Page 48 of Sunset Cove
“I don’t get that from the website,” Lucy said. “The pictures of the rooms, even of this lobby, do nothing for me. Now that I’m here, though, I’m like ‘Wow! This place is unbelievable!’”
A smile – a real smile – crossed Claire’s face. “You like it, then?”
“Yes! It’s gorgeous!” Lucy stopped and looked at Chip. “I’m sorry. Are you the website guy?”
He was not, but Chip wasn’t going to let that stop him from having some fun. “Yes. I am the website guy. I do all of the websites. That’s my job here.”
Lucy visibly cringed. “I didn’t mean to be rude. It just needs a little, uh, you know, pick-me-up. Maybe I could help?”
“I know someone who can take the pictures,” Margie offered.
Chip shook his head. “No, it’s too late. She’s right. I’m terrible at this job. I’ve been looking for a sign that I should leave, and I think this is it.”
Lucy’s mouth dropped open. “You’re not terrible! I’m sure you can fix it!”
Chip stared at her for a moment, but he was unable to keep himself from laughing. Claire and Margie joined in as Lucy stood there, dumbfounded.
“He’s teasing you, Lucy,” Claire said.
Chip shrugged. “It was too easy.”
“Oh phew.” Lucy put a hand to her chest. “I really get myself in trouble sometimes.”
“The website was set up by the old owner’s nephew,” Chip continued. “I agree. It needs some work.”
“Something to add to the list,” Claire said with a smile. “Shall we finish this tour, then?”
Chip nodded and led them down the hallway. He had keys for rooms on the first, second, and third floors, so they started from the bottom and made their way up.
Margie had a ton of questions, and Chip was happy to answer them. It also gave Claire an opportunity to show him some of the things she’d noticed in the rooms. He was ashamed to admit that he hadn’t paid much attention to the aging power outlets or to the crumbling grout in the bathrooms.
“I am a bit worried about how much everything will cost, though,” said Claire, biting her lip.
“You’ll figure it out,” Margie said. “Don’t worry.”
Claire didn’t respond, and Margie moved to gushing about the antique telephone at the bedside.
“Would you look at that!” she said, lifting the receiver and holding it to her ear. “This is adorable. Claire, you have to tell me where I can get one of these for my house.”
Claire smiled. “I’d be happy to, but I think they’re as old the hotel itself.”
“No!” Margie pulled the receiver away from her face, marveling at it.
Chip nodded. “Yeah, we found those in an old storage room a few years ago and decided to refurbish and install them. They’re not as fancy as new phones, but people seem to love them.”
“Do you like them, Claire?” asked Lucy, eyeing the phone suspiciously.
Claire didn’t answer at first. It seemed like she’d zoned out.
Lucy waved her arms. “Earth to Claire.”
“Oh yes,” she said, smiling. “I like them very much.”
“All right.” Lucy frowned. “Then I guess I’m outnumbered.”
“What’s not to like?” asked Margie. “They’re charming.”
“Hm.” Lucy stood back, looking around the room. “I guess that’s kind of what you’re going for here, isn’t it?”
