Page 59 of Forever Mr Black

“Art’s asked if he can have all the senior staff team in his office for a quick staff meeting.”

I frown. “How long has he been back?”

“About an hour. Sorry, I know you wanted to talk to him, but old Georgie beat you to it. He practically jumped Art as soon as he got back. They’ve both been up in his office ever since. Art’s just called down and asked if everyone can go up there. Something’s going on, I reckon.”

I turn over the butter knife in my hand. Maybe he hasn’t been gone three hours after all. I sigh and put the knife down. I need to temper my jealousy or at least do a better job of hiding it where Aisling’s concerned. But he still deserves a piece of my mind about the wedding.

“Are you coming then?”

I nod.

We head through the bar into the reception.

Lucy gives me a sideways glance and smirks. “Oh, and if it’s any help, Art didn’t look like a man who’d just had mad, passionate sex when he came back.”

I ignore her jibe. Trust Lucy.

Tina, the cleaning manager; Rob, the head chef; and Olly are already sitting on the chesterfield sofa when we arrive. George is positioned on a chair next to Art’s desk, twisting his navy handkerchief in his hands and looking incredibly awkward.

“Can you close the door, please, Lucy?” Art asks from behind his desk.

I sit down on the chair beside the sofa and study him as he busily types away on his laptop. A frown is etched into his brow. He looks preoccupied.

“Thank you all for coming at such short notice,” he says, getting up. He straightens his white shirt and walks around to the front of the desk, perching himself on the edge. “I appreciate that everyone’s busy. This shouldn’t take long.” He crosses one foot over the other and pushes the sleeves of his shirt back to his elbows. “George and I both agreed it’s the right thing to do. I’ve just received some rather sad news.” He glances at George and smiles. “George, do you want to take over?”

Lucy nudges me with her elbow. “I told you something’s going on,” she mutters.

George stands up, still twisting the handkerchief in his hands. “Yes, thank you, Art. I asked to meet with you all, so I can tell you in person. We have, after all, worked together for many years. The thing is, I’m retiring. It’s not been an easy decision because this place has been such an important part of my life for so long. It helped me through the saddest time when I lost my Pam.” He pats the front of his jacket and gives a decisive nod. “But it’s the right time. I’ve met a lovely lady who’s retired. I want to spend my time enjoying life with her. I will miss this place, but I know it’s the right thing to do.”

George is part of the furniture. In some ways, he is the hotel. No matter what time of day or night, you can always count on him. I swallow down the ball of emotion in my throat. Things won’t be the same without him.

“Good on you, mate,” Rob enthuses. “You enjoy yourself. It’s about time you kicked back.”

“Yeah, but I’m sorry you’re leaving us, George,” Olly says.

Art stands. “I think we can all agree that we will be sad to see you go, George. You’ve been the beating heart of the hotel for a long time. I know how much you’ve dedicated to this place over the years and risen to the responsibilities placed on you, but you ploughed on regardless, despite your personal loss.” He offers George his hand to shake. “On behalf of myself, the whole staff team, the hotel, and my family, we thank you.”

There’s a spontaneous round of applause from the gathered staff, and I press my lips together to stop myself from welling up.

George’s cheeks turn crimson at the praise as he shakes his hand. “Thank you, Art. That means an awful lot to me.” He clears his throat, and for a second, he looks hesitant. “I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure whether you were the right person for the job when you took over the running of the place, but I’m pleased to see you’ve proven me wrong. You might not have done this before, but you’ve got your head switched on, and you know what you’re doing. You’re exactly what this place needs now. Young blood. Fresh ideas.”

Art smiles. “Thank you, George. And hearing that from you means a lot to me.”

“What happens now?” Lucy asks, interrupting the moment. “When are you leaving us?”

“I’ve got to serve my notice, so I’ll be here for a couple more months.” George looks to Art.

Art drags a hand across his jaw and frowns. The preoccupied look is back. “We need to get that sorted ASAP. Your role is integral to the running of the business, but that’s my problem, not yours.”

For the first time since I’ve arrived, he looks at me.

He glances around the room. “Thanks, everyone. That’s all for now.”

As the others shuffle out, slapping George on the back and wishing him well, I hang back.

Art pushes his hands into the front pockets of his tan chinos and sits back on the edge of the desk. He tilts his head to the side and gives me a thoughtful look. “I think you should be the new assistant manager.”

I roll my eyes. “Not this again. Firstly, you want me to take on the deputy assistant manager role. Now, you want me to have George’s job?”

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