Page 50 of A Man for Amanda
“Be that as it may, I gave you a specific order.”
“Yes, sir.” The cheerful little tune in her head became a throbbing headache. She’d meant to go over all of this with Stenerson before. “And after a closer review of the circumstances, I chose to handle it differently.”
“Need I remind you who is in charge of this hotel, Miss Calhoun?”
“No, sir, but I would think after all the years I’ve worked at the BayWatch, you would trust my judgment.” She took a deep breath, and a big risk. “If you don’t, it might be best if I turned in my resignation.”
He blinked three times, then cleared his throat. “Don’t you feel that’s a bit rash?”
“No, sir. If you don’t feel I’m competent to make certain decisions, it undermines the system.”
“It isn’t your competence, but your lack of experience. However,” he added, holding up a hand, “I’m sure you did what you felt was best in this case.”
“Yes, sir.”
By the time she left his office, her jaw was clenched. Amanda forced it to relax when William stopped her in the lobby.
“I just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed the tour of your home, and the wonderful meal.”
“It was our pleasure.”
“I have the feeling if I asked you to dinner again, you would have a different reason than hotel policy for saying no.”
“William, I—”
“No, no.” He patted her hand. “I understand. I’m disappointed, but I understand. I suppose Mr. O’Riley will attend the séance tonight?”
She laughed. “Whether he wants to or not.”
“I really am sorry I’ll miss it.” He gave her hand a final squeeze. “It’s at eight, did you say?”
“No, nine, sharp. Aunt Coco will have us all gathered around the dining table holding hands and sending out alpha waves or whatever.”
“I hope you’ll let me know if you receive any messages from... the other side.”
“It’s a deal. Good night.”
“Good night.” He glanced at his watch as she left. He had more than enough time to get ready.
“I thought I’d find you here.” Amanda stepped into the large circular room the family called Bianca’s tower. Lilah was curled on the window seat, as she often was, looking out to the cliffs.
“Yeah, just me and fierce Fred.” Coming out of a private dream, she ruffled the dozing dog’s fur. “We’re getting in tune for tonight’s séance.”
“Spare me.” Amanda plopped onto the seat beside her.
“Well, what’s wiped off that satisfied smile you had on your face this morning? Did you fight with Sloan?”
“No.”
“Then it must be the dastardly Stenerson.” At Amanda’s brief oath, Lilah grinned. “Right the second time. Why do you put up with him, Mandy? The man’s a weasel.”
“Because I work for him.”
“So quit.”
“Easy for you to say.” She shot Lilah an impatient look. “We can’t all drift around from day to day like dreamy forest sprites.” She cut herself off, letting out a disgusted breath. “Sorry.”
Lilah only shrugged. “It sounds like you’ve got more needling you than Stenerson.”
