Page 9 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“I understand,” I said.“Now, let’s talk about the positives of working with Johnny Arno.You certainly must have learned something from him.”
Chet hesitated and then said, “Working for him was a little bit like signing up for a well-known college professor’s class and realizing that the teaching would be done by his assistants.Jonny has some very talented people working for him, and I learned a lot from them.One thing Jonny was excellent at was letting his staff do the work.It’s the only way to build up experience.”
“Like any chef, Jean-Luc is particular about how things are done.He won’t tolerate laziness or not following instructions.Can you deal with that?”asked Rhonda.
Chet didn’t hesitate.“That’s how I’ll learn and grow.”
Bernie appeared, and after introducing him to Chet, he took a seat at the table and asked some questions of his own.I was surprised when Bernie said, “How many pages of Jonny’s new cookbook did you read?”
Chet calmly replied.“All of them.”
“Yes, I would have too,” said Bernie.“We pride ourselves at The Beach House Hotel by having open discussions about any issues that might arise.It’s a congenial group of employees who’ve been here for some time.We want to keep it that way by ridding ourselves of any who might not fit in.”
“Yes, I can see how important that is,” said Chet.
“Anyone who’s lucky enough to work here understands that,” said Bernie getting to his feet.“It was a pleasure to meet you, Chet.Thank you.”
After Bernie left, Chet gave Rhonda and me long looks.“I’d really like to work here.”
Rhonda and I exchanged looks of approval.
“All right.We’ll see if Jean-Luc is available to meet with you,” I said.
Rhonda called and after speaking with him, turned to Chet.“It’s a good time right now.He’s doing dinner prep and might even put you to work.”
Chet stood.“Thank you both, very much.I’ll go see him now.”
“I’ll take you to him,” said Rhonda.
They left the office, and I wondered if I’d been foolish to think there’d be a problem.Chet seemed pleasant and capable and not one to be pushed around.
CHAPTER FOUR
I left the office and went to the lobby to see how the reception desk was doing.The late afternoon was a busy time at the hotel with new guests arriving.After making sure things were going smoothly with people checking in, I walked over to the Lobby Bar to see the situation there.The bar was active with guests wanting refreshments before the evening festivities.Drinks and snacks were also available at the pool and at the beach, but for those not in swimsuits, the Lobby Bar was a place to be seen and to meet up with friends.
I was surprised to find Harper sitting there and went over to her.
“Afternoon.How are you today?”I asked her.
“Fine, thank you.Just waiting to hear from Chet about how things went with the interview with Jean-Luc.He texted me that he was about to talk with him now.”
“He’s an outstanding candidate,” I said.“But Jean-Luc will make the decision as to whether he’s hired.How about you?Are you still interested in working here at the hotel?”
“Yes,” said Harper.“I’ve been watching the activity and understand wanting to draw more young people in.”
“Rhonda’s daughter and mine will interview you tomorrow.If they haven’t been in touch with you yet, they will be.”
“Thanks so much,” said Harper.“I hope it all works out.”Her cell phone rang.She answered and listened.Then spoke to us.“Chet says Jean-Luc is putting him to work right away and he’ll meet me at the motel.”
“That’s an excellent sign,” I said.“Jean-Luc demands the best from people, but he isn’t like Jonny Arno.”
“It has been a very difficult time for Chet and me,” said Harper.“How can someone wield that much power?”
“You should be aware that Jonny Arno is associated with a new restaurant up the beach from us.Both you and Chet will have to be careful,” I said.“I’d hate for any problems to arise because we hired him.”
“I understand,” said Harper, her expression serious.
“Okay.You should be hearing from our daughters, either Liz Bowen or Angela Smythe.I have a feeling you three will get along very nicely.”
