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 yourself available after

She crunches toast. “What am I making myself available

too when they arrive this afternoon, but him in particular. You can talk him through what you've been doing and perhaps give him an overview of the clients. Richard

his investment?” I

Beth to be active in the project, so I made a point of inviting them. Give her the opportunity to

over more toast. “No problem.

“Charles.”

nods, slapping marmalade over the butter. “And what kind of self-defence does he do? Does he specialise in anything particular?

matter, he seems happy to teach it.” He reaches for the coffeepot. “Certainly the clients in the City have been very happy with

her

“Something wrong?”

he look like?

he's gay, so the women are comfortable with him when it has to get physical.” His phone beeps and he

her toast and her gaze

???

I'll tag along if that's okay,”

Michael’s smile is sunny. “The more the merrier. Let's make

Michael

waiting, tall, blond, powerfully built. Michael strides forward, hand offered. “Charles, great to see

“You too, Michael. I’ve been looking forward to seeing

introduce you. This is my friend James and my

James." He offers his hand, smiling

Instantly likeable…

to settle on Charlotte and he gapes.

me. “Hello, Chad.” She looks down, then at me, then at Michael.

his eyes wild,

lays a hand on his shoulder. “Yes, husband. Hi, Chad. You might like to know that your employer is my second

and Michael stand

book of etiquette is silent on

The receptionist is staring…

no-one teach you manners,

Time to take charge…

Perhaps we should go

*****

head for the

through to the lounge, Michael and Charlotte following, he swirls around, gives

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