Christmas At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 4)

by Michele Gilcrest

  “Thank you, sir.”

  The gentleman looked over and tipped his hat off to me.

  “Howdy, ma’am. Can I get you a refill?”

  “Normally I’d love to, but I have to get going soon.”

  “That’s too bad. Is this your first time visiting the inn? Seems like I’ve seen you around before. A pretty woman like yourself would be hard to miss.”

  “Aren’t you a flirt?” I smiled.

  “You may have seen me once or twice. I spent most of my days here back in the eighties. I highly doubt you were here back then.”

  Frank, the bartender, flipped a rag over his shoulder and leaned on the counter to listen in. However, the gentleman waited until Frank found something else to do before he continued to speak.

  “The eighties? No, I wasn’t even in the hospitality business back then.”

  He extended his hand across the bar.

  “I’m David, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise, I’m Jolene. So, what do you do around here besides making sure the bar stays fully stocked?”

  Frank chuckled from the other side of the bar.

  “Let’s see. Every once in a while I poke my nose down in the kitchen to make sure we’re cooking up food that keeps the guests happy. Then they also have me checking up on guests’ services and the finance department. You know, the usual stuff that comes along with working at an inn.”

  “Good grief! You’d think the owner would have a hand in some of that instead of leaving it all to their staff. That’s the problem these days. Local businesses aren’t like they used to be at all. Back in the day, you could walk into a mom and pop store and meet the owners first hand. Nowadays, people are too busy to get involved. I’m sorry you have to deal with all that. Things sure have changed around here.”

  I took my last sip and put my hand up for Frank to refill my glass. I was enjoying the company and decided to extend my visit a little while longer.

  “Have things really changed that drastically here at the inn? You know, since you last visited. Assuming that you remember what the service was like and all,” he asked.

  “I’ve only been back about five or six months. But just from a few visits, I know one thing that’s missing is the owner. I haven’t met the bum once. So much for a small town experience. What good are all the renovations and upgrades if you’re not here to meet the customers? It’s an inn, for goodness sake. Frank here has been very accommodating and friendly. Maybe he should own the place. Isn’t that right, Frank?”

  “Oh, no. Not me, Miss Jolene. I wouldn’t know the first thing about running an inn, but I know how to mix a good cocktail for you.”

  David folded his arms and stood there with a smile that revealed his dimples. He had a full faced beard but through all the hair, if I had to guess, he looked to be a few years younger than me. Something about him reminded me of my George with his raspy voice.

  “Besides, Miss Jolene, what this nice fellow failed to mention the whole time he’s been talking to you is he is the owner. You are getting what you call a small town experience right now as we speak,” Frank said.

  “Now, why’d you go and do that for? I was having fun with her until you went and spoiled it. That’s going to cost you, Frank.” He teased.

  Frank pointed at David.

  “I’m going to repeat what you always tell the staff ‘customer service always comes first’.” Miss Jolene here deserved to know the truth.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go on and help those customers over there, Mr. Customer Service.”

  David wiped down the counter space near where I was sitting and laid out a snack bowl filled with nuts.

  “So, you’re the owner. You let me sit here and talk trash about you this whole time and didn’t say a word.”

  “My apologies. I was just having a little fun with you. I had every intention of telling you who I was in just a little while.”

  “Mmm hmm. You’ve done a nice job with the place, but it’s starting to have a bit of a hotel chain vibe to it. Small town beach communities and big chains don’t mix. Other than that, I like it. Keep up the good work.”

  “Why, thank you, I’m glad you approve. I thought the place needed a little updating when I took over last year. All of my locations have undergone renovations at some point. You have to be able to keep up with the demands of the times we’re living in.”

  “Did you say all of your locations?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “How many locations do you have? I can’t imagine being able to keep up with more than one inn.”

  “Ha. I’m a businessman. That’s what I do. This would be my fifth location. I was looking into one other place for a while, but the asking price was a little steep for my pockets.”

  “Interesting. I don’t see how you keep up with it myself.”

  “I have a staff that helps me keep up with it, that’s how. I personally interviewed each one of my staff members and put them through state-of-the-art training. I have the revenue to show for it. If you provide your customers with a great experience, they’ll come back for more.”

  “I guess. Hey, you figured out a plan that works for you. That’s the whole point of going into business in the first place, right?”

  “You guess? Assuming you have some experience with owning a business, how would you have done it?”

  “For starters, I wouldn’t own an establishment like this because I can only handle being around a lot of people in small doses. After a while, somebody is bound to get on my nerves and drive me to drink.”

  “Ha! You look like you’re doing a fine job with that one all by yourself.”

  I cut him a fierce look which made him quickly retract his statement.

  “I’m sorry. Please continue.”

  “As I was saying… I wouldn’t run a place like this. I’d rather have time to be out in nature, shooting targets, or fishing or doing something relaxing.”

  “I’m surprised. I would’ve never guessed that a beautiful woman like yourself would enjoy shooting targets.”

  “Yeah, well, never judge a book by its cover. I know how to carry myself like a lady and whip your bottom in just about any sport imaginable. Especially target shooting.”

  “Sassy! I like it. Tell me more.”

  “There’s not much more to tell. I’m not to be mistaken for all beauty and no brains, that’s all. You, on the other hand, never finished telling me about this state-of-the-art staff training of yours.”

  “What about it?”

  “Do you really think that’s the best way to go about running an inn? Nothing can replace you as the owner living here and knowing the locals first hand.”

  “What’s it with you and all the personalized thinking? Look around this place. Everyone is eating, drinking, and being merry. Guests are checking in and out regularly. I see nothing wrong with the business as is.”

  “You wouldn’t see it if it hit you with a brick. You’re too much of a big time, city slicker type. My cousin used to have this place packed to the gills, and everybody knew each other by name. There’s a holiday festival this year. Did you volunteer the inn to take part or donate to show your support? When is the last time you hosted an event here for the community? The Matthews used to host an annual Luau night. What kind of events do you host?”

  “Oh, I see. So, that’s what this is about. You’re related to the Matthews, and they sent you here to spy on me and offer your opinion about how things are going since I took over.”

  “That couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

  “Sure sounds like it to me. Why else would you be so passionate about the inn?”

  “Look. I’m related to them, but the whole idea that they sent me over here couldn’t be farther from the truth. I came here so I could get a break and enjoy some time by myself. As for your business, you asked how would I run things and so I told you. Period. Don’t go getting your britches in a bunch with me.”

  He star
ed at me for a moment and started to laugh so hard he nearly drew everyone’s attention over to the bar.

  “What’s so funny?”

  He continued to laugh.

  “Woman. You are so funny! I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody like you before. You just come right in here and start firing off like a pistol. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “I fire off more like an AR-15, not a pistol.”

  “Yep, that, too.”

  He stood there and laughed till his eyes were filled with tears. I didn’t know whether to join in or be offended.

  “I’m so glad I could provide you with entertainment, Mr. David. I guess this is my cue to be on my way. I still have to visit the grocery store before heading back to the house.”

  “Oh, come on, now. Don’t leave. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I’m not upset. I have thick skin, so there’s very little that you could do or say to hurt me.”

  “Well, that’s good to know because I really am enjoying your company and would hate for you to leave on my account.”

  “I’m not leaving on your account. I really do have an important trip to make to the grocery store before it gets too late. My cousin’s wife seems to think she’s the only one who can cook a good Christmas dinner, and I’m determined to prove her wrong.”

  “So you’re having a cook off?”

  “Something like it.”

  “What are you going to make?”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know? I can’t give away my secrets.”

  “It’s not like I’m going to be there. Who am I going to tell? The only thing I have going on for Christmas is sitting here at the inn for another week until it’s time to leave.”

  “Surely, you’re going to spend Christmas with your family?”

  “I hadn’t planned on it. I’m a loner, Jolene. I’m too busy traveling from one business to the next to have time for sentimental holidays.”

  “That’s too bad. You can have all the money in the world, but if you’re lonely and have no one to share it with, what good will it do you, anyway?”

  “I guess.”

  “I know. All the things I thought mattered didn’t mean a hill of beans when my George passed away. I’ve been alone ever since and would give anything to bring him back. Priorities, David. You gotta have your priorities in order. I tell you what. Even if only for a couple of hours, you need to stop by the cottage and have Christmas dinner with us.”

  “With the Matthews? No, no, Jolene. It’s nice of you to think of me, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Lady Matthews and her daughter weren’t too thrilled about my way of doing business when I bought the place from them. I can’t imagine that would be a good idea.”

  “Nonsense, Helen and Will have an open door policy to all. The more the merrier is Helen’s famous line. Plus, I’ll need somebody who will give an honest opinion about my cooking. Bring Frank with you if he doesn’t have any plans.”

  “Jolene, I really don’t think…”

  “I won’t take no for an answer. If you come at least, I’ll have someone interesting to talk to. Here’s the address. Don’t lose it.”

  I slipped a napkin across the counter with the address to the cottage and the time he should be there.

  “Oh, and I’m sure you can spare a bottle of wine or two from your stock room back there. You know what they say, never show up to a party empty-handed.”

  “Alright, Miss Jolene. But if your family gets upset, I’m going to tell them it’s your fault.”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time I upset them about something, and it probably won’t be the last. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

  Abby

  “Abby, I just heard the bells ringing up front. I thought you locked the door before we came back here.”

  “I could’ve sworn I turned the lock.”

  “It’s been acting up lately. I need to get it fixed.”

  “Alright, you stay in there and follow the next step in the directions. I’ll be right back.”

  No sooner than I turned the corner did I bump right into my younger sister Rebecca who was holding my nephew in her arms. I could already see this was heading downhill before we started. I had Payton in the bathroom trying to take a pregnancy test, and Rebecca who was nosey and would probably turn around and tell if she found out what was going on.

  “Hey, Abby. I thought that was your SUV out front. John William, say hi to your Aunt Abby.”

  I smothered his plump little cheeks with kisses before continuing the conversation.

  “Yep, that’s me. Guess it’s kind of hard to hide a big old Chevy.”

  “Why would you try to hide?”

  “I’m not trying to hide. I just meant if I were ever trying to hide, it would be hard to do because the truck is so big.”

  “Right. Where’s Payton?”

  “She’s in the bathroom. I’m sure she’ll be out soon. How was your trip to Savannah?”

  “It was productive. We were able to get a lot accomplished.”

  “Including talking to the neighbor across the street?”

  “Maybe.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Before she could respond Payton yelled from the back.

  “Abby, is everything alright?”

  “Yes, everything is fine, I’ll be right there.”

  “Alright, I need you to come back and help me read this thing. I can’t tell what this is supposed to say.”

  “Hold on, Payton. I’ll be right there.”

  Rebecca looked beyond where I was standing toward the back of the store.

  “Why don’t we just go back there so you can help her out.”

  “Oh, I will. But first why don’t you explain what you meant by maybe? You either spoke to the neighbor across the street, or you didn’t. It’s not that complicated.”

  “I’m not talking about this in front of John William.”

  “Really, Rebecca? He’s a baby.”

  “So, you think he doesn’t recognize when his mother is upset about something?”

  “I think he recognizes when his mother is acting like a drama queen.”

  Payton bellowed out from the back of the store again.

  “Abby, what’s taking you so long? I can’t tell if this stupid test is negative, positive, or what.”

  Rebecca’s eyes widened.

  “Is she taking a pregnancy test?”

  Oh, goodness. I was trying my best but if Payton was going to keep broadcasting her business for everyone out front to hear, then I didn’t know what else I could do.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said.

  “So what am I, chopped liver? I guess you two were going to team up on this one and leave me in the dark, as usual.”

  “Rebecca, why do you always find a way to make everything about yourself? I said I’ll be right back, now hang on a moment.”

  I turned to see Payton standing at the threshold of the break room. She held the face of the stick so that we could see the results on the screen.

  “I told you I wasn’t pregnant. The negative line is showing up the strongest. The other line is so faint, I don’t think it counts.”

  “Let me see it. Maybe there’s some sort of mistake.”

  My assessment of the results was the same as Payton’s. There was a faint plus sign in the background while the negative appeared the strongest. I remembered the first time I ever used one of these tests was right before I found out I was pregnant with Maggie. I also remembered the feeling that came along with all of my negative tests and it made me feel a little melancholy for Payton.

  “Not that you two care what I think, but I’d get a second opinion if I were you. I was confident that my first test was negative, only to find out that I was expecting John William several weeks later,” Rebecca said as she put him down to explore around the store.

  “It’s not a big deal. I’m sure the results are correct. We all know that my womb is not fit for
carrying babies anyway.”

  “Payton, don’t say that. You’ve never known that to be the case. You’ve always assumed. With all the advanced technology out there, I don’t see why you couldn’t have a child of your own. You’ll never know unless you sit down with the doctors and get their take on it,” I said.

  It bothered me that she was so quick to give up. I always thought Payton would make a great mother if given the chance.

  “Abby, I’m forty-three years old. I hadn’t exactly planned on starting the journey into motherhood at my age. This is something I would’ve preferred tackling years ago. And before you start, I know women have children in their forties all the time. I get it. But, clearly that plan isn’t for me. So, let’s just drop it. I thank you for coming over here and showing support, but I’m not going to the doctor to sit down and talk about advanced technology or anything else for that matter.”

  “Not even your stomach bug? You could at least try and get to the bottom of why you’ve been so sick lately.”

  “I’ll figure it out.” Payton turned to John William.

  “Hi, sweet boy, how’s my handsome nephew doing?”

  He continued to wobble around the store while touching everything in sight.

  “Well, it looks like I stopped by at the wrong time. I thought I’d say hello and ask what you planned to bring to Mom’s house for dinner. I didn’t realize I would be interrupting you,” Rebecca said.

  “You’re not interrupting, Rebecca. I haven’t been feeling good this week so we just wanted to rule out the idea that I could be pregnant. It’s nothing, really. As for the food, why don’t you just give Mom a call and ask?”

  “Mmm.” Rebecca seemed to brush off the idea and followed my nephew instead.

  “You don’t sound so enthusiastic. Have you spoken to Mom since you’ve been back?” Payton asked.

  “No, I had to hit the ground running when we returned. I haven’t had time.”

  Payton looked at her but didn’t say a word. I, on the other hand, could quickly read between the lines. Rebecca was trying to act nonchalant but I think we both knew better. She definitely had a chip on her shoulder about something.