Page 34 of Changing Tides
“I’m sure you’ll impress them. Good luck with the interview.”
“Thanks. It’s a sudden change to move in with Izzy, but I think we’ll make it work if I can get a job.”
“Let me know if you need any advice beforehand.” She hoped he wouldn’t take her up on the offer. The only good piece of advice she could think of was don’t fall in love with someone and trust them with your future, but she didn’t think that was what Tom wanted to hear right now.
The day dragged as she followed Tom around, making sure she paid enough attention that she wouldn’t get caught out when he was gone, but mostly making mental notes about all the things she would change when she took over.
Tierney stuck her head through the kitchen door mid-morning. “How are you getting on?”
“All very clear so far. Tom’s handover is comprehensive.”
Tierney screwed her nose up as if she was trying to decide if Marianne was being sarcastic or not. These people didn’t know her well at all. Maybe that was a good thing.
“Glad to hear it. Have a good rest of your day.”
Marianne hadn’t seen either of her bosses since. Then Kasia had summoned her to her office before dinner service.
“What are your first impressions?”
How honest did Kasia want her to be? The diplomatic route was probably best. “Tom has been running a good kitchen. Taking over will be easy.”
“But?” Kasia raised her eyebrows.
“I think we could be more ambitious. The menus could do with an immediate makeover, and we could look at bigger changes long term.” She couldn’t help herself.
Kasia steepled her fingers. “This is a month’s trial. Maybe you could save the work to get us a Michelin star until you’re confirmed in post?”
Marianne blinked in disbelief. Who did this hotel manager think she was?
“Why would you take me on and not want to benefit from my insight?” She wanted to throw something. Instead, she reached under the desk and pulled the rubber band on her wrist as hard as she could. She barely flinched at the impact.
“Because I don’t want you coming in and causing disruption to my restaurant and then moving on to leave me to sort out the mess.” Kasia sat back. “Can you just do the basics for a while, and we’ll take it from there?”
“And how am I meant to stay motivated?”
“We discussed this, and you said you would toe the line. You’ve been here…” she checked her watch, “not even two full days, and you’re already not sticking to the remit.”
Marianne spread her arms. “I haven’t done anything. You brought me in here to ask me what I thought, and I was honest with you.”
“Then maybe rein in the honesty awhile until you’re settled.”
“Fine. Everything is perfect in the kitchen. It’s a pleasure to work there.” She stood. “Can I go back to work now?”
Kasia checked her watch again. “No, your shift is over. Go and spend some time with Denny, and make sure you’ve got childcare for tomorrow’s evening service.”
Marianne gritted her teeth and stood. “Thanks.”
“Marianne.” Kasia called her as she opened the door. She turned.
“I’m not trying to give you a hard time. I just want to manage your expectations.”
She managed a tight nod and closed the door quietly behind her. If nothing else, this job would be good for her self-restraint. She pulled at her band again and again until the pain distracted her.
She went and changed out of her whites and threw them into the laundry bin with force and marched out of the hotel.
“Marianne.” She swung around and saw Joey leading Denny across the car park. Denny saw her and broke away from Joey with a shriek, running toward her with his little arms stretched. All the stress of the day drained out of her the moment she caught him up in her arms and pulled him tight. She swung him around, burying her face in his hair so she could enjoy the scent that was pure Denny. The tears started to flow and soak his hair, but she couldn’t help herself.
“Hey.” The warm strength of Joey’s arm around her waist was a welcome support. “I thought you’d want me to pick him up from Bridie’s so you could see him as soon as you finished. Did you need a few minutes?”
