“I don’t know…”Emily shrugged.“‘Cause I just met you?”
“So, you’ll call me Austin, right?”
“If you want me to…Austin.”She nodded.“Anyway, I was talking to Delbert—you know him? He owns the hotel. Telling him about how you set up the page for Parker’s General Store and were working on our social presence. He wants to talk to you. Oh, look, here he is.”
Austin rose as the man approached.
“Delbert, this is Mr. Woods. I mean, Austin. Austin, this is Delbert Hamilton.”
Austin reached out his hand.“Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise.”Delbert’s firm grip surrounded his hand.“So, I admit, I did a bit of research on you after Emily talked to me earlier today. Impressive resume of companies you’ve worked with. Called a few CEOs I knew from companies you’ve worked with. Glowing reviews of your work. Could we talk about you updating The Cabot Hotel’s online presence? And possibly the Hamilton Hotel’s main site?”
Surprise tinged with pride swept through him at hearing Del’s compliments.“Yes, sir. I’d love to discuss what you want and quote you on that.”
“I understand you’re here on vacation. We could talk after your vacation.”
Austin laughed.“It appears I’m not very good at the whole vacation thing. I thrive on work. I could set up a time to talk to you later this week.”
“That would be perfect. Where are you staying?”
“I’m staying with Jesse, but I’m afraid I’m going to wear out my welcome. Might look for a place to rent for a bit. It seems I’m picking up quite a bit of work here in the area.”
“You don’t have to leave my place. Plenty of room,”Jesse said.
“Thanks, Jesse, but I know you weren’t planning on a long-term houseguest.” Austin turned back to Delbert.“So what did you have in mind for changes?”
“I’m hoping to update our page. Get events listed. Probably list some of the history of the hotel.”
“It will need to be updated regularly. That’s part of the success with social media.”
“Oh, I could help with that. I’m going to do it for Parker’s.”Emily’s face was the picture of wide-eyed hope, and she bounced on her toes with such anticipation that he thought she might spontaneously twirl the way she had at the gala.
“I could show her how to do it. What needs to be done. Set her up with a content schedule.”Austin eyed the girl. She was eager to learn. And he’d seen how quickly she’d uploaded the photo for the cafe—complete with a text overlay that made it look like the Sea Glass Cafe sign was already in place.
“That sounds good. Emily did excellent work for us setting up the history alcove. She’s an industrious worker.”Delbert nodded.
“Thanks, Delbert. You won’t regret this.”Emily practically danced on the wide wooden porch planks.
“I’ll call you in the morning to set up a time later this week to meet. Give me a bit of time to see what you currently have going online.”Austin’s mind was already reeling with ideas. He loved what he did. Helping companies and people get a handle on social media and their online presence.
“Sounds good. I’ll leave you to enjoy your happy hour.”Delbert turned and disappeared inside.
Emily grinned.“I can’t wait to tell Mom. This is so cool. I’m getting the best jobs ever. And thanks, Austin. I can’t wait to learn everything that you can teach me. But I better go. Don’t want to be late. We’re having dinner with Grams tonight.”She turned with a quick wave and hurried off.
“That girl is…energetic.”Austin laughed.
“Just like her mother at that age.”
“So, you’ve known Livy a long time?”Austin settled back in his chair.
“Forever.”
“So, what’s the deal with Emily’s father?”
“Brett? He’s pretty much out of the picture.”Jesse looked out at the bay, then back at him.“He’s a decent enough guy. Met him once or twice. He was just wrong for Livy. They were both young and…”He shrugged.“We all make unexpected choices when we’re young. But one thing was clear. Livy always wanted Emily. And you’ll never hear her say that having her was a mistake. She’s a great mom.”
He sat and sipped his beer, pondering his newfound information.
