“Margie knows everyone,” Lillian said with a smile.
“Her name is Patty, and she’s been so helpful,” Claire said. “It doesn’t seem like she does it much anymore, but she’s so knowledgeable.”
“What you’ve set up here is just divine,” Denise said, grinning. “I can’t wait to see what comes next!”
They put in their orders just as the first three-tiered stands arrived. There were cucumber sandwiches with pimento cheese, smoked salmon with lemon butter on crostini, vanilla and poppy seed scones, and an assortment of their finest desserts – lemon macarons with mint, strawberry cheesecake with shortbread crust, and raspberry tartlets.
“I was nervous about the macarons, but our pastry chef rose to the challenge,” Claire said, admiring the display. There was something charming about the little sandwiches and tiny sweets that she couldn’t get enough of. “You wouldn’t believe it, but there aren’t many places to get high tea on the island.”
“No?” Denise laughed. “It looks incredible. I can promise we’ll be regular customers.”
Claire beamed. “We’re happy to have you!”
Lucy reached forward and took a cucumber sandwich. “Did Craig show you your surprise yet?”
Lillian elbowed her. “Lucy!”
“What?” She stuffed the sandwich in her mouth and flashed a smile.
Denise took a macaron. “Yes, he did.” She looked at him and her face lit up. “It’s a dream come true. I still can’t believe it.”
“It’s a small thank you for all you’ve done for me,” Craig said simply.
“You did it all yourself, son,” Leroy said. “We just tried to support you.”
What a sweet family. Claire couldn’t take it. “You must be so proud of him.”
“Well, sure,” Leroy laughed. “But we don’t want to give him a big head, so don’t tell him.”
Denise swatted him in the shoulder. “We aresoproud.” She turned to Claire. “Butyoumust be so proud of Rose! All I ever hear from Craig is how amazing she is and how much she’s done for the company and how she’s turned things around.”
“We should actually thank Rose for the house,” Leroy quipped. “It looks like she’s the only one doing any work at that place.”
Craig laughed. “I try to get in my one day of work a month.”
The table erupted into laughter. The only one who wasn’t laughing was Rose.
“That’s not true!” she said. “Craig works tirelessly. The employees all love him, and he’s always available to help. He is the best boss I’ve ever had.”
“You’re the best employee I’ve ever had,” Craig said.
Lucy, whom Claire thought had been too quiet until now, set down her teacup. “Aren’t you two justthe best? Perfect, really.”
Lillian started coughing and Lucy pounded her on the back. “Sorry,” Lillian said. “Inhaled part of my scone.”
Claire shot them a look, which both girls avoided. “Don’t be jealous,” Claire said. “I’m proud of all three of you.”
“But mostly me,” Rose said, holding up a finger.
Everyone laughed, and Claire decided it was best to head off whatever Lucy was edging toward, changing the topic to the renovations at the hotel.
As soon as everyone was done eating, Claire stood. “How about that tour?”
Craig had apparently been waiting for the invitation and jumped from his seat. “Yes, let’s go.”
“Rose,” Lucy said, “I thoughtyouwere going to give the tour? You areperfectfor it.”
Claire shrugged. “I don’t mind.”
