by Karen King
Mum was looking around, her eyes scanning the kitchen. “I see you’ve been busy in here too. The drawer handles have been fixed, and the cupboard door. I’d been meaning to ask Harry for ages.”
“Reece fixed them. He’s …er…one of the guests.” Ellie floundered for a minute trying to think of a way to explain her relationship with Reece.
“A guest has been doing repairs in the kitchen?” Sue stiffened. “Perhaps you should explain, Ellie.”
“Now don’t worry, you’ll like Reece. I know he’s a guest but he’s become a good friend too. As soon as he found out you were in hospital he’s been helping out. Sit down and let’s get you a cup of tea then I’ll tell you all about it.” Ellie flicked the kettle on and reached for the teabags. This was going to be difficult. She wasn’t looking forward to telling Mum about the flood in the hotel room and the lapsed insurance.
“Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to leave you with all that to sort out, Ellie.” Her mother said when Ellie had finished. She looked quite shaken up. “I’d had a reminder about the insurance and meant to renew it but I forgot.”
“I didn’t know what to do, Mum. It if wasn’t for Reece I’m sure the Smythes would have sued us.”
Sue frowned. “I know you meant well, Ellie but I don’t like a stranger – and a guest at that - involved in this way. Knowing our private business.”
Ellie bit her lip. She didn’t want to upset her mum, and knew how proud she could be but honestly, Reece had been a godsend.
“I know, Mum, but I didn’t know what to do. Everything was such a mess, and the guests were so upset. Reece could see I was out of my depth so he stepped in and dealt with it for me.”
Her mother gave a tight smile. “Yes, I know you were just doing your best and I’m grateful and it was kind of him.” She sighed again. “Although why he should put himself out like that is beyond me.” She glanced shrewdly at Ellie. “Are you and he . . . ?”
“We’re friends – okay I guess you’d call it dating now. He’s been so kind, Mum. A real rock to me. He’s been doing the repairs with Harry too. He’s even stayed on an extra few days to help me.”
“Dating.” Another silence. Ellie was beginning to feel distinctly uncomfortable as she realised how it must look to her mum. Ellie had only been here a few days and was already so close with a guest that he was doing odd jobs for them. “Not like that,” she murmured. “We’re not…”
“I really don’t want to know your personal business, Ellie. I’m not trying to pry, I’m just surprised you’ve got so friendly with this man in such a short time.” Mum put her cup down and stood up. “I’d better take a look at the Honeymoon Suite and see how bad the damage is.”
“It looks worse than it is, Mum,” Ellie said as she followed her out to the lift. “As soon as the plasters dry I’ll repaint the ceiling. You’ll need a new carpet and bed but Reece has contacts and can get us a massive discount so it won’t be that expensive.”
“I see. I must say it’s a bit of luck that he was staying here when it happened, wasn’t it.”
Ellie detected a frosty tone to her voice. Mum was fiercely independent, resented anyone ‘taking over’ and thinking she couldn’t handle things. Of course she wasn’t very happy to know that a guest had to come to their rescue.
Ellie bit her lip as she turned the key in the lock and opened the door, praying that her mum wouldn’t be too upset. She held her breath as Sue stepped in, looked up at the ceiling, then around the room.
“Well, it doesn’t look too bad,” she said. “I’m presuming the rug is hiding the water-stained carpet?”
That had been Ellie’s idea. She hadn’t wanted her mum’s first reaction to be one of shock so had tried to hide the damage. A throw over the bed, a rug over the carpet. She couldn’t disguise the newly-plastered ceiling though.
Ellie watched as her mum bent down and rolled back the rug, revealing a huge dark stain, nodded and replaced it again. Then she walked over to the bed and turned back the throw. “Yes, I can see that the bed and carpet do need replacing. Well, it’s my own fault. I should have renewed the insurance.” She turned around and Ellie could see the worry etched on her face although her mum was trying hard not to show it. “I’ll just have to see if the bank will extend my overdraft a bit. If not, we’ll have to close this room down for a while. We’ll manage.” She reached out and squeezed Ellie’s hand. “Thank you for tidying it all up, dear. I feel awful that you’ve had to cope with all this. I should be glad that you’ve had someone to help you instead of complaining about it. It’s very churlish of me to complain.”
“It’s okay, Mum. I can help you out with the money. And I told you, Reece can get us a big discount.”
She saw Mum straighten her shoulders and tilt her chin. “That won’t be necessary. I think you’ve both done enough.”
Ellie took a deep breath. She hated having a confrontation with her mum but needs must. “Mum don’t be stubborn,” she said gently but firmly. “The important thing is to get Gwel Teg back on its feet. You can pay me back later and using Reece’s business account will save us a great deal of money. The Honeymoon Suite is your best room, you can’t afford it to be out of action.”
Sue hesitated, Ellie guessed she was having an inner battle with her pride and her common sense. Finally, she smiled. “You’re right, dear. And it is very kind of you. Both of you.” She titled her chin determinedly. “Now you’d better introduce me to this Reece of yours so I can thank him.”
“I’m not sure he’s back yet, he’s had to go out on business,” Ellie explained, shutting the door behind them and locking it.
“What sort of business is he in?” Mum asked as they walked over to the lift.
Ellie paused, realising that she didn’t know what Reece did. How could they have talked so much and not discussed that? She had asked him a couple of times, she remembered, but he’d dismissed it. “Something to do with the hospitality sector,” she replied, pressing the lift button.
The doors slid open and they stepped inside. When the doors opened again she saw Reece strolling towards them carrying a big bunch of cream roses mixed with purple irises. Her mother’s favourites. How had he known? Had she mentioned it to him during one of their many conversations?
“Hello, Ellie. This must be your mother.” He flashed a devastating smile at them, then handed the bouquet to Sue. “Welcome home. I hope you’re feeling better, Mrs Truman.”
Ellie was astonished to see her mother flush, then take the bouquet from him. “Thank you, Mr ….”
“Call me Reece, please.” He smiled again. “Have you been to look at the flood damage? It’s not too bad, is it? A couple of weeks and it will be ready to let out again.” He casually put his arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “Ellie’s worked so hard to get everything sorted for you. I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone who cares so much for her mum.”
Ellie saw her Mum’s aloofness crumble. A big smile spread over her face. “We’ve always been a close family. She’s got a good heart has Ellie.” She looked at the flowers. “I’ll go and put these in a vase of water. Won’t you join us for a cup of coffee? I believe you know the way to the staff kitchen?”
“Thank you.”
Within five minutes of meeting, her mother Reece had effortlessly charmed her so much she’d forgotten all about her objections at a guest being allowed ‘behind the scenes’ at Gwel Teg, and to do odd jobs.
Just like he’d charmed the Smythes. And charmed her too. For some reason that made Ellie feel really uncomfortable.
Was Reece a little too smooth and charming?
Chapter Sixteen
“I hear that you’ve been very helpful to Ellie,” Sue said as they all went into the staff kitchen for another cup of coffee. Ellie noticed that she didn’t make any objection to Reece taking the flowers off her and putting them into a vase of water or whisking out a packet of shortbread biscuits (did he remember everything she told him?) and putting them on a plate. “I
must say, it’s very good of you,” she looked at him sharply. “My guests are often pleasant but never to the extent that they work for me for free.”
Reece leaned back against the worktop, crossed his arms casually and met her gaze, smiling disarmingly. “It’s a poor world if we can’t help each other.” Then the smile was replaced by a look of concern. “I hope it didn’t upset you to see the flood damage in the room. These things can look worse than they are. It’ll look a lot better once the ceiling’s painted.”
“I know. Although I can see that the entire room needs redecorating as well as a new bed and mattress.” A coughing fit seized Sue again. Ellie pulled out a chair and gently eased her Mum into it. “I’ll go and fetch you a cushion.”
“Allow me.” Reece was out the door before she could object, returning a couple of minutes later with a cushion from the lounge which he passed to Sue. She held it to her chest for support, bending over as the cough consumed her.
Ellie watched in concern, a glass of fresh water at the ready.
Finally, the coughing ceased. Ellie handed her mum the glass of water.
Sue drunk half of it then placed the glass down on the coffee table. “Sorry about that. The cough is so annoying, it comes on without warning.”
“And painful too, I can see.” Reece said gently. “Please don’t stress about the cost of refurbishing the room. I can help with that. As I told Ellie I deal with hotel refurbishments a lot so whatever you need you can order through my account which will get you a very good discount.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind.” Sue rose shakily to her feet. “I think could do with a rest now. The journey was rather tiring.”
“Let me help you, Mum.” Ellie stepped forward and took her mum’s arm, gently supporting her. “You’re bound to feel weak at first. You’ve been very ill.”
They had just reached the lift when Sue was seized by another bout of coughing. That cough sounds awful, Ellie though worriedly. How could she go back home and leave her mum like this?
Ellie placed her arms around her mum’s shoulder as they went up the lift and into the private quarters and Sue seemed grateful for the support until they reached her bedroom door when she shooed Ellie away. “Thank you dear, but off you go. I’m not that ill that I can’t undress myself and get myself into bed.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind?” Her mum looked so weak Ellie was worried she might faint.
“I do.” Sue patted her arm. “Really, I’ll be fine, love.” She walked in and closed the door firmly behind her.
Ellie listened anxiously as she heard the coughing again. It was frightening seeing her mum like this. The doctor had said the cough would linger for a while, and that Mum would be weak for some time, she reminded herself. She had to be patient.
But what if she was still ill when Ellie was due to go home next week?
Deep in thought, Ellie went down into the kitchen where Reece was finishing his coffee. He walked over and wrapped his right arm around her neck, pulling her into him and tenderly kissing her forehead. “She’ll be a lot better when she’s had a rest.”
Ellie felt like bursting into tears but she held them back. She was being silly. Mum was getting better. She wasn’t going to die like Dad had. She snuggled into Reece’s shoulder for a few minutes, silently basking into his embrace, grateful for his presence. Then she pulled away and smoothed back a strand of hair from her forehead. “The trouble is she’s realised that the entire room needs redecorating and I think that’s really worried her.” She bit her lip. “She looks so weak. I can’t see how I can go home next week and leaver her to cope alone. I’ll have to book another week off.”
“Can you do that? Do you have an understanding boss?”
“I do, but there’s an important conference on the Monday, and I’m supposed to be doing a presentation for it. I’m not sure if my boss can get someone to replace me. She bit her lip. “Perhaps I could go back for the conference then come back down again and stay for the rest of the week. I can do some of my work down here on my laptop.” She felt exhausted herself. It had knocked her seeing Mum like this. She was scared to leave her. She closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself.
“Hey.” Reece pulled Ellie close to him again and wrapped his arms around her. “We’ll sort something out. A lot can happen in a couple of weeks.”
Ellie nestled her head on his shoulder, taking comfort in his warmth and support. Reece really was a nice guy. She wished he wasn’t going home at the weekend. It felt so good to have someone to turn to.
“Is Mandy still here?” asked Reece.
Ellie nodded. “She’s on until six.”
“Then let’s go for a walk. I’ve got a couple of hours to spare and the fresh air will do you good.”
Ellie hesitated. “There’s so much to do here.”
“Nothing that can’t wait.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Come on, a quick stroll along the beach. That always cheers you up.”
He was right. She needed to clear her head then she might come up with a solution. Her dad used to say that there was always a solution, it might not be the one you want to take but there was a way to solve every problem if you put your mind to it.
Maybe the solution to this problem was the one she’d first thought of. To move back down here.
Could she handle that now that Lee was back? She could tell by the look in his eyes last night that he was still interested in her, she’d felt him staring at her all evening although she’d pretended she hadn’t. She’d been glad that Reece was with her, hopefully Lee would think they were an item and keep his distance.
Lee walked in later that evening when Ellie was doing a stint on reception. He walked boldly up her, a friendly smile on his face, as if he’d never cheated on her, never broken her heart.
“Hi Ellie. I heard your Mum was in hospital so thought I’d pop in and see how she was doing.” He flicked back his floppy fringe and smiled wide enough to show off his dazzling white teeth. Still the same old Lee, thinking he was God’s gift. Well he didn’t dazzle her any more. She knew that behind that handsome exterior was a liar and a cheat. Still, they were adults. She would be polite. She eyed him levelly.
“She’s out of hospital now, Lee. She came home this afternoon. Thanks for asking though.”
“That’s okay.” He leaned against the counter a bit too close for her liking. She took a step back. “I’ve always admired your Mum and Dad. They were kind to me. I wanted to come and offer my condolences when your Dad died but I wasn’t sure if you’d want that. The last thing I wanted to do was upset you.”
You mean you were still with Zoe and now you’re not, Ellie thought. Zoe hadn’t bothered to come and see her either. Hadn’t even sent a sympathy card, yet she and Ellie had been best friends for years. Zoe had practically lived at Gwel Teg during the summer holidays, Ellie’s parents had been glad for her to have some company as they were always so busy with the hotel. Ellie had thought that maybe Zoe hadn’t heard about her dad dying seeing as she no longer lived in Port Medden, but it sounded like she had known. What did it matter now? It was all so long ago she reminded herself. “It doesn’t matter,” she replied. “I didn’t expect you to.”
Lee fixed his oh-so-blue eyes on her. He and Zoe had the same colour hair and eyes, the same suntanned lithe figure. They’d been the ideal match, the ‘in’ couple, both loving surfing when Ellie couldn’t even lie on a surf board, never mind stand up on one. Small wonder they had found each other attractive. Ellie had felt so awkward around them that she’d taken secret surfing lessons. She could still remember the stunned look on Zoe’s face as she watched Ellie ride waves higher than even she dared to tackle.
“Look, I’m sorry. What me and Zoe did was terrible. We really hurt you. But we were just kids. We let our hormones rule our heads.” He gave her his ‘little boy sorry’ smile “It didn’t work out though. We soon realised that we weren’t suited. I guess you could say we got what we deserved.”
; Why didn’t it work out? Who cheated on who? Did Lee find Zoe boring when she was tied down with two little kiddies, maybe a little fatter than she used to be and a lot more tired? Or had Zoe got fed up with Lee’s selfish ways, of him wanting to always be put first. She shrugged. “Forget about it. I did. Years ago.” She nodded towards the computer. “Thanks for popping in, Lee, but I really must get some work down. I’ll tell Mum you called.”
Lee leant closer, his eyes holding hers. “I was wondering if we could maybe have a drink together? For old time’s sake? Give me chance to apologise properly and for us to catch up on each other’s news.”
Reece stood in the doorway watching them. Lee was leaning over the counter, his head almost touching Ellie’s. He couldn’t see Ellie’s face but he would bet any money Lee was on full charm offence. It had been obvious the other night that he wanted Ellie back.
Should he join them or leave them to it? He didn’t want to come over all possessive but he and Ellie were supposed to be dating. Not that it meant she couldn’t talk to another guy. Reece prided himself on not being the possessive type.
To be honest, he’d never cared enough to feel either jealous or possessive about them.
He hesitated for a moment, then saw Ellie turn her head. Her eyes met his and she waved. Was that relief on her face? “Oh Reece, I could do with some help over here!” she called.
“Sure.”
As Reece made his way over to her, Lee straightened up and turned around. He glanced at Reece. He nodded, then shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered nonchalantly over to the entrance.
“What’s up?” Reece asked. “More problems?”
Ellie grimaced. “I wanted to get rid of Lee. Can you believe he’s asked me to meet him so we can catch up? Honestly, the nerve of the guy!”
“He came in to ask you that?” Ellie looked agitated. He was trying to figure out if she was annoyed or upset.
“I reckon so. Although he made out he’d come in to ask how Mum was. As if he cares!”