truman. Do you want me to take him up to the room so he can sort out the leak?”

  “Yes, thank you, Harry.” She felt quite weak with the worry of it all.

  “Look these things happen. It’s not as bad as it looks,” Reece reassured her when Harry had gone out.

  She wanted to think that. She was a ‘glass half full’ person normally but she didn’t see how it could be much worse. “The room is a complete mess,” she replied, gazing around it. “And look at the state of their clothes and suitcase. How am I going to sort this out before Mum comes home?”

  “I’m sure your mother won’t expect you too. It’s not your fault,” Reece told her.

  “Maybe not, but I’m all Mum’s got and she’s already ill. If she has to come home to this it will make her worse.” She had to find a way to put it right.

  “Okay, let’s deal with it one step at a time. First, do you have another room free that the guests can use. One that’s the same standard if possible?” asked Reece.

  Ellie thought. “There’s the Silver Room. It’s our next best room but the Smythes especially wanted the Honeymoon Suite because they spent their honeymoon in it twenty five years ago.”

  “I know but if you fill the Silver Room with flowers and put a bottle of champagne on ice that should mollify them a little.” Reece gave her a comforting hug. “We can sort it. In situations like this it’s best to apologise and make amends quickly. Most people are satisfied with a heartfelt apology. Only a few will go on to officially complain if they can see that you’re trying your best to put things right.”

  He was right. She could sort this. She had to pull herself together and stop panicking.

  “Thank you. You’ve been a big help. I’ll do what you suggest with the Silver Room and there’s a one hour dry cleaning service in the town. I’ll send their clothes to be cleaned. And offer to buy them a replacement suitcase.” She dreaded to think what it would all cost but it had to be done. It’s a good job she hadn’t maxed out her credit card.

  “Look, you’re supposed to be going to the hospital to see your mum so let me sort it for you. If you don’t turn up she’ll worry that something’s wrong.”

  He was right. Again. And worrying was the last thing she wanted Mum to do right now. “Are you sure?” she asked. “You’ve already done enough and you must have stuff of your own to do.”

  “Nothing that can’t wait. I’d be happy to help.�
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  She hesitated. It seemed wrong. He was a guest and she hardly knew him. You are sort of dating, she reminded herself. And she was glad of the help.

  “Thank you, that’s really kind of you,” she said. “I’d better get you some money. How much will you need?”

  “Leave it for now, you can settle with me later. I promise I won’t bankrupt you and buy the most expensive champagne.” He turned her to face him, tilted her chin up with his finger and kissed her on the nose. “It will be all right. I promise. Trust me.”

  She smiled and touched his cheek. “Thanks. I really appreciate it. I’ll let Mandy know and ask her to give you the keys to the Silver Room.”

  They gazed at each other for a moment and she felt an incredible longing to sink into his arms, feel her body against his, drown herself into his kiss. Did he feel it too? She eased herself out of his arms while she still could. “I’ll go and see Mandy now.”

  He hadn’t meant to take control like that but Ellie had looked so distressed that he’d jumped in to help without stopping to consider that it would be in his best interest if the guests did sue. Then Ellie’s mother would probably have to sell and he’d get the hotel at a rock bottom price. That would please Steve.

  Which was a first for him. He never acted on impulse. What had come over him? He’d only just met Ellie. How could he put business ahead of his personal feelings for her?

  What personal feelings? Okay he liked her. So what? He’d liked plenty of women before her and was sure he would do so in the future.

  Yet there was something different about Ellie. She was gorgeous, quirky – he smiled as he remembered the contact lenses episode – and fun – he thought of the way they’d splashed in the sea. But it was more than that. She had a freshness, a softness he hadn’t come across in any of the women he’d dated before. She obviously cared deeply about her mother and would do anything to help her. They must have a very close relationship.

  Unlike him and his mother, who he hadn’t set eyes on for years. They didn’t even exchange Christmas or Birthday cards. Not that it bothered him. He’d had little time for his mother since she’d walked out on him when he was ten, leaving his strict, workaholic father to bring him up. An only child, Reece had always felt in the way, a nuisance who prevented both his parents from living their life how they wanted. He’d been determined to make something of his life, to show them that he had some worth.

  Ellie had obviously had a different childhood. The way her eyes had glistened over when she talked about her father’s death showed him how close she was to him. And how she’d immediately come dashing down to look after her mother. And now she was trying to save the family hotel from bankruptcy.

  That’s why he’d stepped in to help. Okay, yes he was attracted to her. So what? She seemed to feel the same way. What harm would a holiday romance do?

  It was mixing business with pleasure. Something he never did.

  Just one of the things he never did and now found himself doing, like paddling in the sea, jumping the waves, taking over the reception desk. Even arranging for clothes to be cleaned and sourcing a replacement suitcase while Ellie visited her mother. And all to wipe that look of worry from her eyes and replace it with a smile.

  By the time Ellie returned from visiting her mother the pipe was fixed, the Smythes had been moved to the Silver Room and their clothes cleaned and returned to them. Mandy also informed her that Reece had ordered a replacement suitcase and it would be with them by six that day.

  “That man is a miracle-worker,” Mandy told her. “You should see what he’s done to the Silver Room. It’s amazing.” Reece had certainly won her over.

  “Where is he now?” asked Ellie.

  “I’m not sure, he was around a few minutes ago.” Mandy turned as the phone rang. “I’d better answer that.”

  Ellie wandered off to find Reece. She found him having a cup of coffee with the Smythes in the lounge. He stood up as she came in. “Hello, Ellie. I see you’re back from the hospital. How is your mother?”

  “Much better, thank you. She’s hoping to be home by Saturday.” Ellie sat down in the empty chair beside Reece. She turned to the Smythes. “I am so sorry about the leak and the awful mess in your room...”

  Mr Smythe waved his hand dismissively. “Please don’t worry yourself. These things happen. Reece has had our clothes laundered and we are more than happy with our new room, and the generous offer of a free evening meal each for our anniversary tomorrow.”

  A free meal?

  Ellie felt Reece’s gaze on her. Was he waiting for her reaction? What could she say? She had given him permission to deal with the situation and two free meals was a lot cheaper than a compensation claim.

  “The champagne, chocolates and flowers are lovely too,” added Mrs Smythe. “You’ve gone out of your way to put things right.”

  Well Reece’s idea seemed to have worked, the Smythes certainly looked happier.

  Mrs Smythe leaned forward, perching her cup of coffee on her knee. “Reece told us about your mother being taken ill. It’s so caring of you to help her out. We don’t want to add to your problems. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a little accident that couldn’t be helped. That’s right, isn’t it, Tony?”

  “Yes, we’ll not be making a fuss. Your man here has looked after us,” Mr Smythe said pleasantly.

  “That’s very kind of you both.” A wave of relief washed over Ellie. Thank God for Reece. “I hope you’ll be comfortable in your new room. Do let me know if there’s anything else we can do,” she added.

  “Oh Reece is looking after us fine, dear. You’ve got a good manager there,” Mrs Smythe told her.

  Startled at her words, Ellie swiftly glanced over at Reece. Had he told them he was the manager or had they simply assumed it? The fact that he wasn’t contradicting them suggested that he’d told them this was his position here. He caught her eye and nodded slightly, as if telling her to go along with it. Well she guessed she’d have to. To be fair, it would have been really awkward if Reece had told them that he was a guest helping out. The most important thing was that he’d diffused the situation and somehow talked them around.

  “Oh, I know, we’re very lucky to have him on board.” she said with a smile.

  Leaving the Smythes in Reece’s more-than-capable hands she decided to check out the Silver Room. After Mandy’s comments and Mrs Smythe’s obvious delight she was curious to see the room herself.

  The scented aroma hit her as soon as she opened the door. Four cut-glass vases of expensive flowers were scattered about strategically. In the middle of the coffee table stood a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice, besides that was a very expensive heart-shaped box of chocolates. Reece had pulled a masterstroke.

  She turned as she heard footsteps behind her and saw Mandy grinning at her.

  “It looks lovely, doesn’t it? The Smythes are delighted with it.”

  “It’s great. Really welcoming. I always find it amazing what a difference a few well-placed flowers make.”

  “Reece dealt with it all. He’s charm itself that man.” Mandy patted her hand. “How’s your mum, lovey? You didn’t tell her about the leak, I take it?”

  Ellie shook her head. “No, not yet. I’ll wait until she comes home. I’m hoping to have it all straight again by then.”

  “We’ll all help. We’ll get it done in no time. Have the doctors given you any idea when she will be home?”

  “She’s making good progress so it should be early next week.” Ellie surveyed the room again. The flowers, champagne and chocolates were such a simple touch but they gave a hint of luxury to the room and made the guests feel special, cared for. Reece certainly knew how to handle people. She suspected he must be in a managerial position in the company he worked for because he’d taken charge so assuredly, as if he was used to doing just that. “Thanks for holding the fort, Mandy, but you should have gone home an hour okay. I’ll take over Reception now.”

  “Take your t
ime, lovey. I’m in no rush,” Mandy told her. “I can stay an extra hour – no charge – if there’s jobs you need to do.”

  It was tempting. She had such a lot to do but she couldn’t keep Mandy any longer. It wasn’t fair. The kindly woman had already worked a few hours unpaid overtime this week.

  “Thank you but I can manage now. You get off and I’ll see you Monday.” She touched Mandy’s arm. “I really appreciate your support. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”

  “Bless you, lovey, happy to help. Any time.”

  Just then the lift doors opened and the plumber stepped out. He walked over to the desk and handed Ellie a slip of paper.

  “I’ve just finished repairing the pipe in room 12,” He said. “Here’s my bill. Can you pass it on to Mrs Truman for me?”

  “Thank you. I’m her daughter, Ellie,” she explained. “Is the pipe totally safe now?”

  “It should be fine but to be honest your plumbing system is a bit dated, a cold spell and you’ll have another pipe going. You mark my words.”

  “I’ll let my mother know.” Ellie hesitated. “She’s in hospital at the moment. Is it okay if she deals with your bill when she comes out?” That would give them a little more time to get the money together.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Nothing serious I hope?” he asked.

  “Pleurisy. She should be out early next week. Will that be okay?”

  “I can give you a couple of weeks, in the circumstances. I’ve done a few jobs for your folk over the years. Don’t take too long, mind. I have my bills to pay too.”

  “I won’t,” she promised.

  She’d thought about how to pay for the repairs when she’d been driving back from the hospital and had come up with a solution. She’d had a letter from her credit card company last week offering an interest free balance transfer until next spring. At the time she’d shoved it to one side, ready to shred but now it seemed like a gift from the gods. She’d work out how much she needed for everything by borrowing that amount of money, and it would give Mum chance to get the hotel on its feet and pay her back, if she could. If not, Ellie could work some overtime. She had to repay Reece too, with what would probably be a couple of hundred looking at the flowers and champagne he’d ordered but she should have enough in her bank for that.