Page 107 of Playing for Keeps

“It will make a difference to profits. It would give me entirely new angles for marketing, which would attract a whole new clientele.”

“I suspect you’re right. It’s just hard to get my head around you wanting to put so much effort into a club that you’ve wanted nothing to do with until now.”

“Because you gave it to me,” she said, her accusing tone surprising herself as much as her dad.

“Excuse me?”

“I never wanted to be someone who just got things for free…”

Her dad spluttered a laugh. “I don’t recall you ever complaining about all the freebies from the likes of Porsche.”

“That’s different, I had to work hard for that. The same with my shares in Fox Hill and the deposit for my house. I worked hard, but you just signed over the shares in Thurley Beach. I didn’t want something I hadn’t earned. Also, I just didn’t want it.”

“And that’s changed now?”

“Yes.” She pushed her head back into the headboard. “And if I work to make the club more profitable, then maybe I’ll have earned the shares.”

“It’s a big undertaking to redesign the course.”

“I know. It will obviously involve some investment, but the one-off costs don’t concern me. I’m more hesitant about the smaller changes.”

“Such as?”

“We need to hire more staff.”

“In the restaurant?”

“No. The restaurant is fine. We need someone else on front of house. And the greenkeeping staff.”

“Really?”

“Don’t you think it’s ridiculous that Ron is taking care of the grounds alone? Even with the contractors doing the heavy lifting, it’s a heck of a lot of work for one person. And Daisy might manage the front desk brilliantly, but there should be a second person running the front of house with her.”

“There are two receptionists,” her dad said. “And Ron doesn’t work alone. There are two guys working with him.”

“Until we let them go a year ago. Why were they let go?”

“They quit. The receptionist left around the same time.”

“Verity made it sound as though they were fired. I thought that didn’t make sense.”

“They left of their own accord. And they were replaced.” Her dad’s voice sounded suddenly weak, reminding her that he should be resting. “I’m sure they were replaced. I had a conversation with Kevin about it.”

They definitely hadn’t been replaced. Allie felt a spark of annoyance at her dad for not keeping a proper eye on the club, but she supposed she was guilty of the same.

“You sound tired,” she said, feeling bad for bothering him with work issues.

“I’m fine. If you want to hire more staff I’ll need to go over the finances with Phil. I’m not sure your suggestions are viable from a business standpoint.”

“I can talk to Phil. I also wanted to check how much we’re paying the staff. Verity made some comment about Ron being underpaid.”

“Great.” He sighed. “The locals are saying we’re terrible employers, is that it?”

“No.” She tilted her head, wishing she’d thought to go straight to discussing things with the accountant rather than causing her dad unnecessary stress. “I just need to know these details if I’m going to stick around.” She waited a beat. “Are you okay with me sticking around?”

“Yes. If that’s what you want.”

“What about Fox Hill?”

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