Page 6 of Lakehouse Mistletoe
“Sorry about that. I’m Kacey Rhodes. I’m the owner. Well co-owner.” She balanced the tray in one hand and stuck out her other hand.
“I’m Helen. Your new employee.” She shook her hand and then reached for the tray. “Here, let me help.”
Kacey smiled. “Thanks.” She glanced at the grandfather clock. “Wow, Helen. You are early.”
Helen grimaced. “Sorry about that. I am an early riser.”
Kacey headed into the dining room. “I’m glad to hear that.” She gave her a grateful smile. “You can just put those there on the buffet. Our last caretaker was … what did she call it? Oh, yes, time blind. She said she had time blindness.”
Helen set the tray down beside the coffee maker on the antique buffet. There was a small refrigerator on the floor with small bottles of water. There were five small tables with chairs in the dining room. The guests could look out over the lake while eating breakfast.
“What’s time blindness?” Helen frowned.
“It means she didn’t get up before eight,” Kacey deadpanned. “You can’t run a B&B when you sleep in.”
Helen chortled. “I guess that’s why she didn’t work out.”
Kacey shook her head. “Among other things.” She nodded toward the stairs. “Jackie, the delightful girl you just met, caught her in her room going through her things.”
Helen went wide eyed. “Wow. That’s bad. I’m surprised Jackie didn’t check out.”
Kacey laughed. “Jackie is my cousin. She’s getting a discount while she is staying. She’s not going anywhere for a while. Come on, let’s go into the kitchen. Rebecca should be here any minute. She’s the other owner of Laurel Cove Bed and Breakfast.”
Helen followed Kacey into the kitchen, her footsteps clicking softly on the pine wood floors.
“This is beautiful. I love the countertops.” Helen ran her hand across the black and gold quartz.
“Thank you. I know everyone is doing white kitchens, but I’ve always loved dark moody kitchens. Besides, white kitchens wouldn’t be very functional in a B&B.” She pointed to the large gas stove and double oven. “When I designed the kitchen, I was hoping to be able to offer more than breakfasts.”
Helen held her gaze. “Offering dinners would be helpful during the off-season when the tourism has dwindled.” She glanced at Kacey’s outfit. “You said you designed the kitchen. Are you an interior designer?”
Kacey’s eyes sparkled. “I am a realtor. That’s how I found this deal on the house.”
Helen smiled. “That’s exciting. I’ve always found myself looking at homes on my computer. I love reimaging different rooms or how I would decorate it differently.”
Kacey nodded. “That’s one of the reasons I went into real estate. I love seeing potential in a space.”
The back door opened, and a beautiful woman with dark blonde hair walked in.
“Good morning. Sorry I’m late.” The woman carried a box of donuts. “I picked these up on the way.”
Kacey rolled her eyes. “We’ll add them to the others.” She turned to Helen. “This is Helen Dunn. Our new caretaker and the woman who is going to save us all.”
Helen snorted. “I doubt that. I can’t even save myself.”
Kacey and the other woman looked at her.
“That was a joke.” Helen changed the direction of the conversation.
The other woman grinned and set the box down before holding out her hand. “Hi, Helen. I’m Rebecca. Nice to meet you.” She waved her hand for her to take a seat at the small kitchen table, and they all sat. Rebecca cocked her head. “I have to say, I’m pleased that you arrived a bit early. I don’t know how much Kacey told you about our previous caretaker, but we desperately need help.”
Helen smiled and clasped her hands in her lap. “Kacey filled me in. I will do my best to make this bed and breakfast a welcoming place. If you just give me a list of things that need to be done, I can get started right away.”
Kacey poured them all a cup of coffee and set them before each of them before she took her seat. “We would like to ask you some questions first.”
Helen took a sip of her coffee and nodded. “Of course.”
Kacey set her coffee down. “On your application it says you are from Arkansas. Do you have any plans in the future for moving back there? If you do, we will need at least a six-weeks’ notice.”
