As I walk back toward the house, Alex eyes me cautiously, almost with a frown. “Do you like it ?”
“Of course I do. What’s not too like? A bit extravagant, but that’s my dad for you.”
The rest of the morning flies by too quickly for my liking. If it wasn’t Christmas Day, I would phone Kieran and say I was taking the day off. I’ve loved being with them all this morning. I am glad I’m only in for a few hours, because I do feel very guilty about leaving Alex on his own. Even though he’s assured me, his time will be taken up with a phone call home.
After I change into a very nice red dress for work, I say my goodbyes to everyone. Alex was meant to be driving me, but he lets me go in the new car.
“So, what time do you think you will be home for?” he asks, walking me outside.
“I should be home for six at the latest.”
“Okay then.” He holds me in his arms. “This is the best I’ve seen you look in weeks. Spending this morning here has, I don’t know, refreshed you,” he says in a whisper.
“I feel good. Relaxed. I can’t wait to get home to you tonight. I’m going to speak with Kieran and try take the next few days off. It’s too late to try and get away for a few days, but time at home with you, sounds just as appealing.”
“I’m sure Kieran can manage without you and I look forward to spending time with you.”
“I know he can. Look I better go. I will see you tonight,” I say placing a soft kiss on his now cold lips.
THE HOTEL IS ABUZZ WITH activity, when I pull the car into, what seems like the only parking space. My new car is an absolute dream to drive, but parking will take some getting used to. It is so much bigger, than my wee convertible, which is really easy to park in any tight space. Getting out the car, I walk across the crisp white snow, my eyes go straight to the loch as they always do. It’s stopped snowing now, and the sky is bright with the sun low in the sky. The scenery is breath-taking as I look across the water. The loch sparkles with the mixture of light and all the white snow surrounding it. There’s not even a hint of green showing anywhere, well it has snowed heavy for the last few days. Even if we get no more snow, it will be a while before we see the green of the trees and grass.
I walk toward the entrance, where Fraser is showing some guests inside. He’s not even supposed to be working today. I had given him today off, to spend with his wife and family.
“Fraser. Why are you here?” I ask, as soon as he’s finished speaking with some guests.
“Ah. Merry Christmas, Miss Stewart.”
“And a very Merry Christmas to you. But you haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”
“Because, my dear Miss Stewart, I couldn’t not be here. Even for a few hours. You know as much as I do, I love it here, just as much as you do. And anyway, my good lady says I was getting in her way.”
“Yes. Fraser, I know you do,” I say. “Well, just make sure you don’t stay all day.”
“Oh, I won’t Miss Stewart. I will be home in time for my turkey dinner.”
I leave Fraser as another car pulls up to the entrance, and make my way inside. The open fire is burning away, heating up the reception as you enter. I smile as I watch two small children running around, singing Christmas songs. They finally come to a stop and sit down at the Christmas tree. The tree is mighty impressive, reaching the ceiling, and sparkles with the twinkling lights. I will miss it when it comes time to take it down. Sally is busy at the desk, as she always is. Always the professional.
“Merry Christmas, Miss Stewart,” she calls when she sees me.
“Merry Christmas to you, Sally. Is Kieran in the office?” I ask.
“Yes, Miss Stewart, he’s just in.”
“Thank you, Sally.” I start walking to the office.
Sally wasn’t wrong about Kieran just being in; I find him in the office, just taking off his jacket.
“Wow! Libby.” Kieran stops as I enter. “Merry Christmas, honey,” he says squeezing me tightly.
“And to you, now can you let go.” I say laughing at him. He lets go but only to hold me at arm’s length and having a good look. “What?” I ask.
“You look well today. Better, not so tired.”
“I do feel it,” I tell him. “But I have a huge favour to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“Okay. Do you think you could cope without me for a few days?”
“Honey. Of course I can. Everything is covered for the next week. Is everything okay?” he asks with concern.
“Yes, I think I could just do with the rest. Maybe stop you, dad and Alex all nagging at me.”
“Oh, sweetie! We only nag you, because we all love you and care,” he says softly. “Libby, you know it’s the right thing to do. And while we are on the subject of holidays, I know you are in New York February for Alex’s brothers wedding. How long will you be away for?”
“We are leaving the week before, I think Alex has some work to take care of. We should be back few days after the wedding. Say the sixteenth or seventeenth.”
“Okay, do you mind if I book the last week in February and first in March off, hoping to get away?” he asks.
“No, of course not. Take it off, you deserve it. Going somewhere nice?” I ask, watching a slow smile spread across his face.
“All in due course, Libby,” is his quick reply. Oh, there’s a story behind this request. I know I will get it from him, eventually. “Now. I think we should be making tracks, Libby. What do you say? Should we get this show on the road?”
“Yes.”
We walk through the hotel, heading in the direction of the kitchen. Soft Christmas music flows throughout. We have loads going on all day for families. There was breakfast with Santa this morning, Kieran tells me that went really well. Before Christmas Lunch Santa is meeting with each child, as he has a special present for each one. There’s no rush in the hotel today, everything is very relaxed and comfortable.
We find Karl and the team in the kitchen, and dare I say it, but he is relaxed too. They are all busy working, but I don’t know how to describe the atmosphere in the kitchen today. It’s getting much easier being in the kitchen, after the incident with Jeff. If I am honest, I always have someone with me, now. It has left its mark on me, and not just physically, mentally as well. Jeff, has still to be sentenced, for his attack on me, but I for one will not attend court. If I never have to see him again, even that will be too soon.
Karl stops working when he sees us. Karl and I have a great working relationship, which I hope will serve the hotel well over the coming years.
“Ah, the ever beautiful Miss Stewart,” says Karl. “Merry Christmas to you both.”
“And to you.”
“Same, same. I think I will leave you two to it. I want to make sure the restaurant is all set,” Kieran says before heading back out of the kitchen.
“Let’s go to my office,” says Karl. I know Karl doesn't like discussing business when there is staff around, especially when he’s talking to me.
“I am taking a few days off,” I say, as we enter the office and sit down.
“Glad to hear it. From when?”
“Tomorrow. Only if you can all cope.”
“Libby, of course we can cope. Kieran and I, not as good a team as you and I, but we will do okay.” He’s trying to reassure me that I’m leaving the hotel in good hands. Which of course I am, otherwise I wouldn't even think about taking time off.
We spend the next thirty or so minutes, going over the kitchen rota for the week ahead. I don’t usually interfere with the kitchen rota, but I want to make sure Karl had plenty of cover incase Kieran needs a hand. Then Karl runs through the new menus, he wants to start in January. I agree with what he wants to do, and achieve. We both share the same vision for the hotel. Karl doesn't interfere with any of the other departments, but always gives advice and his input and experience is invaluable to me.
“Right. Let’s go and sort out the staff,” says Karl with a hint
of humour. “Time for a quick staff meeting.”
“Is it that time already?” I ask, as I try not to think of how quickly the day is going. That’s a good thing though, it means I will be home with Alex soon enough.
“And, Libby,”
“Yes,Karl?”
“I’ve been where you are, putting in all the hours. You need to find a balance. It took me a long time to find mine, but I think I finally have it. I also have a very good team under me along with you and Kieran.” He sighs. “Look, I think we are friends as well as work colleagues, so if I offend in anyway just tell me to shut up. You need to take care of you first and foremost. Family and relationships secondly and then this place. Who knows one day in the future you will be blessed with your own family.” I listen to his words, although I’m shaking my head at the direction this conversation is going. “Libby, hear me out!”
I nod.
“Libby, these are things you should think about just now. If you have a family, you won’t be able to work the hours you have been. All that stress is not good for you. You have very good foundations here, it’s time to build on those. I want to help you. I’m here to help.”
His words mean a lot and I know Alex would love nothing more than a family. Although having said that, I’m in no rush. Yes I love little Lucy, but that’s different. I have things I want to achieve before I even think about family. Yet Karl’s words do make sense to me. I’ve been too busy lately, trying to do everything myself.
“So what are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting we take one day maybe two, in January, and go through everything. Analyse every department and member of staff, see what you need and where you need them. Each department should be able to run on its own. The way I see it, just now, only two do. The kitchen and the gym; Stephen does a great job there, because he has very good staff as well.”
“Okay. Okay. Have you been speaking to my Dad?”
“No, Libby. I wouldn’t dream of going behind your back. Your dad might own this place, but as far I’m concerned, you’re my boss and manager. You just need a little guidance. And no, that doesn’t mean I think you’re doing a bad job. I just want to help you.” He stands holding his hand to me. I take it pulling myself from the seat. “Now we have a quick staff meeting in the restaurant before the festivities start.”
We walk through the now empty kitchen and head straight to the restaurant. Karl opens the door, always the gentleman.
“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Miss Stewart. Happy Birthday to you.”
All the staff that’s working today are all gathered, for what I thought was going to be a staff meeting. Kieran as always, with the biggest grin on his face, comes rushing at me. He has a beautiful bouquet of flowers in his arms.
“Happy Birthday, Libby,” Karl whispers in my ear. I turn, smiling at his words. “See we couldn’t forget about this.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, sweetie. Happy Birthday,” says Kieran, handing me the flowers and a card.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you everyone.”
“Happy Birthday, Miss Stewart,” says Sally as she hands me a gift bag. “This is from everyone.”
“Thank you.”
“Right.” Karl voice brings me back to business. “We only have the one sitting today for Christmas lunch. So everything should be straight forward. Tonight’s guests will be entertained in the function suite and the buffet is in hand. Kieran, I trust everything at your end is ready?”
“Yes, although we do have a few last minute changes to make with regards seating arrangements,” Kieran tells Karl.
“Miss Stewart, do you have anything to add?” Karl asks.
“I would just like to say thanks for all your hard work over the last few weeks. Karl, Kieran and myself have discussed what we should do as a thank you to you all. I know in years gone by, various nights out have been organised. This year will be one night for all the staff in January. The hotel will be closed for two days to allow us all to get together. The seventeenth and eighteenth of January, we have no guests booked in so makes sense to use that time. Now all I have left to say is enjoy your day.”
The rest of the afternoon flies by. So much going on. It’s been great seeing the kids faces light up as they received a gift from Santa. It’s been such a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel. Very festive. I’ve thought a lot about Ethan and Lucy and also about Alex. Alex, I do need to find the balance in my life, so I’m able to enjoy all parts of it. As everything is about done, I send Alex a text;
Just getting ready to leave see you soon. xx
Straight away he replies; Take care it’s snowing again see you soon xx
I will xx
I say very brief goodbyes. I tell Karl and Kieran that my phone will be on if they need me over the next few days. They both tell me they will not be phoning and that they will be fine. I’m sure they will be. Karl helps me out to my car with the flowers and presents from the staff.
“Very nice wheels,” he says, admiring the car. He runs his hand along the side of the door. “So a gift from Dad or Alex?”
“Dad. I’m sure Alex would much rather be driving me himself.”
“I’m sure your right about Alex. Safe journey home and I will see you when you are rested. Try not worry about here we will be fine.”
“Thanks, Karl.”
The drive back toward home is not as tricky as it would be in my wee convertible. The only problem I have is with the snow that is falling, making it difficult to see. I phone Alex and ask him to come and give me a hand upstairs with the gifts from the staff. He’s just coming out the main door as I park the car, right behind his.
Opening my door, he leans down and kisses me. “Libby, you look tired now.”
“Alex, I’ve been fine all day. I’m tired, but that could be just straining to see out the window, whilst driving.”
“You sure?” he asks with concern.
“Yes. I’m sure. Now if you get the flowers from the back.”
“Have you eaten today?” he asks. Shit! He’s not going to like my answer. “Libby. Seriously! It’s no wonder you’re so bloody tired. You need to eat.”
“Alex, I’m sure you’ve made some dinner so I won't starve. Now, if you’ve finished having a moan, it’s bloody freezing out here and all I want is a bath.”
He smiles and without saying a word, we take to the stairs.
THE FRONT DOOR IS OPEN when we reach our floor. Funny only a few months ago, this was just my apartment when I bought it. I never imagined I would be sharing my life with someone as wonderful as Alex. Five short weeks we’ve been living together, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Not something I ever saw happening. I presumed, wrongly, it would be me having to move to the States to be with him. I stop, taking off my coat; I hang it up as we enter the hallway.
I walk toward the stairs with my handbag and the gift bag.
“Where are you going?” Alex calls after me, frowning.
“To put this upstairs and run a bath.”
“What about these?” he asks, holding up the flowers. “I will only do them wrong.”
“I will sort them when I come back down.”
“I think you should fix them in a vase, just now.” He just stands and stares at me. Really?
“Fine,” I snap, dropping the bags on the floor and grabbing the flowers from his hand. These could’ve waited until I had a bath. I walk into the living room with Alex right behind me.
“SURPRISE. Happy Birthday.”
Now I see why he wanted me to see to the flowers. The sneaky git. My parents, Ethan and Lucy, Kirsty and Jay, and even Stephen. I turn to face Alex and I can't hide my smile. I was looking forward to a night of just the two of us, but I’m glad they’re here. I did enjoy my time with my family this morning. The living room is filled with flowers, red and white roses. Lots and lots of them. And balloons. Red balloons. Alex has been busy.
“Libby, there’s another
surprise. Turn round.” A ghost of a smile appears on his face. I do as I’m told, slowly turning. Not sure what to expect.
“Oh, my god. When? How?” I ask Alex as Sophie rushes toward me. Alex takes the flowers from me. Sophie and his parents are all here as well.
“Libby, Happy Birthday!” Sophie says excitedly as she embraces me. “Merry Christmas. Isn’t this just the best?”
“When did you get here?”
“Last night. I could hardly wait for tonight, although I got to spend the afternoon with my brother. I’ve been waiting all day to see you. I can’t wait for you to show me around the sites and the hotel, who knows I might even find myself a hunky Scotsman.” I shake my head, at her words; she really is so much like Kirsty.
“Sophie, let Libby see to her other guests,” Alex tells his sister. Sophie pulls a face at him. He just shakes his head at her.
I leave Alex and Sophie and go over to greet Sarah and Richard. “Richard, Sarah, merry Christmas,” I say warmly.
“Merry Christmas, sweetie and a very happy birthday.” I stand speaking with them for a few minutes. I find out this was planned a few weeks ago. Sarah jumped at the chance of coming here to Scotland to spend Christmas with us. I remember how upset she was when she realised Alex would be here, and Connor would be spending it with Emma. As I stand with his parents, I look up to find Alex’s eyes on me, that smile that I love so much, slowly spreads across his beautiful face. The face I will never tire of seeing.
I leave his parents, and Ethan is the first person to cross my path. “I can’t believe after seeing me this morning, you didn't tell me, my dear brother.” He laughs and wraps one arm round my shoulder, and we walk toward Kirsty and Jay.
“Of course. I was under strict instructions not to tell,” Ethan tells me. “Hey, this is as much for me, as it is for you. You know I really don’t mind sharing the limelight with you.” I watch my parents; my mum has Lucy in her arms as they walk toward Sarah and Richard.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 4
