Once Upon a Summertime (20 page)

“It's pretty much evacuated,” he said as he opened the door and punched in the security code. “It will be a much different place by this time next week.”

“Yes.” She nodded as they stepped out into the bright sunlight. “Exciting, isn't it?”

“Yeah.” Sean securely closed the door, testing it to be sure.

Anna reached in her purse for her sunglasses, slipping them on partly to shield her eyes from the sunshine and
partly to mask the surge of emotions running through her. “Well . . . have a good day, Mr. O'Neil.”

“Come on, Anna.” He tilted his head to one side. “You don't have to call me that when no one's around to hear.”

“It's a good habit to stay in.” She started walking in the direction of the apartment, although she was not really sure that was where she wanted to go. Of course, Sean continued walking with her.

“I'm really sorry about saying what I did yesterday,” he began. “I really didn't think the maid was listening.”

“Well, she was,” Anna snapped back at him. Oh, she regretted her tone, but maybe it was for the best.

“I'm really sorry about that, Anna. I just felt so desperate to talk to you.”

“Don't worry. I did damage control with Velma. Took her out for a cheeseburger and told her we were old friends.” She glanced over at him. “I also told her you were dating my roommate.”

“Dating your roommate?” His brow creased.

“Yes.” She nodded firmly, feeling stubborn and still a little vexed. “Marley would love to go out with you, Sean. I thought perhaps you two might have already set something up by now.”

“Would that make you happy?” He frowned.

She shrugged. “It would make me happy to remain gainfully employed.”

“I get that, Anna. But it seems like you're being a little extreme about this.”

“I'm being extreme?” She stopped walking, staring up at him. “I feel like I've risked everything to get this job. I realize I was lucky to get it. It could be a huge opportunity for me
to finally get a good reference. Plus I've placed a pretty big deposit on an apartment. I feel like my whole life is riding on this right now. I can't afford to blow it, Sean. Do you get that?”

He pressed his lips together, exhaling through his nostrils like he was holding back whatever it was he had wanted to say.

“If that's extreme,” she continued, “well, then I suppose I am being extreme. But I honestly don't know how else to be.”

He slowly nodded. “I understand, Anna.”

“Thank you.” She let out a sigh and started to walk again.

“The reason I've been kind of stalking you lately—”

“Stalking me?” She blinked, turning to stare at him.

He grinned. “Well, not exactly stalking. But for the last week I've been trying to get a chance to have a word with you in private. You should've seen how many times I tried. Most recently in the Newmans' penthouse yesterday. I guess I was just so eager to speak to you that I threw caution to the wind.”

She felt an unwanted surge of hope. He had made that much effort just because he wanted to talk to her—in private? “What did you want to speak to me about?”

“I just wanted to tell you I was sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“For letting things get carried away . . . on that day we spent together. I felt bad then and I've felt worse ever since. I knew about the hotel's policy, Anna. I should've been more careful.”

“Oh.” She simply nodded. “Okay, I accept your apology.”

“I was really hoping we could still be friends.”

She looked up at him, then quickly looked away. She couldn't bear to look into those eyes. He wanted to be friends?
Really? “I, uh, I don't know, Sean. I mean, it's tricky being friends with fellow employees, you know?”

“But we could—” He stopped talking as someone approached.

Anna looked over to see that it was Max, just emerging from Elsie Dolce. He had a big smile and was coming directly toward them. “Just who I wanted to see.” Max clapped Sean on the back. “I was about to call you, buddy.”

“Hey, Max,” Sean said with a smile.

Max looked at Anna now. “How's it going, Anna?”

“Good.” She forced a big smile. “Great weather, huh?”

“I'll say.” Max turned to Sean. “Elsie wants you to come to dinner tonight, Sean.”

Before Sean could respond, Anna decided to use this opportunity to excuse herself. “You guys have a great day,” she said as she waved, hurrying off. On one hand, she was thinking it was a little rude to invite someone to dinner when someone else was just standing there. On the other hand, she was relieved to escape. Besides, she reminded herself as she strolled in the sunshine, Max and Sean's manners had improved greatly since adolescence. She remembered a time when she and Marley had made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and while the treats were cooling and the girls were preoccupied with something else, the boys had gobbled them all up. And they never even said thank you. Maybe some things never changed.

Anna spent her afternoon walking around
Greenwich Village and SoHo—much like she'd done before, only today she took the time to browse in the shops and even bought a few specialty grocery items. She stopped at Washington Square Park to listen as some classical musicians performed. It was really a lovely afternoon . . . except that she felt lonely. Compared to that other Sunday in New York, despite the ongoing blue sky and sunshine, the day felt gray and dismal. Really, it was more fun being drenched in a thunderstorm with someone you liked than being all by yourself on a warm sunny day.

It was nearly 6:00 by the time she got back to the apartment, and she was just putting away her groceries when Marley burst in. “What a day!” she exclaimed as she kicked off her shoes. “We got stuck in LA for three hours!” she declared as she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Three freaking hours just sitting on the tarmac. It was stinking hot, and we couldn't even run the AC most of the time. Talk about a nightmare. The passengers were furious. Like it was
the flight attendants' fault for not taking off.” She pressed the water bottle against her temple and sighed. “I'm beat.”

“Sorry it was such a bad day,” Anna said as she folded a bag. “Hopefully you can kick back and take it easy.”

“No way. I've got a big date tonight.” She glanced at the stove's clock. “Yikes, I better get ready.”

“Big date?”

Marley's eyes lit up. “Well, sort of. You see, I texted Elsie last night—or maybe it was this morning New York time. Anyway, I begged her to throw an impromptu dinner party for Sean . . . and for me too. She's going to serve it on their rooftop terrace with all her pretty lanterns and stuff. It's really romantic up there. You should see it.”

“Uh-huh.” Anna acted nonchalant, like she hadn't already heard about this little soiree. “That sounds nice.”

“Yeah.” Marley looked slightly concerned. “I would've had her invite you too, Anna, but I didn't want it to be uneven, you know? Like a fifth wheel. Hey, that reminds me, I found a guy for you.”

Anna cringed to think of Marley dragging in some weary, bedraggled businessman from her LA flight. “A guy for me?”

“Yeah. He's a pilot. Really good looking. And single. And fun.”

“Then why aren't you interested in him?”

Marley smirked. “Because
I'm
interested in Sean, silly girl. Remember?”

“Oh . . . right.” Anna turned away, trying to hide the emotions churning inside.

“Anyway, I told Warren—that's the handsome pilot—I told him all about you when we were in Bangkok and he is dying to meet you.”

“What on earth did you tell him?”

“Just that you look like Nicole Kidman's younger sister.” Marley tweaked a strand of Anna's hair. “And that you're really sweet and nice.”

Anna rolled her eyes.

“Well, if you'll excuse me, Anna Banana, I need to go shower and make myself beautiful, and I'm just not sure I can accomplish all that by 7:30.”

Anna smiled. “I think you already look beautiful, Gnarly Marley.”

Marley laughed. “Yes, well, I need to
feel
beautiful too.”

Anna made a point to stay out of Marley's way as she beautified herself for her “date” with Sean. Okay, Anna knew it wasn't actually a date. Not really. But then it might turn into a date before the night was over. Anna wondered what it would feel like with the lanterns and things Marley had described. Would it be romantic enough to inspire a relationship between Marley and Sean? Why was Anna even allowing herself to go there?

“What do you think?” Marley asked as she finally emerged wearing a short red dress that showed off her legs as well as her curves.

“You definitely look hot.” Anna thought perhaps she looked a little too hot—like she was showing off a bit too much. But no way was Anna going to say that.

“Thanks, dahling. Hopefully Sean will think so too.”

“Have fun.” Anna felt slightly sick inside as she said this. Because honestly, the last thing she wanted was for any of them to have fun tonight. Yet that made her feel even worse.

“You look tired,” Marley said as she slipped on a pair of high-heeled sandals. “Which reminds me, you can have Tia's
bed tonight.” She laughed. “Imagine—Anna Banana, the bed-hopper—who back home would believe it?”

“Hopefully no one,” Anna said dryly. “Since it's not really true.”

“My little straight stick.” Marley patted Anna on the cheek as she reached for her small glittery purse. “That's why you'll make such a good roommate for me. I know you'll never do anything regrettable. Good night, Anna Banana.”

“Good night, Gnarly Marley.”

As Anna sat down on the love seat, she wondered about what Marley had just said.
Anna would never do
anything regrettable. The little straight stick.
Oh, she knew Marley meant no harm, but it stung just the same. It was like being told she was no fun. Like she didn't know how to be spontaneous, or that she was a wet blanket. Maybe it was true. Maybe Anna was all of those things. But Anna had learned long ago that it was dangerous to take risks. She'd seen both her parents make horrible, stupid mistakes with no care for the future—theirs or hers. She refused to repeat them.

For the next several days, Anna was determined to block out everything but work. Her plan was to keep her nose to the grindstone and do everything within her power to ensure that the opening of the Rothsberg hotel was a huge success. Or at least a success on her end of the hospitality chain, because even if it killed her, housekeeping would be run like a well-oiled machine.

By Wednesday afternoon, all the rooms were set up and ready for guests. All the linens were impeccably in place, the soaps and toiletries were arranged on their sleek metal trays,
beverage bars were stocked, everything in each of the rooms was shining and clean . . . perfect.

On Thursday morning, Anna distributed the maids' uniforms, explaining what was expected of them as far as appearances went. Then she spent the rest of the day doing training sessions. Oh, sure, the maids already knew how to make beds and hang towels and fold a proper point on the toilet paper. She wanted them to start practicing efficient time management, to take turns with various cleaning tasks to prevent injuries, and to help each other in flipping mattresses or moving heavy furnishings to clean more thoroughly. More than any of this, she wanted to impart to them the importance of practicing real hospitality.

“I know the guests who stay here will be strangers to you,” she told them at the end of the day. This was their last meeting before the big opening tomorrow, and she'd even provided treats to sweeten up her final pep talk. “I want you to pretend that these guests are your most respected family members. Imagine that the guests you're caring for are your beloved grandparents. Make their stay at the Rothsberg as special as you can. That means smiles and polite greetings. If they ask for something, you make sure they get it ASAP. I expect every guest here to be treated like royalty. Is that clear?”

She looked at the maids and could see that some of them, like Bianca and Justine, were not really getting this. “Imagine that this hotel is your home and that you're entertaining important dignitaries—people you want to treat with great care and respect.” She paused for emphasis. “I don't want this to be your motivation, but a hotel of this caliber—a boutique hotel—is known for having guests who leave generous tips.”

Okay, now she had gotten their attention. “I have mentioned this before, but my policy is that your tips are yours to keep. If you've serviced the room well enough that a guest leaves a tip for you and your partner, then you've earned that tip. If you've serviced a room for a full week or longer, then you need to share your tip accordingly with the maids who serviced the room when you weren't working.” She paused again, making sure they were still tracking with her. “I expect you all to be fair about this, and I do not plan to monitor your tips. Understood?”

There were a few questions and some discussion, and then she told them all good night. Being the head of housekeeping felt a bit like being a parent. At least she assumed it was like a parent might feel. She wanted her maids to do their best. She wanted them to take pride in their jobs. She didn't want them to bicker or do anything to embarrass her—or the hotel. Yet she knew that they were only human. They would probably make some mistakes. It would be up to her to fix them.

As Anna walked home, she felt a real sense of anticipation. Tomorrow would be the first big day. Sure, they wouldn't have full occupancy, but according to the Newmans at yesterday's staff meeting, they were nearly 75 percent full. That was impressive.

“There you are,” Marley said as Anna came into the apartment. “Don't you ever check your phone?”

“It's been a pretty busy day.” Anna reached into her bag, extracting her phone only to discover it was dead. “Looks like I need to charge it.”

“Well, Elsie enjoyed our little dinner party last week so much that she's planned another one for tonight.”

“Oh.” Anna nodded absently. “But it's not even the weekend.”

“I know. It just worked out better for Elsie and some of the other guests.”

“Well, it's a lovely evening. I'm sure you'll all have a good time.”

“You're invited too.”

Anna was surprised. “Really—I'm invited?”

“Yes, and since I couldn't get ahold of you, I went ahead and accepted on your behalf.”

“Oh, you did?”

Marley grinned. “Hey, it's free food. Elsie is a fabulous cook. I already got a jar of fabulous olives for us to take—as a hostess gift, you know. It's an expensive Greek brand, but I think it will go nicely with the Greek food that Elsie is making.”

“What time is this little shindig?”

“Seven thirty. I already had my shower, and the other girls are gone, so you can have a completely uninterrupted shower.”

“Wow, this is a special day.” She paused on her way to the bathroom. “Is this supposed to be a dress-up event?”

“Sort of. I mean, I plan to wear a dress and you should too. Hey, while you're in the shower, maybe I can find something for you.”

“Knock yourself out,” Anna called. “You know the limits of my wardrobe.”

It was a little past 7:00 by the time Anna and Marley were getting into a taxi to take them over to the Bronx where Max and Elsie lived. “It takes about twenty minutes,” Marley
explained to Anna after she told the driver where to go. “Unless there's traffic. In that case, we'll be elegantly late.”

“I don't know about this dress.” Anna looked down at the light blue sundress that Marley had finally proclaimed as “perfect.” “It feels a little short and skimpy to me.”

“Oh, Anna, you're such a little old lady. In fact, that dress is so much better on you that I'm giving it to you. Consider it my contribution to banishing the old lady.”

Anna frowned at the uncomfortably familiar words. Marley had been calling her an old lady for most of her life. She didn't think it amusing at thirteen and perhaps even less now.

“Besides, that dress is longer than this one.” Marley smoothed her red-and-white striped dress. “It's been a hot day and it'll be a warm evening. We'll be outside with no AC. You'll be glad you went with a cool dress. Just relax.”

“I am relaxed,” Anna told her. “I'm just not used to showing this much leg.”

“Well, with your legs, you should show them more often.”

Anna laughed nervously. “Who all is coming to this party anyway?”

Marley held up two fingers. “Vincent and Denise, for starters. Elsie wanted to have this tonight as a celebration for tomorrow's opening.”

“The Newmans are coming?” Anna asked in alarm.

“Yeah. What's wrong with that? Max and Vincent are good friends. Elsie had been wanting to have them over.”

“I know they're friends. I just didn't realize my bosses would be there tonight.” Anna frowned down at the gauzy blue dress, wondering if it looked more like a nightie than a dress. “I just hope I'm dressed appropriately.”

“Oh, Anna!” Marley shook her head. “You look like a
Greek goddess.” She held up the bag with the olives in it. “You'll go with the Greek olives
and
the food.” She laughed.

“So . . .” Anna braced herself. “Who else is coming?”

“Well, Sean, of course. And a few others.”

By the time they got to the Bronx, Anna felt like a bundle of nerves. Why had she agreed to come tonight without asking about the guest list first? As it turned out, they were elegantly late. Denise and Vincent, looking comfortable in summery clothes, were already there, chatting casually with Sean and Max. Greetings were exchanged and Anna tried to act calm, but she felt like it was a thin veneer that everyone could easily see past.

Anna went to look for Elsie, finding her busily arranging some interesting concoction involving grape leaves. “Can I help?” Anna offered.

“Thanks, Anna, but most everything is done.”

“It looks amazing,” Anna told her.

“It's called grape leaves Aleppo,” Elsie told her. “Hopefully it will taste amazing too.”

“This terrace is absolutely beautiful,” Anna said. “The lanterns and flower boxes and everything. It's perfectly charming.”

“We love it too,” Elsie said. “Everyone in our apartment building has helped make it special up here. We all take turns using it, and since no one had reserved it for tonight, I thought, why not?” She lowered her voice. “Besides, I kind of owed the Newmans a dinner. Thought this would be a good way to celebrate with them.”

“Great timing.”

Elsie called out to Max. “Time to check those kabobs.” Elsie set the grape leaves plate on a little table that already
held some other things, including a pretty platter of colorful veggies and olives and a large bowl of hummus. “Appetizers,” Elsie called out, and the others drifted over. Anna filled an appetizer plate for herself, but after briefly greeting the Newmans and Sean, she casually wandered over to the edge of the terrace, pretending to check out the view as she was actually attempting to gather her wits. Just exchanging those few words with Sean had been unnerving. Looking into his eyes was almost painful. She knew she was being silly, and that she had to get beyond this. Taking several deep breaths, she reminded herself that she was a grown woman—not a schoolgirl.