‘May I?’ asked Sabine. ‘If it’s anywhere near as gorgeous as downstairs, I know I’m in for a treat.’
‘Of course,’ said Bonnie, feeling a flicker of pride at Sabine’s kind words.
Sabine made her way up the stairs, running a hand over the ornate banister as she went. Like everyone, she stopped when she saw Mom’s paintings, her hand reaching for the locket she kept around her neck.
‘And these are the event rooms,’ said Bonnie, opening the doors so that Sabine could explore. ‘Birthday parties, engagements, things like that. Obviously on a smaller scale than the hotel.’
‘I hope so,’ said Sabine with a chuckle. ‘Because the other way lies madness. And the next floor?’ she asked curiously, as she stepped back out to the landing.
‘My apartment. It’s strictly a work in progress.’
Bonnie unlocked the door for Sabine to take a look. The renovations were still underway, but now that she had some extra spending money set aside, she’d be able to hire someone to help out with the bathroom and kitchenette areas. She’dpainted, and had found a gorgeous vintage light fixture to go with the retro lamp that currently lit the space. Maybe whoever they hired to do the electrical panel could throw in a free installation.
‘Your mother would have loved this,’ said Sabine, as she picked her way back downstairs, pausing for a few moments to drink in the warmth of Mom’s paintings once more. ‘It’s absolutely perfect, Bon. You’ve outdone yourself.’
Bonnie felt a lump grow in her throat as she imagined Mom sitting at the bar, sharing a brownie with Sabine as they chatted about Freddie Noonan’s lawn or the latest adventures of Pickles the wayward French bulldog. Bonnie knew she had to hold on to what she actually had, her memories of Mom, but it was so hard not to focus on what might have been. What would never be.
It had been almost a year, she thought, although how that was possible she’d never know. How had she survived a year without Mom in her life? A year of silent evenings in the living room and outfits that didn’t get commented on and solo breakfasts in the kitchen.
Which reminded her: during one of their awkward kitchen interactions, Effie had suggested they visit Mom’s grave to honour the day. Bonnie had half-heartedly agreed, not wanting to make Mom’s absence any realer than it was. Effie had made a point to visit Mom regularly, but the length between Bonnie’s visits had been growing. It was too hard.
‘Are you free on Thursday?’ Bonnie asked. ‘We’re going to visit Mom. For her...’ She trailed off, then started over. ‘It’ll just be us.’
Sabine squeezed Bonnie’s shoulder. ‘I’d love nothing more. Besides, there’s strength in numbers.’ Then, picking up one of Uncle Oswald’s coasters, she added, ‘Now, what does an old hippie have to do to get one of these famous purple cocktails I keep hearing about?’
‘Coming right up.’ Bonnie couldn’t wait to show off her most popular drink.
Sabine was sipping the cocktail when Clark waved from the door, which Bonnie had locked after Sabine’s arrival to avoid the inevitable drop-ins who didn’t think that opening hours applied to them. He was dressed simply in dark jeans and a T-shirt, with his hands shoved in his pockets as he peered through the stained glass. He was gorgeously handsome, and definitely gay. Which was actually somewhat of a relief, as Bonnie probably didn’t need the extra drama.
Sabine gave Clark an approving up-and-down look through the glass. ‘He’s hired.’
Bonnie chuckled. ‘I think you might be right.’
She opened the door to let him in.
‘Thanks for coming down so promptly,’ she said, batting her eyes in that way that, unlike her magic, never backfired. ‘Have you tended bar before?’
Clark gave an easy smile. ‘Of course, hon. In Boston, during undergrad. And I make a mean mixed drink at a house party.’
‘And you know how to work a till and fend off the advances of drunken tourists?’
‘Yes, ma’am.’
‘You can lift heavy objects?’
‘Say, ones of up to about 140 pounds?’ broke in Sabine.
He laughed at this. ‘Would you like me to demonstrate?’
‘Please,’ purred Sabine.
‘I think we’ll take your word for it,’ said Bonnie, amused. ‘Are you free tonight?’
Clark’s blue eyes twinkled. ‘I’m free right now, if you need help opening.’
‘Well, then. Welcome to The Silver Slipper.’
She said it coolly, but inside she was screaming with delight.Between the soaring profits, her new status as the fiscally responsible sister, and the presence of a hot bartender who posed no risk of distraction, things in Bonnieland were on the up.
