Page 27 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

“No.” She rolled her eyes. “Thank goodness. I wasn’t in the mood to have another conversation about how much he dislikes my hair.”

“I don’t think he was insulting your hair.”

“Maybe not, but for some reason, no matter what he says, he rubs me the wrong way,” Ronni sighed. “To be honest, I could be partly to blame. He can’t win with me.”

“No, and you can’t win with him,” Morgan said. “I’m predicting one day you two will bury the hatchet and realize....”

Ronni held up a hand and cut her off. “Don’t say it.”

“Say what? How you’ll realize you’re in love with each other?”

“Seriously.” Ronni wagged her finger. “If that ever happens, I need to have my head examined.”

“I’ll start looking for a therapist.” Morgan tapped the folder in front of her. “It’s time for Greg’s six-month review. Is there anything you want to mention?”

“He’s doing a great job. Greg never complains, never calls in sick. The guests are always commenting about how helpful and friendly he is.”

“Ditto here.” Morgan threw out a dollar amount, a raise some might consider high, but seemed fitting considering everything Greg handled around Locke Pointe.

“I think he’ll be thrilled,” Ronni said. “Would you like me to sit in with you on the review?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I can handle it. Besides, it might make him nervous if we’re both here, like he’s being outnumbered.”

“True. Good point.” Ronni left, claiming she wanted to run upstairs and check in on the housekeepers after having received a recent complaint about one of the suite’s bathrooms not being up to snuff, namely missing toiletries and the guest hinting that the level of cleanliness was lacking.

Morgan heard muffled voices in the hallway. Seconds later, Greg appeared. “Are you ready for me?”

“You betcha. Have a seat.”

He crossed the room and eased into the chair across from Morgan, looking extremely uncomfortable, almost fearful. “I couldn’t believe it when you told me I’ve been working here for six months already. The time has flown by.”

“It certainly has.” Morgan scooched her chair forward. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah. I’ll admit I’m a little nervous.” He swallowed hard. “Employee reviews typically don’t go too well for me.”

“You don’t think this review will be positive?”

Greg cleared his throat. “I hope so. I mean, I don’t think I’ve done anything that would get me into trouble.”

“You haven’t. Not one iota,” Morgan said. “Before we get started, I want to thank you again for helping with the party the other night. I know I don’t say it as often as I should, but I appreciate all that you do. You’re the first to pitch in to help, even when you’re off the clock.”

He hung his head, his cheeks turning red at the unexpected compliment. “You’ve done so much for me. Offering me a job, giving me a place to live. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“You’re a hard worker, Greg Baker. Never hesitating to do what needs to be done…not only doing it, but doing it with a smile on your face. You earn every penny you make.” Morgan picked up the employee review form and slid it toward him. “This is your performance review. It’s pretty straightforward, rating you in different categories. Before you look at it, I thought we would chat.”

“Chat?”

She nodded. “If you could list one negative thing about your job, something that bothers you or you wish was different, what would it be?”

Greg’s eyes grew round as saucers. “Something I don’t like?”

“Correct.”

“I…uh…I.”

Morgan could see she’d put him on the spot. Clearly, he was uneasy about how he should answer. She leaned forward and spoke in a soft voice. “This isn’t a gotcha question. You handle so much around Locke Pointe, taking care of things I don’t givea second thought to. You do a wonderful job, but surely, there is something we can improve to make it even better.”

“Maybe…uh…if I could have some sort of order pad, so I don’t have to keep bugging Ronni when I need supplies. I can turn it in to her and have her sign off.”

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