Page 20 of Second Chance Summer
‘Oh, yes. Guests linger longer and spend money if you can perfect your music branding,’ she said, getting into her stride.
Sam’s brow creased. ‘I’d no idea. Here I was, thinking I could simply connect my iPhone to a speaker.’
‘We could brainstorm some ideas after dinner if you like, or set up a time to do it tomorrow?’
‘I’m sure you’ve plenty to do without being a mentor to me.’
‘On the contrary. With no Internet or distractions, it’s the perfect opportunity to do a deep dive into the whole ethos of the Stark Island Retreat. It’s practically the only free time I’ll ever have to do it. I’ll be back in the thick of it once I can get back to civilisation.’
He nodded but pushed back his chair and got to his feet.
‘Lily, this is all very kind of you, and I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure we’ll both have plenty to do tomorrow. I’m flattered you’re willing to spend your precious time helping me, but I’m also conscious you’re here for arest– even if only for two nights.’
‘Okayyy …’ she said, taken aback.
‘My number one promise to guests is to offer them a relaxing escape away from everyday cares,’ he went on, firmly. ‘It’s why I called Stark aretreat, not a resort. It’s wild and remote – a prison to some, but hopefully, soon, it will also be a haven. Your PA said you’d try to resist taking a break and he begged me to resistyou.’
‘He saidwhat?’ Lily could hardly believe what she’d heard.
‘He said you needed saving from yourself. And from what I’ve seen, you do need the rest.’
‘Isn’t that a bit paternalistic?’ Lily said.
‘Of Richie or me?’ he asked.
‘Both, actually.’ Lily set her jaw.
Sam grinned. ‘Maybe, but that’s what I’m going to do: make sure you have a complete break. Now, please,’ he said, ‘relax and finish your meal.’
Lily arched an eyebrow, torn between annoyance at Richie and Sam – and being secretly touched that they cared.
‘And if I’m good, I get pudding?’ she joked.
‘Something like that,’ Sam said drily. ‘If you’re very good, I might even take you on a tour of the island tomorrow.’
CHAPTER SIX
‘Good morning.’
Sam was aware how the brief banter of the previous evening had turned to dwindling enthusiasm when Lily slouched into the dining room the next day. They hadn’t spoken much after he rebuffed her offer of brainstorming branding and business ideas. She’d eaten half the dessert then disappeared off to her room with the rest of the bottle of wine. He could hardly blame her: he wasn’t sure his comments had come across as he’d intended.
‘Sleep well?’ he asked, his jaw aching with putting on a cheery face when he felt so grim inside. Lily’s comments had reminded him of how much he still had to do at the retreat and made him feel more than a little out of his depth.
‘Surprisingly, yes,’ she muttered, ‘Even though it’s still raining.’
‘Only a bit and not for long.’ He placed a platter of fresh fruit in front of her. ‘The storm front’s almost passed. We’ll be the first in the country to see the sunshine.’
She raised her eyebrows, disbelief etched on her face. ‘Can I get that in writing?’
‘I’ve seen the forecast. It’ll be better today. Would you like tea or coffee?’
‘Coffee. Please.’
Sam filled a cafetière. It was for the second time that morning, the first having been for himself as he needed the caffeine. Unlike Lily, he hadn’t slept well. He’d lain awake wondering if he’d gone too far in telling his guest she had to take a rest, and deciding that he had.
Not only had he turned down the invaluable advice of an expert, but he’d also made Lily think he was a chauvinistic pig. On the other hand, Richie had pleaded with him to ‘make sure’ she rested, and said that he’d ‘have a nightmare’ trying to stop her from working.
Sam had wondered if Lily’s need for a break, and brittle mood, might have anything to do with the sad associations that had been triggered by the Nina Simone track.
