Taking a sip of his black coffee he took a deep breath, as an excited flush began to run over his body. I need to see more of her and the only way I can do that is to watch, as well as listen. I need to get inside.
By ten o’clock I’ve answered my emails, ordered some supplies and resolved a major wallpaper catastrophe for Colin at The Ashton. I’ve also spoken to my Mum. Regardless of trying to talk myself out of a romantic trip with Sebastian, Nina Myers was having none of it. “You are going. That… is…final… and I won’t hear another word on the matter.”
“But, Mu…”
“Sshh, listen to your mother. I’m serious, Lucia Amelia Myers.” Her authoritative tone makes me smile. She always gets bossy when she’s irritated and my middle name is reserved for special occasions such as these, when she reverts to parent mode.
“Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and you need to grab onto it with both hands.”
I wonder whether she means Business or Sebastian - I’ve a feeling it’s the latter and I’m happy to do just that. “Finn will be fine with us, as you well know and soon you’ll be home, all rested and relaxed and in better spirits to be the best mum you can be to him. You’re shattered, hunny and you need this break.”
She’s not wrong there.
“You’re just happy that Seb & I are finally giving it a go.” I snort inelegantly.
“Of course I am – it’s about time you two saw what everyone else did. But I just want you to be happy and not beat yourself up for wanting love and a career - it is possible, my lovely girl and you’re an amazing mother.”
“Well, I learned from the best, Mum. Love you lots. I just feel guilty as I’m away this weekend too at the launch of the new rooms I’ve been working on at that hotel in Holdgate.”
“Well we’ll have Finn then too.” Bless her.
“You don’t need to but I appreciate it. Niall, as you know has been finally stepping up to the mark, and is having him on Saturday night. Friday Finn’s coming with us and we’re having some fun on Saturday with the gang and then he’ll go off with Niall to sleep at his and I can schmooze at the soiree.”
“See! He’ll love that.” Yes he will.
“Thanks, Mum, I always feel better talking to you. Look I better go, I’m off to see a new client in a bit but we’ll chat more over the next few days about next weekend’s plans.”
“Not a problem, that’s what Mum’s are for, as you well know. I just want to see you happy, poppet.”
“I know, Mum, love you.”
I think I am finally happy in every part of my life, but it scares the hell out of me.
We say our goodbyes and on a fond grin I end the call, just in time to grab my portfolio, iPad and bag. Time to bring it and meet my new client Mrs. Walters.
My first impressions of The Gilded Fox are childishly sentimental. The whole place reminded me of larger Hansel and Gretel’s cottage; it is extremely quaint and the setting is perfect for this off the beaten-track, luxury Inn. At the reception I’m advised that Ms. Walters will be with me promptly and I take the opportunity to have a wander around the bar, foyer and lounge areas – just to get a feel for the existing interior. I’d already done my research via their website but you can’t absorb ambience via a screen and I drink it in, in abundance.
“Lucia – I’m so sorry to keep you.”
I look up and smile warmly, as a woman in her mid fifties makes her way, towards me, elegant and chic in her navy & white ensemble. Shaking her hand politely, she continues in her bubbly voice.
“…blasted deliveries. I’m all yours now – have you been offered some tea?”
“I’m fine for the moment, thank you, Carolyn – shall we head straight to the rooms you are in need of a redress?”
“A girl after my own heart – all about the business. Of course dear but you must sample one of our fruit teas before you go – or something stronger if you’d prefer?”
I suspect Carolyn’s sunny disposition is down to the ‘something stronger’ at elevensie’s more often than not. Must be something about hotel owners I consider, thinking of my other current client James Marcell and his ruddy complexion. I choose to ignore my wandering thoughts and instead I smile back her and agree to chat over a pot of tea once we’ve reviewed the space in question. I like the feel of the place as I wander through, a rabbit warren of rooms and nooks and crannies and up and down uneven staircases towards the bedrooms. It’s cosy, yet designer and that’s a tough atmosphere to create with design alone. I’d have to get the gang here for a meal – they’d love it.