Willing? Willing to go dancing with Oliver? She couldn’t wait, but she’d need to sort out some clothes first. She could hardly attend a conference in her overalls or jeans. She’d have to go to that cheap shop in town and see if there were any suitable bargains. Maybe she could get a lift with André when he went in to the market. Looking across the table at Oliver, the thought of spending three days with him made her head swim. She really felt she should pinch herself to make sure she was awake.
“Are you okay? You look a bit pale. I imagine you’ve got someone to look after your son.”
“He’s going to stay with his dad for the half-term holiday so that’s perfect timing. Where is the conference?”
“Central London. We’re staying in a luxury hotel so that should be an eye-opener too!” He chuckled. “This place is a bit run-down, don’t you think?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly.”
“Oh, yes you would, Cherry. I’d like you to be totally honest with me. We’re going to be working very closely together in the future. There are going to be quite a few changes round here. I thought we’d start on a programme of redecoration. The first thing I’m going to change is this room. These frills and flounces aren’t really me. Are you any good at that sort of thing? You know, colours, textiles?”
So she was going to be an interior designer too. Was there no end to her potential? She couldn’t help but compare Oliver’s positive attitude to her with Alan’s negativity.
“Let’s have some coffee,” Oliver said.
Cherry was about to stand to pour the coffee, but Oliver was already at the side table, a milk jug in his hand.
“White? There’s a lot I don’t know about you, Cherry.”
Yes, there certainly is, she thought. Since first meeting him, she’d been unable to get him out of her head. She went to sleep thinking about him and her first waking thoughts were about him. She was finding it difficult to concentrate, but she must make an effort. “Oh, Oliver, you’ve spilt the coffee.” Cherry was by his side, mopping at the tray. “Here let me.” She handed him a cup and saucer and he made his way back to his desk. Poor man, he must be very emotional right now with all the changes that had taken place and the decisions he’d had to make. They sat in silence, sipping their drinks.
“He seems a nice boy, your son,” Oliver said, breaking the silence. “I haven’t seen much of him, but when I have, he’s been quiet and well-behaved. Does he go to the local primary school?”
“Yes, and loves it.”
“They say your school days are the best days of your life. They weren’t mine. Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring that up.”
“I’m happy to listen,” encouraged Cherry.
“I was sent away to boarding school when I was eight. My father left us and my mother was busy with the business. Neither of them had time for me.”
“I’m so sorry, Oliver,” Cherry said.
“My father had a new wife and it wasn’t long before he had a new son too. He wasn’t sent away to boarding school. He had pretty much everything I didn’t have, including my dad. I loathed boarding school,” Oliver said vehemently.
“It’s a world away from the state comprehensive that I attended. I hated living in a city and longed to escape to the country.”
She was aware of Oliver watching her closely. She leaned across the desk to take his empty cup just as he stretched out his arm to reach for the itinerary. Their hands touched and they both jerked back as though electricity had surged between them.
Clearing his throat he said, “I’ll copy the itinerary and booking form for you.”
She nodded.
“You’ll see I’ve booked two superior rooms next to each other,” he said sounding business-like.
“Good, that’s good,” Cherry said, rubbing her hand as though it was raw from their contact. “If that’s everything for now I think I’d better go. I’ve still got five more rooms to clean and I’m a bit behind.”
“I need to work out a timetable for you if you insist on doing two jobs. Perhaps you could spend a couple of hours in the afternoon on your new role and clean in the morning. I’ll set up a desk in here for you. There’s plenty of space. Would that suit you?”
“Yes.”
“Shall we shake on the deal?” He reached over. When their hands touched she felt the warmth of his skin and longed to caress his hand.
“I’m going to enjoy working with you, Cherry,” he told her, “I think we’ll make a good team.”
“Yes, I think we will,” she said softly.
Chapter Five
“You’ve always let us down,” cried Cherry. “You’re not the one who has to explain it to Jay. Let me know when you can see your son.” Cherry threw down the phone and put her head in her hands. Poor Jay. He’d be so disappointed that he wouldn’t be seeing his dad over the holidays. She drew an exasperated hand through her hair and took a deep breath. She remembered, almost as an afterthought, that now she wouldn’t be able to go to the conference with Oliver. But that was a secondary consideration. Disappointment washed through her and she hurried off to find Jay, who was with Pat.
“Jay, love,” began Cherry, “your dad’s just phoned. I’m so sorry, but he won’t be able to have you there next week. He’s double booked some sort of arrangement and can’t get out of it. I’m sure he’s as upset as you are.” Cherry looked over Jay’s head at Pat who was screwing up her face in irritation.
“Dad works hard, doesn’t he, Mum?” said Jay, looking sad. “But I don’t mind being here with you and Pat especially if Darius is around. Can I go and look for him now?”
Jay pottered off, and Pat pulled out a chair for Cherry. “Come on, get it off your chest. You look as if you’re going to explode.”
With a huff, Cherry sat down. “Alan hasn’t got work commitments at all, Pat. He and Imogen are going to her sister’s in Scotland and there isn’t room for Jay. Why couldn’t Imogen have taken her girls up there and left Alan to have Jay at home? They’re so selfish.”
“You’ve always said that Alan dotes on Jay,” answered Pat, helping herself to a shortbread finger from the ever-present biscuit tin.
“He does,” insisted Cherry. “He’s always made time for Jay when he could. I know he works hard, but . . . Do you think it was wrong of me to imply that it was work stopping Jay going to his dad’s?” Cherry nibbled her fingernail as she wondered about what she’d said.
“What will you do about the conference?” Pat always got straight to the point.
At the thought of missing out on her imagined wonderful time with Oliver, Cherry felt sick.
“Are you all right, Cherry? You’re miles away.”
“But I won’t be, will I?” wailed Cherry. “I’ll be here and . . .”
“I see. Are you attracted to our new owner?” Pat gave Cherry her full attention.
“Of course not,” replied Cherry, fully aware that her face was the same colour as her name. “I just haven’t made any arrangements to entertain Jay during the holidays, that’s all. I’ll get some books from the library and there are bound to be some games in the lounge. There’s always Darius. He plays a mean game of twenty-one apparently. Jay’s completely hooked.” She babbled on in spite of Pat’s smirk.
“You know I’ll help out if I can. Jay’s no trouble, but it’s a bit difficult when I’m called away,” said Pat.
“Pat, you’re always so good to both of us. I can’t expect you to look after Jay and do your work. I’m sure I can arrange something, he’s my responsibility after all. But, you’re right, I won’t be able to go away, that’s for sure. I’ll have to tell Oliver I suppose, but he’s not going to be pleased. I’ll probably lose my job before I’ve started it. Just as well I didn’t go clothes shopping after all.”
“You don’t think Alan and Imogen are going through some crisis, do you?” asked Pat suddenly. “And he feels like he has to be with her to sort it out.”
“You’ve been reading too many romances,
Pat. I don’t know much about his relationship with her. I’ve always imagined that she pulls the strings, especially the purse ones, but I’ve never been that interested to find out.” Cherry sipped at her cool tea. “I wouldn’t like him to have a bad relationship. Just because we didn’t get on, I don’t begrudge him happiness.”
“That’s because you’re a kind, sweet girl.” Pat went over and hugged a miserable Cherry. “Why not stay here and have a fresh cup of tea? Give yourself ten minutes to relax.”
Left to herself, Cherry was ashamed that her first thoughts were about Oliver. On reflection, she knew Jay would be all right with her around the hotel for the half-term week – they’d done it before. He was a self-contained lad and was content to entertain himself when he had to, he just needed constant feeding like most boys. But that was before she’d taken on these extra responsibilities. Perhaps Oliver wouldn’t mind if Jay sat in the office with her when she was working during the afternoons. Darius, of course, was a bonus now. But how long would he be staying? If only her family weren’t so far away. Then it hit her, was that why she resented Alan? Was she jealous of his family life? But who’d want her, coming as she did with Jay and no home? The thought of having someone like Oliver to share her future with was very appealing. No, she was wrong there, she admitted to herself. What she really wanted was Oliver, not someone like him. Quickly, she wiped the thoughts from her mind. There was no chance of that now. She’d already let him down and she was sure he wouldn’t forgive her. Besides, he deserved someone who would be an equal partner in every respect.
With a sigh, she realised she’d have to confront the problem and let him know she wouldn’t be going to the conference. But try as she might, she couldn’t drag herself from the chair and out into the reception area.
Cherry looked up guiltily as the door swung open and Pat poked her head in. “Have you told him yet?” she demanded.
“Please don’t nag, Pat, I’m just searching for the right words.”
“How about: I can’t go to the conference?” smiled Pat. “Go on, Cherry, you’ve got to let him know. Don’t put it off any longer.”
Cherry stood up, took her cup to the sink and spent a few moments washing it, drying it, and replacing it in the cupboard. Then she put the lid on the biscuit tin and put that away, too.
“Are you going to spring-clean the whole place before you speak to Oliver?”
“I think I’d like to. That cupboard looks as if it could do with a good scrub,” said Cherry, still procrastinating.
Pat reached behind Cherry’s head and took the scrunchie out. “That’s a bit smarter. You look less like a cleaner now.” Then she led Cherry by the hand to the door, opened it, and gave her a little push. “Go on, get it over with.”
Cherry walked slowly through the hotel. Half of her couldn’t wait to see Oliver again, and the other half wanted to be a long way away.
She heard him before catching sight of him. Stirred by the sound of his voice, Cherry stayed out of sight, listening to his honeyed tone. It was mesmerising. She hadn’t realised before how enchanting a voice could be. Without being able to hear Oliver’s exact words, she knew by his gentle pitch that he was giving reassurance. A gentle laugh indicated that the conversation had reached an amicable conclusion. The guest he was talking to said a heartfelt, “Thank you so much.” Before Cherry could stop herself she hurried forward, intent on speaking with Oliver.
“Ah there you are, Cherry. That guest,” Oliver nodded in the direction of the man in question, “was asking if we had any river trips. I told him our executive for new projects had it at the top of her list and by the time next year’s brochure comes out, we’ll have the river activities included, plus a lot of other events as well.” Cherry was aware of Oliver looking at her. The look on his face was surely more than professional. But Cherry had to rid herself of all such thoughts and get on with her confession. She opened her mouth, but no words would form themselves.
“Right, Cherry, come along, there’s work to do. Have you finished your morning duties? Are you in executive mode now?” His eyes sparkled at her.
Cherry gave a dejected nod, unaware how attractive she looked with her thick curls bouncing around her head. But Oliver had noted it, as he seemed to note everything about her. He knew that now was not the time to dwell on things of a personal nature. With luck those things could be taken a stage further at the conference. He was looking forward to every minute he would spend with this dazzling woman in front of him.
At the hastily arranged office desk, Cherry sat with paper and a pen in front of her.
“Perhaps you could start on a list of the facilities you would ideally like to have at a hotel if you booked into one.” He thought she had lots of ideas, but she didn’t appear keen to write anything down.
When the telephone rang, Cherry snatched it up. “It’s for you, Oliver,” she said, keying in his extension so that he could answer it at his desk. “Duncan and Duncan, solicitors.”
“Oliver Fingle. Yes Mr Duncan, I did want to speak to you about her.”
Cherry immediately stood up and left the office.
* * *
Although she was pleased to have been given a little grace before confronting Oliver, she was curious who he wanted to talk about so secretly. Why would a solicitor ring him? Then it struck her? It must be a personal crisis. A divorce, separation, maintenance, or something like that. Then another thought crossed her mind; it could be something to do with his mother’s will. Anyway, whatever it was, it was nothing to do with her and she had a job to do.
Cherry perched on a chair in the corridor, looked at the blank pad she’d brought with her, and scribbled a list. Something for the children to do, special dining events including perhaps a pudding club, and a crèche. She then added that these facilities should be in addition to the outdoor ones already discussed, drew a thick line under it, and decided that when she gave it to Oliver that would be the end of their management association.
Oliver came out of the office and beckoned to her. “You needn’t have vanished. I could have rung them back. But thank you for being so perceptive.” He disappeared back into the office, then poked his face out again. “Aren’t you coming? There’s lots to do.”
Cherry held out the list to him. “Here, I’ve done my best. That’s all I can think of.”
Oliver took the piece of paper and scanned it. “Fine. Looks good. When you’ve got it on the computer, send it to me.”
Back in the office, Cherry fidgeted with the computer, pressing buttons and wiggling the mouse around. Then she took a deep breath and said, more loudly than she meant to, “There’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
Chapter Six
“Mmm?” Oliver seemed distracted. She wondered if he’d even heard her. “Hold on, I need to check something.” And he was gone. Abandoning all the paperwork, Cherry hurried after him and waited for his attention at reception. Finally Oliver looked up from the guest book. “Something to tell me?”
Cherry couldn’t believe she had to do this. Who in their right mind would cancel three days away with this gorgeous man? She gulped and wondered if he would be as bothered as she was to miss the opportunity of being together. Opening her mouth, she jerked out, “I can’t go on the conference, I’m sorry.”
Oliver seemed to sag visibly, then bracing his shoulders walked over to a group of chairs and gestured at a chintz sofa. “Come and explain. I’m sure we can sort something out. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that problems are rarely insurmountable.” Cherry tried to settle herself on the sofa, but with Oliver’s unsettling presence, she couldn’t relax.
“Jay’s father won’t have him now,” she blurted out.
“Won’t have him? But that’s unforgivable. He’s the boy’s father and he promised.” Oliver stood looking down at her, his fists clenched.
“His name’s Jay not ‘the boy’,” Cherry said crossly. She was disappointed about the conference, but felt that Oliver wasn�
��t thinking of Jay’s disappointment, more his own concerns about the hotel. Perhaps he wasn’t the man she’d thought he was, but then she realised she’d done exactly the same thing in putting her feelings before Jay’s.
“Couldn’t someone else do it?” Oliver asked, his mood lightening. Cherry had already given a good deal of thought to this. She considered it again, but still came to the same conclusion that there was no one.
Deliberately misunderstanding Oliver, she said, “Yes, someone could take my place. It’s a pity Pat can’t go. I’m sure she’d learn a lot and enjoy it. But she can’t leave her husband for long. You must know Maurice has been ill.”
“I mean someone to look after the . . . Jay. There must be someone.”
Cherry tried to think if there was anyone she could ask. Hazel’s family were going away for the week and she didn’t want to leave Jay with anyone he didn’t know well.
“I don’t believe there’s nobody else.” Oliver sounded exasperated. “Haven’t you any family?” He moved away ready to get on with the next task.
“No, they’re all too far away, and I can’t think of anyone else. I’m sorry I’ve let you down, Oliver, but you must realise how difficult it is being a single parent. If you want to think again about whether or not I’m suitable for the job I’ll understand.” She stood up abruptly and turned to leave.
Oliver grabbed her arm. “No, don’t go. I mean . . . let’s sit down and talk this through. Sorry, I’ve been pre-occupied. Please.” He gestured for her to sit down, then sat opposite her. “I’d been looking forward to a few days away with you . . . I mean planning things for the hotel, having time to talk about the future. It’s always so busy here. I do realise how difficult it is for you, but please give this job a go. It’s not a big deal; I expect there’ll be another conference soon. I really think you can make a difference to the hotel. We’ll be a great team.”
Cherry Blossoms Page 3
