Page 57 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
As Nats began to confide in Simona, Mark shifted towards Livvy. ‘How’s everything been? Have the police been helpful?’
‘Not a lot they could do,’ Livvy admitted. ‘They logged it, told me to keep an eye out for anyone who might have a grudge against me. That sort of thing.’
‘It’s such a weird thing to happen. Lullbury is practically crime free. I mean, there are the odd waves of mindless vandalism, but we seem to have escaped the stuff that other seaside towns suffer from.’
‘I’ll put it down to that, then. Mindless vandalism. Dad told me it might not be the last thing to happen. He said pubs can attract behaviour like that.’
‘Not pleasant though. How was it, having your parents around?’
‘Actually, it was nice.’
‘Nice?’ One of Mark’s brows lifted. ‘That good eh?’
She laughed. ‘It was good,’ she amended. ‘We had Simona as a guest for Christmas lunch and she helped ease the tension.’
‘Don’t you get on with your parents?’
‘I get on well with my dad and, in fact, he was a godsend behind the bar. I love him very much. But Mum…’
‘It’s more complicated. I get it. Nats is the same with our mother whereas she’s a real Daddy’s girl. Mum can never understand why she threw away her degree and went into a profession with a ninety-eight per cent unemployment rate. And she hates that we’re both so far away.’
‘I get that. They all want the best for their children, don’t they? Can’t imagine an acting life being an easy one.’
‘Nope.’ Mark sat back, easing his shoulders. ‘But you’ve gone into the same profession as your parents. Your mother must have more of an understanding.’
‘To some extent. She married Dad when he’d already worked in the hotel trade for yonks. They started with a pub muchlike this one and then expanded into hotels but I think she’s forgotten their humble beginnings. Mum is brilliant at the hard-nosed, facts and figures side of things. She loved having her little office empire. I haven’t inherited her business sense; she always says I’m too sentimental. Dad was always happiest front of house and even when they owned seven hotels, he’d often find time to pop in and chat to guests and staff. Couldn’t keep away. I think his stint behind the bar here took him straight back to how he started out. Whereas Mum seems happy to put it all behind her and embrace retired life.’
‘Have they retired completely then?’
‘As good as. They still have The Olde Gates in the Cotswolds. Once they sell that they’ll be fancy-free. It’ll suit Mum but I can’t see Dad being content with lunch at the golf club and five cruises a year.’
‘Still puzzles me why your mother can’t understand you taking this place on.’
Livvy sipped her wine thoughtfully. ‘Sometimes, I don’t understand why I’ve done it either. The responsibility is immense.’ She shrugged. ‘And I live on a knife edge. The George’s reputation lies entirely with Fabio at the moment. If he decides to go, I’m up the proverbial creek.’
‘How did you find him?’
‘Funnily enough, Jason suggested him. No idea of the connection between them but I trust Fab whereas Jason Lemmon, I’m not so sure.’
‘Wise not to trust that one.’
‘How do you know him? I mean, apart from living in the same town.’
‘Just that. It’s a small town, you get to know most people, or of most people. Jason’s well known for his property developing. His company built the estate on the edge of town. Wasn’t universally popular. He obtained planning permission bypromising some affordable and rented properties and when it came to it, wriggled out of providing any.’
‘Ouch. Houses are so expensive here. That must have really hurt. How did he get away with it?’
‘Usual way I expect. Backhanders. It’s the sort of thing that makes me enraged.’ Mark frowned. ‘I can’t bear corruption and deceit like that.’
Livvy waited for Mark to elaborate but he gazed silently into his glass. He was usually so laid-back; it was odd to see the flush of anger on his cheeks.
‘Speaking of finances, can I repeat my offer of looking over the books? I’d be happy to.’
‘Thanks, Mark. I’m concerned about one or two things, mostly why I don’t seem to be making as much profit as I’m expecting. But I’ve a stock taker booked in and he’ll see if there’s anything obvious amiss.’
‘I’ll say night then, Livvy,’ Karl called over. ‘Dropping Eli, Stewie and Brittany home, seeing as it’s so cold.’
‘Thanks so much, Karl,’ Livvy called back. ‘Thanks, everyone, for all your hard work. Been a busy one tonight. Drive safely. See you all tomorrow.’ Watching, as her team disappeared, a wave of fondness for them washed over her. Or maybe it was the mulled wine talking. Turning back to Mark, she asked, ‘Will you be around for the Christmas Eve party? Simona has bullied me into having one.’
