Page 2 of Hargrave Health Kick
Arson and security concerns weren’t happy thoughts. She distracted herself with the knowledge that profits were up—even without an outdoor kitchen—since they changed up the business model to a full-house rental. That put a sincere smile on her face as she crossed the courtyard and rang the bell at the sliding glass door that led directly to the kitchen.
Of course, Flaxman immediately tested Veronica’s commitment to happier thoughts. She yanked open the slider. “I expected faster service,” she snapped. “Don’t expect five stars or a tip from me.”
Veronica didn’t bother to correct the erroneous assumption that she was a delivery service as opposed to the property owner. “My apologies, ma’am. Enjoy your stay on the island.”
Flaxman whipped around, her gaze severe. “Do you know the owners?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tell them I am disappointed and we will not be rebooking. They’ll be lucky to get three stars from us when I leave my review. I booked this house, expressly for this kitchen, only to discover that we’re too far from any reliable stores and markets.”
Veronica managed not to mention that never seeing Flaxman again would be cause for celebration on her part. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll relay the message. Is there anything I can do while I’m here?”
“What do you know about vermin?”
“Pardon?”
Flaxman folded her arms. “I filed a maintenance complaint, but haven’t heard any reply.”
She hadn’t seen a maintenance report come through, though Celeste usually handled that kind of thing. “That’s troubling,” she said, studying the chef. Flaxman, in her tank top and leggings, struck her as too skinny. She wondered if the woman was ill and the lighting and makeup hid those issues for the cameras. “If you have time to point out the issue, I’m happy to take a look while I’m here.”
Flaxman shouted over her shoulder and another woman hustled into the kitchen. “Marley.” She flicked her hand at Veronica. “Show this person what woke us up last night.”
Marley smiled with far more patience than Veronica would’ve managed in her place. “Of course.”
Before Veronica could step forward, Flaxman flapped her bony hands and shooed her out. “Go around. It was outside.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Marley scurried through the door. “This way.” She pointed away from the beach, toward the back of the house. As soon as they rounded the corner, she apologized for her boss. “Please forgive Susannah’s attitude. It’s been a difficult season.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Veronica replied. “We’ve dealt with grumpy guests before.” It was easier to be nice to the assistant.“We would love for all of you to have a good time during your visit,” she added sincerely. “But I understand how it is when things don’t go right and it casts a shadow over everything. I am sorry she’s not enjoying herself.”
“Between you and me, I’m not sure she’d enjoy much of anything right now, but thank you for understanding,” Marley said. “You do a lot of personal training videos and post training tips on social, don’t you?”
Startled, Veronica stopped short. “Yes, I do.”
“It’s a compliment,” Marley assured her. “I’ve seen your comments on Susannah’s posts.”
“I’m a fan,” Veronica admitted.
“And that shines through.” Marley smiled. “You are one of the reasons I suggested this spot when we were looking around. I hope you’ll still be a fan after this week.”
Veronica nodded. “I’m certainly not about to bad-mouth a guest. Everyone has something going on.”
“I’m guessing you wanted to collaborate with her.”
“I’d hoped for a few minutes to connect,” Veronica admitted. “It’s okay that she’s not in that space. She’s here as a guest and that’s what matters most.”
Marley reached into the pocket of her shorts. “Please take my card. Maybe sometime in the future you and I can collaborate on a different project, without Susannah. Until then, I’ll do my best to redirect her irritation.”
“Thanks.” Veronica stared at the assistant. “She’s sick, isn’t she?”
Marley nodded, tears filling her eyes. “She came her to create some extra content for nutrition during illness.”
“Not as a cure?” Veronica asked before she could censor herself. “I sound judgmental and I’m sorry. That’s not how I meant it.”
“It’s a valid concern,” Marley murmured. “She’s giving nutritional advice, not medical advice. We’re being very careful with that. But she has found a few foods and eating patterns that helped during her chemo.”
