Michael
Richard waves me to a seat. “All working out with the hotel then, Michael? How's my investment coming along?”
“It's all going pretty well. In fact, I was going to ask if you're free one day next week.”
“For?”
“For coming up to the hotel and meeting the new staff. I've been trialling them down at the City Centre, but I'm happy with them now.”
“All good?”
“Some.” I rock a hand. “I shed a couple who didn't come up to the mark but I'm left with a team I'm very happy with. They're all multifunctional but specialising in different areas.”
“Those areas being?”
“One is a qualified swimming instructor, which means among other things, that we can make visits a full family affair. The parents can bring the kids and there's someone to keep an eye on them in the pool.”
“Sounds good. And the others?”
“One is a chiropractor cum masseur…”
“Which frees up your time...”
“Exactly. She does aromatherapy too. And the third can take charge of the self-defense classes.”
“Which frees up Charlotte.”
“Quite. So, if you would like to, you and Beth can meet them all and maybe you'd like to use the facilities while you're there?”
“I'm sure Elizabeth would want to. Massage and aromatherapy would be just the sort of thing she’d enjoy. And of course afterwards, she can tell her friends about it.”
“I sort of had that in mind myself.”
*****
James
himself and Charlotte then passes the jug to me. “Charlotte, can you make
“What
can talk him
on his
project, so I made a point
over more toast. “No problem.
“Charles.”
of self-defence does he do? Does he specialise in anything particular? Judo,
defend herself, or a man for that matter, he seems happy to teach it.” He reaches for the coffeepot. “Certainly the clients in the City have been very happy with him.
on her
“Something wrong?”
does he look like? This Charles the
he's real eye-candy. Big, blond, blue-eyed strapping guy but I'm almost certain he's gay, so the women are comfortable with him when
and her gaze
???
if that's
is sunny. “The more the merrier.
hotel lobby. Michael steps smartly, but
built. Michael strides forward, hand offered. “Charles, great to
a firm shake. “You too, Michael. I’ve
me introduce you. This is my
He offers
Instantly likeable…
his gaze travels past me to settle on Charlotte and
been lurking behind me. “Hello, Chad.” She looks down, then at me, then at
his eyes wild,
Hi, Chad. You might like to know that your employer
Michael stand
of etiquette is silent on this
The receptionist is staring…
teach you
Time to take charge…
Perhaps we should go somewhere more
*****
head for the
Michael and Charlotte following, he swirls around, gives an apologetic nod to Michael, then sweeps Charlotte into his arms,
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