Once inside, she walked through the foyer into the main room. She surveyed the familiar surroundings with a careful eye, making sure not to miss any of the details that made this place special to her—wood-paneled dining room, hunter green carpet, red checkered window coverings, tablecloths and napkins, wine bottle candle holders, and the dainty bouquets of fresh Shasta daisies on every table. The cozy country inn’s atmosphere radiated a welcoming and comfortable ambiance, and the appetizing aromas from the kitchen projected gourmet food. She knew her grandfather’s guests were mostly locals, and only a few tourists ever made their way to Crestview. But that had been a choice he’d made years ago. He loved to cook for people, wanted to share his heritage and make a good living for his family. She sighed with pleasure as memories of her working days in the family business flooded her mind, got lost in herself.
“Sorry, we’re not open for business yet.”
A pleasant female voice drew her back into the moment.
Amanda observed the thirty-something, well-dressed, slender brunette heading toward her.
“We don’t serve breakfast. However, our lunch hour starts at eleven.” Her friendly smile made the corners of her almost-black eyes crinkle. “Perhaps you can come back in a half hour or so. There are plenty of shops you can visit while waiting.” She paused then added, “And lots of wonderful things, made by Coloradans, to buy.”
Amanda extended her hand. “Hi. I’m not here to eat, just work. Amanda Conifer, Pete’s granddaughter.”
The young woman cringed then apologized. “Sarah Mitchell, embarrassed new girl in town.”
“I’m feeling kind of new myself. It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually worked here.” She leaned in close. “I’m not sure what I’ll be doing this time around, but I’m going to need all the help I can get. Hope I can count on you.”
Sarah blushed and pointed to herself. “Me? I’m the one who needs help. Look at the blunder I just made. I insulted the owner’s granddaughter and practically threw her out. How bad is that?”
She laughed. “Let’s promise to look out for one another. What do you say, Sarah?”
“Works for me, Miss Conifer.”
“Amanda, please.”
Before Sarah could respond, the kitchen doors swung open, and out bounded a tall, handsome man with an ebony-colored ponytail flying wildly in an overzealous movement.
“Sarah!” he called out. “Where is the—” He caught sight of Amanda. With open arms, he rushed to embrace and greet her in his own inimitable fashion.
Charles Wharley, the restaurant manager, hadn’t changed at all, still looked the same.
“It’s been too long between your visits. You’re looking good.” Then holding her at bay, he eyed her from head to toe. “You’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman, Mandy.”
His sapphire eyes twinkled with mischief.
A hot wave of embarrassment rose to her cheeks. She had forgotten how overwhelming Charlie could be. Almost twice her age, and here he was, flirting…what a character. In her mind, he was Poppy’s right-hand man, a family friend and a surrogate brother.
Not sure how to respond, she simply answered, “Thanks, Charlie. You’re looking as good as ever.”
Charles laughed quietly, seeming to know he’d unsettled her.
“Don’t pay attention to him, Amanda. He’s just a big old flirt.” Sarah winked at her. “He carries on like that with all the ladies.”
“Only the beautiful ones,” he stressed.
Sarah playfully punched his arm. “See what I mean?”
Amanda ignored his flirting. “I think it’ll be fun working with you again. Just like the old days.”
“Yes, it should be fun.” He stared into space as if in a momentary trance then added, “I can’t wait.”
His reply sounded curt.
Amanda wondered if he felt threatened by her sudden involvement with the business and if he thought she was stepping on his business toes. He’d been Poppy’s right-hand-man for so many years, she didn’t want him to think she was barging in and taking over. When I get an opportunity, she thought, I’ll reassure him about this being a temporary situation.
“Charles,” Sarah said. “Why didn’t you tell me about Amanda starting today? It may have saved me from an awkward moment.”
He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and lowered his voice. “Sorry about that. I’ve been on the phone since I got here this morning and didn’t get a chance to tell you that today was the day.”
Amanda watched the interaction of her new cohorts with care and caught their subtle exchange of mutual admiration. To her delight, their interaction indicated a relationship existing beyond the doors of work.
“I’ve asked Sarah to help me get back into the swing, Charlie. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the middle of things, and I don’t know what Poppy has in mind for me to do. I hope that’s all right with you.”
He straightened his broad shoulders, conscious of his own sudden and unusual uneasiness. “We’ll all try to do our best to make you feel at home, Amanda.”
“I hope it won’t be too much of an inconvenience for you.”
Charles reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “Not in the least. I’ll rather enjoy it.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Sarah’s frown and instantly eased her hand away. “Well, where do I start?”
Charles grinned. “First thing on the agenda is that you make an appearance in the kitchen to say hello to the staff. Those who already know you are looking forward to being reacquainted, and the newbies are eager to meet Pete’s granddaughter.”
She smiled, gave him a quick nod and thumbs-up before he continued.
“Not much has changed since you’ve been here last. Fact is, you’re ahead of the game having grown up in and around all this.” He scooped the air, indicating the restaurant. “It’ll be good to have your help in any and all areas.”
“My grandfather appreciates you and all you’ve done for him and business.”
Charles put on his flirty face again. “And you, Amanda, do you?”
“Now, Charlie, you know that goes without saying. You’ve always been one of my favorite people.”
Sarah took the opportunity to join the conversation. “Charles is good at his job. Our customers love him. Just as they do to your grandfather.”
The smile Sarah flashed Charles reinforced Amanda’s first impression of them probably being a couple.
“I think he’ll be great at helping you get back into the swing of things here.” Then looking to Amanda, she added, “We all know Pete’s the backbone, but he’s a big asset.”
Charles shifted his stance and stood shaking his head as his face turned crimson.
To defuse the moment, Amanda spoke up. “Come on, Charlie,” she teased. “Sarah’s right, and you deserve credit for all your hard work and loyalty.”
Charles bowed slightly. “It’s nice to know one is held in such high regard with two beautiful women like yourselves. My own restaurant groupies. How can I thank you?”
The phone rang. Sarah excused herself, and Charles continued. “Mandy, Pete tells me you’re ready to commit to the business. Is that right?”
A slight frown creased her forehead. “I don’t know about an all-out commitment, Charlie. This is supposed to be a temporary arrangement. And to tell you the truth, I’m worried about him and feel a need to be close to him now.”
Hips lips tightened. He didn’t say a word. They headed to the kitchen.
When he didn’t address her comment about her grandfather’s health, she wondered if he knew something and decided not to tell her.
* * *
Amanda was delighted at the welcome the staff bestowed upon her. Many, like Charles, were longtime beloved employees. On the way back to the office, she bombarded Charles with questions about the staff’s personal life.
“I’m not up on that information. You’d do better talking with Sarah.”<
br />
“Sounds good to me. But now that you’ve mentioned her, how about answering a few questions?”
“Okay.”
“How long has she been with us?
“I think it’s close to a year now. I’m not exactly sure.”
“Does she like working here?”
“I think so. Why do you ask?”
“From what I remember about the restaurant business, there’s a high turnover of employees—hard to keep them on staff. If she’s as good as she is nice, I’d hate to have the restaurant lose her.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’ll ever happen,” he answered with what Amanda thought of as being over-confidence. “I won’t—I mean, we won’t lose her.”
Ah ha. Gotcha. I heard your slip up and saw that flicker of panic cross your face—nope, I caught it, and it’s exactly as I thought. You and Sarah are an item.
Charles didn’t skip a beat. He kept on talking. “She’s purchased a house out at Ponderosa Estates, the area on the other side of the woods near your grandfather’s house. From what I gather, she’s setting down roots.”
“I like her, Charlie. I think she and I are going to be great friends.”
“Happy to hear you feel that way. Sarah’s been an asset to the restaurant and me. The customers love her. She’s quite good at her job and works hard. I think she’s a keeper.”
Although it passed as quickly as it appeared, Amanda turned to hide her knowing grin. You think you have a secret, but I think you don’t.
When he walked to the filing cabinet, she flopped into Poppy’s chair and gave it a spin.
Charles glanced back over his shoulder at her. “Old habits never die, do they? I remember you never could resist doing that.”
She giggled. “I remember how that used to drive you crazy.”
“Hmmm,” he mused without further comment and then moved on to matters he deemed more important. He pulled out the current bank records, the checkbook, and a payroll-chart.
He spread them on the desk in front of her. “Take a look at these.”
“Overwhelming, wouldn’t you say?”
He patted her shoulder. “You’re a ‘numbers’ person, coming from the bank, aren’t you? Just give them the once over so you’re familiar with what’s happening on the money side of the business. I’ll only explain a few things today because I’d like you to concentrate on the everyday activities like scheduling, ordering and deliveries.”
Amanda picked up the payroll folder to glance through it. “If you say so, I’m in your hands.”
He nodded. “Before we go any further, I’d like to ask you a favor.”
“Sure, I’ll do whatever I can.” This should be interesting considering his flamboyant personality.
“It’s my name,” he said. “I know you and Pete have called me Charlie since the beginning and, truthfully, I find it endearing and it makes me feel like family.” He paused. “But when we’re out amongst the customers, I’d prefer Charles. It sounds professional and rather refined.”
Amanda swallowed hard. There was that male ego.
Then with a profound seriousness, he added, “You know how your grandfather always says we have to sell the sizzle. Well, my name is part of my sizzle.”
“I understand and promise to stay on top of it, Mr. Wharley.” Her quick wit lightened the moment and gave him a chance to show his humorous side.
“There’s no need to be that formal, Miss Conifer.”
She playfully acquiesced with a friendly, “Touché.”
During the next few hours, they managed to cover basic procedures, the daily routine, and get a start on some of the paper work.
“It’s not as bad as you thought, right?” Charles asked.
Her confidence did not match his. “Let’s see how much information I retain the first time you’re not here to guide me.”
“You’ll do fine,” he reassured. “And if need be, we’ll go over it again.”
She picked up an empty coffee cup from the desk, peered into it for a few seconds, and then made a circular motion over it with one hand.
Charles watched her in total bewilderment. “What are you doing?”
“I, Madam Lu Manda, queen of the mountain gypsies, have gazed into the magic goblet of time and have seen what is now, and what is of the future.”
He grinned. “Okay, I’ll play along, but only because you’re Pete’s granddaughter.”
She closed her eyes, swayed from side to side as if going into a trance, and took a deep, cleansing breath before she spoke.
“I feel somebody is growing weaker and weaker by the moment.” A low, guttural moan burst forth. “I see. I see. I see it’s time for lunch!”
His patronizing laugh followed. “Really, Amanda? You just couldn’t have said you were hungry and needed a lunch break?”
She gave him a mischievous look. “I wanted to see if you still had a sense of humor.”
He shook his head and grinned. “Dear, dear Mandy, you’re only here a few hours and already up to your old tricks,” he teased. Then playing along, he took the coffee cup from her and peered into it. “You’re right, Madam Lu Manda. It’s time to eat!”
Chapter Nine
It didn’t take long for Amanda to get into full swing at the restaurant. During the following weeks, she managed to set schedules, place food and liquor orders, and help design a new menu. She even dabbled in the kitchen, playing at being chef. Poppy and Charles both felt she was a natural with the business.
Charlie described her as a restaurant magnet and told her she not only charmed the staff but the customers, as well. Her grandfather suggested that perhaps she’d missed her true calling and that maybe she should be thinking of making a permanent career change.
Oh, Poppy… what are you thinking? A permanent career change? She didn’t think so. As much as she enjoyed learning the intricacies of the business, she was not ready to come back to small town living where everyone knew you, your family history, and made your business their business. Maybe someday when she got married and had a family, somewhere down the line, but not now.
She couldn’t help notice her grandfather stayed away from the restaurant more frequently. His absence gave her the opportunity to assume additional responsibilities and become a co-decision maker. Yet, she missed his not being around. Prior to her return to Crestview and the Farmhouse, she’d never worried about her grandfather not being able to handle the workload because Charles, his right-hand man, would take charge. Now, she had the opportunity to observe his limitations and become aware of his sometime inability to keep up with the pressures and responsibilities of the restaurant—all of which were uninvited, unwanted and unpleasant.
One morning while she and Charles were reviewing the receipts from the weekend, she decided to share some of her concerns with him. “I definitely appreciate you, Charlie. I can see you’re the main force in this operation and why Poppy just plays host.”
“He is slowing down a bit, Amanda. That’s obvious. I hope you know it’s been my pleasure to work with him. He’s taught me so much over the years, been so generous, and shown me such kindness, I don’t know how to repay him. I’d do anything for him.”
“Yes, I know that’s true. Just as he would for you.”
She knew Charles accepted her presence at work without question and went out of his way to give her the space she needed. Occasionally, he’d offer advice on dealing with a particular vender or liquor sales representative, especially the young, good-looking ones.
“These guys love to play games with their customers, Amanda,” he cautioned. “Especially when one is a beautiful young woman, like you. Don’t let them con you into buying something you’ll regret later.”
Charlie has gotten to be quite protective. She wondered if Poppy was responsible for this.
“Thanks for the warning, but you should know me well enough by now to know that no one can make me do something I don t want to do.”
The corners of his mouth curle
d.
“Yes, I’ve noticed,” he said in all seriousness. “You do have a stubborn streak.”
“Me, stubborn?”
He nodded. “You know, like refusing to admit this is where you belong.”
She stood with her hands on her hips, taking slow deep breaths. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Charles cleared his throat. “It’s just that I know your grandfather wants you to be here, to take over the business for him”
“Poppy never said he wanted me here.”
“Of course not. He wouldn’t deliberately think of interfering with your life choices or insist you come and run the business, regardless of how much he felt you were needed.”
She studied his face, looking for the slightest sign that he knew more. “That’s true, he wouldn’t.”
“And as horrible an experience as you had with that intruder, it did bring you home—back here where you belong.”
Amanda’s subconscious immediately kicked into overload. Where I belong? That was the second time he’d used that phrase. Her chest tightened. The same phrase that psycho had said to her at the condo the night of the attack. A flash of fear caught her by surprise, and her insides turned cold. She shivered at the thought of their Charlie being involved. Stop it, Amanda, you’re giving into paranoia and letting your imagination take control.
Charles shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I know it’s not for me to say, but perhaps in time, you’ll come to realize it for yourself.”
He turned to walk away, leaving Amanda somewhat bewildered.
Every inch of her body signaled he definitely knew more about what was going on than what he was revealing. She wondered if Poppy had taken him into his confidence for some reason. What wasn’t he disclosing? What should she know? She’d have to stay alert, gain his trust, and let him know he was in charge. Starting now, before he disappeared into the dining room. “Charlie.”
Matters of the Heart Page 4