Читать книгу Lady E - Jeanette Walker - Страница 11

“ARE YOU TWO OKAY for a few minutes?” Maureen called out to Brad and Jillian as she carried a tray around the counter and headed towards the door.

“I’ve two guests sitting with their cases packed waiting for coffee.”

No sooner had Maureen disappeared through the door than she cursed loudly as the unmistakable clatter of cups and plates breaking was heard.

“You alright, Maureen?” Brad said, jumping to his feet and heading to the door, followed by Jillian.

Maureen was standing with an empty tray in her hands, gazing in dismay at the mess before her.

“Yes, I’m okay, just slightly shaken and annoyed. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I forgot we’d put the guests’ cases in the hallway ready for departure. Tripped right over them.”

Jillian headed for the kitchen and said, “I’ll find a cloth and brush and shovel and clean up for you while you make another tray ready for your guests.”

“Why, that’s very nice of you Jillian. I’d appreciate it. Yes, just look under the sink, I think you’ll find everything. We’d better look out or we’ll have to add you to the payroll.”

“Don’t worry,” laughed Jillian. “I don’t mind doing this. I’ve nothing better to do at present as it certainly isn’t beach weather.”

As Jillian swept up the broken pieces, she noticed some of the coffee has splashed on the suitcases. She picked up a cloth and wiped them clean, apart from a stained section on the largest case which was covered in material.

Maureen came back out of the kitchen with the fresh tray of coffee, once again thanking Jillian as she stepped around the puddles still on the floor.

“Sorry, but this large case has been branded with coffee and it forms the shape of an “M” for Maureen, so you can’t get away from owning up to be the culprit.”

Jillian tried to sound stern, but Maureen said, “Oh well, it could be worse. I’ll explain what happened to the cases as I deliver this tray.”

The resort employees were starting to congregate, picking up their pay packets then milling around as Jillian finished cleaning up the floor.

One girl came forward and took the cleaning equipment from Jillian saying, “Hi, I’m Brenda. I’ll put those away if you like.”

“Thank you, Brenda,” Jillian said, as she passed the mop over to the young girl who looked as if she lived on the beach every spare minute she was away from work.

Jillian had noticed her earlier putting one of the guests’ suitcases in the hallway as Max called all the staff together, but at that stage she had her hair pulled back into clasps behind her ears. Now she was dressed in jeans and a skimpy mauve colored top which bared her stomach and back.

Jillian gave a slight shudder when a navel ring was revealed as Brenda turned away and went into the kitchen. Her sun-bleached hair was untidy and long, hanging nearly to her waist.

Jillian went back and joined Brad at the table saying, “I must be getting old. Navel rings don’t do anything for me,” and Brad started agreeing, but then said, “Well. It depends who’s wearing it.”

A few minutes later they were joined by Brenda.

“I don’t think I introduced myself,” said Jillian as Brenda sat down.

“Oh. That’s okay, I know you’re Jillian,” and, seeing Jillian’s curious look, continued, “Brad told me your name.” Then she turned to Brad and said “When are we heading off Brad? This wind is getting stronger by the minute and I don’t really look forward to a bumpy trip back.”

“Yes, you’re right. I’d better get the plane started and hurry everyone up a bit,” said Brad rising from the table.

“Bye Jillian. Hope it doesn’t get too stormy for you. Come and see me when I bring back the staff and let me know how you fared. By then you might be ready for a trip back to the mainland yourself.”

Jillian laughed, “Yes, I might be at that. Bye Brad. Have a safe flight,” and as Brenda playfully pushed Brad toward the door called “Bye Brenda. Enjoy your holiday.”

Maureen could be heard outside the door, so Jillian walked out intending to wave goodbye. Brad picked up the guests’ cases, calling goodbye in the door of Max’s office as he went.

Jillian suddenly recognized the guests Maureen was helping out the door, and went forward saying “Why hello Naomi. Your stay is shorter than intended. Did you and Jim get to view the coral?”

“Oh, hello. Jillian, isn’t it? Yes, we had such a wonderful experience wading on the coral with the tide out yesterday and wanted to go again today, but unfortunately the weather set in and the water became too choppy.”

Naomi sighed as she looked out the window toward the beach. “But at least we know we can head back here in a few months when the weather becomes more stable. I’d better go now or the plane might leave without me. I think this ride will be a lot rougher than the one we flew up on, don’t you?” Naomi said as she headed off after Jim.

“Bye Naomi, have a safe flight.”