Winnie Griggs - Once Upon A Texas Christmas

That again. “If you’re thinking of using shades of red or pink throughout—”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Not to excess. Just touches here and there. And I plan to interlace it with spring green. Trust me, it will be tasteful.”

Seth withheld comment. Whether they were in accord on their definitions of tasteful remained to be seen.

* * *

While the conversation so far hadn’t gone as she’d hoped, Abigail decided there was reason to be optimistic. Mr. Reynolds seemed willing to keep an open mind. And since he wasn’t planning to hire someone to fill the hotel-manager position until the renovation neared completion, she had time to prove herself capable. If he himself trained her, how could he refuse to hire her when the time came?

The rest of the meal passed pleasantly enough. Once they’d finished, her companion pulled out his pocket watch and flicked it open.

“Do you have another appointment?” Abigail had hoped they’d have more time to discuss their working arrangement.

He put his watch away. “I’ve asked Mr. Crandall to have everyone gather in the kitchen at two o’clock for a short meeting.”

He stood, placing his napkin on the table. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s almost that time.”

She quickly stood as well. “I’ll join you.”

He raised a brow. “I assumed you already knew everyone.”

“I do. But I think we should introduce ourselves from the outset as partners. We can also let them know what to expect both during construction and after.”

He didn’t seem pleased with the idea, but he waved a hand toward the kitchen, indicating she should precede him.

Flashing her brightest smile, Abigail moved past him toward the kitchen. At least now he knew she intended to be a full partner in this undertaking.

People tended to treat her like a naive little girl to be patted on the head and humored. Hopefully, Mr. Reynolds would now take note that she was more than that.

If not, she’d just have to keep giving him reasons to take note.

Chapter Four

Abigail stepped into the kitchen to find all the staff assembled, looking as if they were about to meet their executioner.

She supposed it was natural for them to be concerned since they were exchanging one boss for another. Hopefully she and Mr. Reynolds would be able to set their minds at ease.

Since the construction began and the number of guests they were accommodating had been cut back, the hotel staff had also been reduced from six to three. In addition to Della Long, there was Ruby Mills, the maid, and Larry Scruggs, the night clerk.

Mr. Crandall stepped forward as soon as she and Mr. Reynolds entered the kitchen. “Folks, this is Mr. Seth Reynolds, who’s come here as the new owner’s representative to oversee all the construction work being done. And you all know Abigail Fulton. She’s going to be working with Mr. Reynolds while he’s here.”

The man then turned to the three staff members standing behind him and introduced each in turn. When he’d finished, Mr. Reynolds took control of the conversation.

“I want to assure you that even though Mr. Crandall is leaving tomorrow, everything will remain as it is for the time being.”

Abigail noticed that the three employees were each reacting to Mr. Reynolds in their own way. All had obviously taken note of his cane. Larry couldn’t seem to meet the man’s gaze, Ruby appeared unable to tear her gaze away from the cane and Della appeared merely curious.

Mr. Reynolds continued speaking in the same businesslike manner, seeming not to notice anything amiss. “Over the course of the coming weeks, as we expand and redesign the interior of this hotel, we’ll also be looking into menu and service changes that will add to the overall atmosphere we wish to provide to our guests.”

Abigail almost rolled her eyes. Was he trying to reassure the staff or make them more anxious? “Not that there’s anything wrong with the meals and service you’ve been providing,” she said as he paused. “We merely want to try a different approach, something to go with the new look the hotel will have when the renovation is complete.”

He shot her an irritated look, then continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “I’ll be talking individually with each of you over the coming days to discuss these changes and how they will affect your responsibilities. I’ll also answer any questions you have and work up a timetable.”

“In the meantime,” Abigail added, “we know you’ll continue to offer your usual high quality of service.” She turned to the former owner. “We also want to let you know that we wish you and your sister the medical cure you’re seeking in Chicago and that our prayers will be with you both.”

The rest of the staff nodded and offered their well wishes. Even Mr. Reynolds had the grace to do the same.

After that the meeting broke up. As they moved back to the lobby, Mr. Reynolds cut her a sideways glance. “I take it you don’t approve of the way I handled the staff.”

“Perhaps a bit more empathy in the way you deliver your information wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Mollycoddling employees rarely provides the desired results. They are Judge Madison’s employees, not our friends.”

“They can be both. And being kind isn’t the same as mollycoddling. Employees who feel valued are employees who will go the extra mile for you.”

“And just how many employees have you dealt with thus far?”

Her cheeks warmed. “None, of course. But that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to deal with people.”

“People are not the same as employees.”

Before she could respond, he changed the subject. “Would you be so good as to give me directions to the judge’s granddaughter’s home. I’d like to stop by sometime to pay my respects.”

“Actually, I can do better than that,” she said impulsively. “There’s a group of four families here in Turnabout who have connections to Judge Madison. Reggie Barr, the judge’s granddaughter, is naturally a part of that group. Tomorrow is Sunday and we all get together for lunch after the church service. Why don’t you come as my guest?”

He seemed slightly taken aback at her invitation. Surely he wasn’t so staid as to consider that too forward of her?

“I don’t know—”

She quickly interrupted his protest. “I assure you, you’d be most welcome. And in addition to the Barrs, you’d be meeting a number of well-respected citizens of Turnabout in a relaxed, informal setting. And that includes the rest of my family.”

And just maybe, once he got to know folks better, he’d drop some of his standoffish demeanor enough for them to become friends.

* * *

Seth didn’t consider intruding on an established social gathering with a room full of strangers, no matter how congenial, to be a relaxing pastime. But she was correct, this was a way to get himself into the social mix of the town in an expedient manner. “Very well, if you’re certain I wouldn’t be intruding, then I accept.”

“Wonderful. And I’ll be happy to accompany you to the service tomorrow as well. I’m in the choir, but you can sit with my brother and his family during the service.”

“Of course. Thank you.” Seth had had an uneasy relationship with God for quite a while and didn’t make attending Sunday service a priority. But he knew it would be expected of him.

Then he remembered something she’d said earlier. “I’m curious—how did there come to be four families here with connections to Judge Madison? I understand the Barrs—their connection is familial. And you mentioned he once did your brother a kindness. But that still leaves two others.”

She nodded. “Actually, all four men, including Mr. Barr, are originally from the Philadelphia area, which, come to think of it, should give you some common ground with them.”