the hotel would welcome and she hoped the Englishness of the place would go in their favour. But she was worried that a young Californian woman would find it a bit dull or lonely being here alone for two months. Yes, she said she was looking at setting up a business, but what would she actually do every day?
She shook herself; she was fretting for no reason. She was polishing some already polished glasses at the bar, just for something to do. The rhythmic typing of Hector’s laptop was fairly soothing and it was almost as if she were polishing in tune. The bar was designed with a nod to art deco, and the tables and chairs scattered around had been inspired by Freddie’s obsession with Bright Young Things. It was quite dark, the furniture, but the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that led out to the patio brightened up the room. The bar ran across the top of the room, commanding it, and mirrors above reflected the bright array of liqueur that they provided. It really was Freddie’s domain and it was a huge hit with all the guests.
‘Hi.’ Freddie bounded in suddenly.
Pippa almost dropped the glass she was holding. Hector looked up.
‘Haven’t you forgotten someone?’ Pippa’s voice was filled with horror. ‘Where’s our guest?’
‘She’s asleep in the car, or at least I hope she’s asleep.’ He didn’t look happy.
‘What do you mean? Is everything all right?’ Pippa asked, chewing her bottom lip anxiously.
‘Whether everything is all right, Pip, depends on your point of view. So there I was at Heathrow, stood with the sign … actually, the other drivers who were waiting thought I was one of them and they struck up conversations with me about traffic. They were very friendly but what do I know about traffic? I know nothing about traffic, so I had to nod and agree that the M25 was the worst motorway ever and I don’t even know if that’s true or not.’
‘Freddie, the guest?’ Pippa pushed.
‘Oh, yes, so I was waiting and after what seemed like ages, a blonde woman, almost hidden behind her luggage trolley, appears. She made her way over to me and blinked at my sign, so I went to greet her, told her I was Freddie Singer and then she fainted on me!’ Freddie explained.
‘You should be used to girls falling at your feet,’ Hector joked.
‘Well, maybe, but not actual fainting, though. We had to get help, first aid, and it took ages for her to come round. I got her some water and when she did wake up, she was really embarrassed. Kept apologising. So eventually we got her into the car – I had to push the luggage and they put her in a wheelchair; although she said it wasn’t necessary. Anyway, when we got to the car, she sat in the back and didn’t speak to me. When I asked her a question with no response, it became clear she’d fallen asleep. So I panicked the whole way back that there’s something wrong with her. What if she’s unconscious? Perhaps I should have stopped and checked.’ He scratched his head.
‘Oh my goodness, she might have passed out in the back of your car!’ Hector piped up as he stood up.
‘Yes, she bloody well might. So hurry up and stop asking me stupid questions.’
They all bounded out to the car.
They found Harriet staring into the car as they reached it.
‘There seems to be someone asleep in the car,’ she said, eyeing them all suspiciously.
‘Open the door and check she’s all right,’ Pippa said urgently, panic fluttering in her chest.
It wouldn’t look good if the guest fell ill, or worse, before she even checked in.
‘Why, what’s happened?’ Harriet’s eyes widened.
‘Long story. Please, open the car.’
Pippa almost pushed Harriet out of the way and yanked the door open. She put her head in to check that Brooke was breathing.
‘Aaargggh!’ Brooke screamed, moving with a start and head-butting Pippa.
‘Ow,’ Pippa replied, recoiling and rubbing her head.
‘So she’s all right, then,’ Harriet said, rolling her eyes.
She leant in as Pippa rested against the car, still rubbing her head and trying to ignore the amused looks on Freddie’s and Hector’s faces.
‘Hi, I’m Harriet Singer. Welcome to the Meadowbrook Hotel. Sorry that we scared you but…’
Harriet turned to Pippa, who was still rubbing her head. It really hurt.
‘Sorry, yes, hi, I’m Pippa Singer. Freddie told us how you’d fainted at the airport, so I was just checking you weren’t unconscious.’
Pippa felt herself go red. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned the arrival of their new guest. Not in a million years.
They all waited expectantly as Brooke unclipped her seatbelt, got out of the car and ran her hands through her long blonde hair. Pippa wanted to say ‘wow’. She was about the same height as her, very slim, highlighted blonde hair cascading below her shoulders, with blue eyes, the clearest skin that Pippa had ever seen and the cutest button nose. Pippa couldn’t decide if she had the Californian look or not, but she was certainly stunning.
‘No, I’m sorry, I was fast asleep. It’s been a bit of a journey.’ She smiled, displaying the whitest, straightest teeth Pippa had ever seen.
She was wearing skinny jeans, white trainers and an off-the-shoulder sweater. She was beautiful, Pippa decided, and as she glanced at Freddie and Hector, who were stood slightly open-mouthed, they’d clearly noticed, as well.
‘Welcome to Meadowbrook,’ Pippa gushed, hoping that she didn’t have a lump on her head. ‘We’re so delighted to have you staying with us.’
‘Why, thank you,’ Brooke said, her voice warm. ‘I’m so happy to be here, I really am. I’m sorry I fainted on you.’ She looked at Freddie, who shrugged it off.
‘Right, shall we get you settled in?’ Pippa asked, remembering her role.
‘Oh, please, that would be just great. I’m still a bit tired and wobbly from the journey, so I’d appreciate a bit of a rest.’
‘Absolutely. Freddie’ll take your bags up. Come with me and I’ll get you checked in.’ Pippa turned to Harriet.
‘I need to grab something from the office,’ Harriet mouthed and walked towards the house.
‘Come on,’ Pippa said, ‘we’ve got a lovely room ready for you.’
‘As long as I have a comfortable bed, I’m happy,’ Brooke gushed.
She was definitely American. Pippa picked up her tote bag and led Brooke to the house.
When Pippa walked into the kitchen a while later, Harriet was sat at the table with Hector. Freddie had gone home after taking Brooke’s bags up, saying he’d earned the rest of the day off. In fairness, after the scare that he’d got with Brooke, he probably had.
‘Is she happy?’ Harriet asked.
‘Yes,
