Page 25 of Christmas at the Scottish Lodge
‘The mattress in my room is too hard and whatever you’re using to wash the linens is making me sneeze.’ Greer sniffed and flicked a strand of grey hair out of her reproving grey eyes as she chewed a spoonful of the beef stew Mairi had made the evening before, which she’d insisted on having for an early lunch.
The older woman pursed her narrow lips and sighed heavily and Mairi waited for her next complaint. She’d been counting them on her fingers since she got up and had already run out of digits.
‘I’m sorry, I’ll change the tablecloth for you later,’ she promised, trying out her most agreeable tone for size, wishing she’d got around to putting the Christmas decorations up so she could distract the woman with something glittery.
Greer swiped her fingertips on her napkin looking disappointed. ‘Ach, well. Make sure you do,’ she said stiffly. She tugged a small pad from the pocket of her skirt and made a couple of notes, cupping a hand over it so Mairi couldn’t read. When she finished, she glanced up.
‘It’s not very clean either.’ She flicked a fingertip over the tablecloth, making a handful of crumbs from some of the sourdough bread she’d just eaten go flying.
‘I’ll be cleaning up as soon as lunch is over,’ Mairi promised. She’d dealt with difficult people in the past, written about plenty, but Greer was something else. The lodge had been one of the few places that had felt like home after her parents had died. She had to keep it safe and getting a good review was important, so she was going to do everything possible to get the woman on side.
Greer glanced around until her gaze rested on Bear who’d settled under a table and was gazing at her, his misshapen head cocked. ‘You have a dog in the dining room,’ she spluttered. ‘I suppose it’s another of the lodge’s rescues.’ She frowned. ‘I heard about them. You really need to decide if you’re a hotel or a zoo.’ She stopped talking for long enough to scribble more notes.
Bear let out a low whine of disapproval – or it could have been offence.
‘I’m sure it’s against hygiene rules.’ Greer’s voice was scornful.
Mairi knew it wasn’t strictly against the rules so long as Bear behaved, but she wasn’t going to argue. She had to remember, the customer was always right – even when they were grumpy and constantly looking for things to complain about.
Greer had booked in until the day after Boxing Day – she could be patient for that long. She’d spent the last eleven months hiding her feelings, this was just more of the same.
‘He’s just waiting until someone has time to take him for a walk,’ she admitted, and the dog barked excitedly.
Douglas might do it if she asked – or Jed could take him to work.
‘I’d like to interview you,’ Greer said abruptly, pausing writing for a moment.
Mairi huffed out a breath. ‘I’ll try to find some time for you later,’ she promised. She’d do nothing of the sort, but she wasn’t going to get into an argument with the older woman. She wasn’t interested in spilling secrets about the lodge or digging the dirt – and that could be the only thing the older woman wanted.
‘What are you up to today?’ Mairi changed the subject just as Scott, his father and Margo Green – the other new guest – wandered into the room. Scott and Adam were both wearing ski gear and the teenager’s cheeks were flushed.
‘Is there any food?’ Scott asked eagerly. ‘I was skiing with Jed and I’m famished.’ At the mention of Jed’s name Mairi’s stomach jumped.
‘You ate a huge breakfast already, lad,’ his dad chuckled, pausing as he was about to pass Greer’s table. ‘Ach, a new guest, I already met Margo on the way in.’ He winked at the older woman who smiled back at him, then he grinned at Greer, his handsome face illuminating. ‘I’m Adam Miller and this is my son Scott, we’re staying until after Christmas. You’re not going to be able tohelpfalling in lovewith this place,’ he crooned, emulating Elvis, before holding out a hand.
Greer stared at it for a beat, then took it. As soon as she broke contact, she began to make more notes in her book. Perhaps she was going to blame the lodge for the singing guests too?
‘Greer Abernathy,’ she said stiffly. ‘I’m not sureloveis the right word.’ Adam’s face dropped, and Mairi indicated he and Scott could take a seat wherever they wanted.
‘I’ll bring a hot drink and some stew over,’ Mairi promised.
‘Effie’s bringing the food. It looks like you’ve got enough to keep you busy,’ Adam said kindly. He gave her a wink and guided Scott to the furthest edge of the dining room before taking a seat at one of the laid tables.
‘Is there anywhere in particular you’d like to sit?’ Mairi asked Margo. The older woman was dressed in a smart navy-blue dressand a pink cardigan which would have been more suited to the office than the cosy lodge surroundings.
‘I’ll go wherever you put me.’ Her eyes lingered on Greer, her expression thoughtful. ‘Perhaps a little closer to the window,’ she said after a pause.
Mairi guided her across the room. ‘I’ll bring you a hot drink too,’ she promised.
‘Aye, and then I’d love to sample the stew, thank you,’ Margo said, tugging her cardigan tighter and turning to gaze at Bear who was watching her from under the table. Mairi wondered if she was going to complain too, but instead Margo smiled and called the dog over.
‘Ineed more coffee,’ Greer suddenly snapped. ‘I’ve got notes to make.’ She glanced at Adam. ‘And interviews to conduct.’
‘I’ll get you some.’ Mairi sighed, going to grab the pot and pouring more for Greer before taking the coffee to Margo, Adam and Scott.
When she returned, Greer was frowning again, her narrow eyes tracing the multiple tables which were laid with cutlery and glasses, before her attention turned to the polished floors and cosy rugs.
‘Where are all the decorations? I’d expect them to be up by the first of the month, it’s almost Christmas.’ She sniffed. ‘My da used to say, “Tardiness robs us of opportunity”. This place really isn’t as advertised. You could do with someone who knows what they’re doing.’ She picked up her pen again and scribbled, then ate another spoonful of stew, chewing slowly and pulling a series of faces which suggested she wasn’t enjoying the food, despite it being her third helping.
