Page 41 of Saltwater Promises
“That would be a big help,” Margie said hopefully.
Claire smiled. “I’ll need all the help I can get.”
They went back downstairs, past the restaurant and out onto the terrace which wrapped around the side of the hotel, offering beautiful views of the water.
“This is what I’ll miss the most, I think.” Steve stood there, hands on his hips. “Just looking out onto the water. It’s always there, you know? It’s not just the hotel… I feel like the sea has been my constant companion all of these years.”
Margie reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. “I know what you mean.”
He smiled, looking down. “Don’t mind me. Just the ramblings of an old man. This has been a wonderful home to us. But my wife…we have our fiftieth anniversary this fall. Now, more often than not, her memory just isn’t there. It’s time for us to get back to the mainland, where we’ll be able to spend some time with the kids.”
Claire frowned. Steve had told them so many fun stories about owning the hotel over the years that she’d felt jealous of him, just for a moment, for having lived such an exciting life. Or was it because he’d had a partner to share it with?
Now, though, she wasn’t jealous of him. She was ashamed of herself for feeling that in the first place. She didn’t even know the man, but she wanted to give him a hug.
“When one chapter ends, another begins,” Margie said.
He nodded. “Indeed. The kids can’t wait for us to move. The grandkids keep calling and telling me all the things that we’re going to do. It’s time. And the hotel – it needs someone younger. Someone like you.”
“That’s kind of you,” Claire said with a smile. “I have a lot to think about.”
“Of course!” He let out a deep breath, looking back out onto the water. “Take your time, and please don’t hesitate to call or stop by if you have any questions.”
Steve arranged for them to have dinner at the restaurant, and as they enjoyed the delicious meal, Claire admitted that she felt even more confused than before.
“You don’t like it?” Margie said with a frown.
“No,” Claire shook her head. “That’s the problem. I love it.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“I can’t run a hotel!” Claire said, a bit too loudly. She lowered her voice. “I mean – renovations, employees, unhappy guests. How will I handle it?”
“Oh Claire,” Margie said, shaking her head. “Like you haven’t conquered the world before, all the while stunning us with your grace.”
Claire laughed, feeling her spirits rising. She didn’t know why Margie had so much confidence in her, but it was comforting. “I guess I’ll have to think about it.”
